GD2.Syllabus

1 SYLLABUS

“Everything is relative. Design is relationships. That is where you start to design.” Paul Rand

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ART 352 COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces techniques of analyzing and creating meaning in graphic and typographic messages. Aspects of typography, layout, information design, visual narrative and semiotics are explored in the context of practice and theory. Prerequisite: ART 351

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COURSE OBJECTIVES

a. To experiment with and enhance skills related to visual language
b. To explore illustration, typography and layout as means for storytelling
c. To get a start on signs and symbols, as tools for wayfinding and environmental design
d. To practice a process from conceptualization to visualization
e. To advance acquired skills in using Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign

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MAJOR LEARNING OUTCOMES

a. Professional attitude, skills and practices with team or client
b. Critical thinking, solution finding, and efficient management
c. Effective communication skills
d. Strong graphic design foundation in visual literacy
e. Enhanced proficiency to work in a variety of media

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ZAYED UNIVERSITY LEARNING OUTCOMES

Global Awareness, Effective Practice, Critical Thinking, Visual Literacy, and Information Technology

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COURSE STRUCTURE

Instructor: Coordinator and Facilitator
Lectures, Project Briefs, Books, Case Studies, Resources, Feedback and Critique

Students: Driver and Designer
Communication, Management, Projects, Research, Studio Work, Personal Productions, Submission

Instructor+Students+Public: Community
Environment, Survey, Interview, Exhibition

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COURSE MANAGEMENT

It’s an art to manage a course with creative skills. Plan for your own process and managing solutions.

1. General Preparation: Your own computer with latest programs possible, sketch book, and your creative mind.

• Reading: Books can be extremely useful. Use them well.
• Writing: Try to write a reflective journal on your blog.
• Research should be posted on the course blog.
• Sketch Book: Ideas/thoughts/inspirations, sketches, paper mock-ups
• Design Process Book should be built as you develop the project. Don’t wait until the last minute.
• Backup: File Management is critical. Organize your files and always save backups. No excuse!
• Print: Manage to Print from Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign or any other applications
• Communication: Mainly on the blog, but your personal matters can be discussed via e-mail.

2. Course Management Website: Take some time to study this website and get familar with the outline of this course.

• SYLLABUS: Read carefully and throughly
• PROJECTS: Project Briefs are the main information about the project. Projects outline and Design Specifications should be understood clearly before you begin your work and they will guide you to the final design.
• DESIGN TEMPLATES+DOCUMENTS: design document templates in pdf, ai, indd files+ articles
• RESOURCES+TOOLS: useful links
• PRESENTATIONS+EXHIBITIONS
• NEWS+EVENTS: ZU, UAE, other international design events and competitions

3. Your Personal Blog As An Online Process Book. You will present the entire design and development process on your website. This is mandatory for this course.

• WordPress Blog: example: http://tinasleiman.wordpress.com

4. Self-Learning Tools

Learning tools: www.lynda.com, www.adobe.com

Resource websites: www.commarts.com, www.aiga.org, www.thedesignencyclopedia.org, www.print mag.com, www.howdesign.com, www.designingwithtype.com

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FINAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

No late submission is acceptable. Each project will have a deadline separately.

• Naming: The project title, course number/name, instructor, designer names should be written on your work, process book and CD. [file name i.e, tina_s_bookcover.ai/.psd and tina_s_bookcover.pdf]
• Final Design printed and mounted. Write your name and the course at the back.
• Design Process uploaded on your blog, or presented in your sketchbook.
• CD with 2 Folders: Final PDF and Working folders: File naming and structure should be organized. The process files must be the final stage file only with resources that you have used in either ai or psd.
• Website: Final projects should be uploaded after optimized properly. Don’t forget to reduce your file size to A4. I don’t need the actual size file.
• Time and Date: TBA
• Place: CL1 001 Tina’s office will be open only for 1 hour.

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COURSE MATERIALS

• Computer and Software
• Digital Camera, Flash drive, 2 blank writable CDs & cases
• Sketchbook and Designer Journal are mandatory to bring/use in the studio
• Color markers/pencils, 4H & sharp pencil, ruler, ex-acto knife, eraser
• Special papers for any print design, black foam board, Super 77 spray glue

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TEXTBOOKS

Becoming a Graphic Designer by Steven Heller & Teresa Fernandes

Graphic Design Solutions by Robin Landa

Making and Breaking the Grid by Timothy Samara

Thinking with Type by Ellen Lupton

Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop by Adobe

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EXPECTATIONS AND COURSE POLICY

• Professional Attitude: Professional interaction expected
• Plagiarism and cheating: Please refer to ‘Student Handbook 2006-2007’ (pg. 51)
• Deadline: No work will receive a passing grade after a deadline has passed.
• Attendance: 3 late (over 10 min.) considered as 1 absence. 3 absences without consultation deserves F. For more information on attendance please refer to ‘Student Handbook 2006-2007’ (pg. 48
• Backup: Your working files will be deleted from the lab computers at anytime.
• No No No: No chat/e-mail, no food/drink, or no mobile ringing is permitted in class time.
• Basics: Leave the room as it was and keep it clean. Organize as you go.