Graphic Design
Majors & Minors
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Graphic Design (BFA) -
Graphic Design (Minor)
Courses
ELEC 331: Word, Image and Book
Advanced studies in book format. Explores definition of the book through analysis, deconstruction, and reconstruction of book format. Emphasis on: development of original content; practical and alternative forms and structure; binding and other production techniques.
Prerequisites
None.
ELEC 341: Expressive Typography
Advanced studies in typography. Examination of typography in variety of media as means to solve visual communication problems through creation of expressive: letterforms; words; and messages. Registration priority: (1) GD majors and minors; (2) other majors with instructor’s permission.
ELEC 343: Design for Business
Create comprehensive business models based on brand strategy and idea development. Redesign existing enterprise or create new market venture. Topics include: sustainability; market development; social media tools; entrepreneurship; and planning. Ringling Letterpress and Book Arts Studio may be used for collateral and/or product development. Registration priority: (1) GD majors and minors; (2) other majors with instructor’s permission.
ELEC 353: New Media: Music Branding
Advanced studies in branding. Develop campaign systems for contemporary music industry utilizing: websites; CD/DVD packaging; posters; new media; etc.
Prerequisites
GDES 210; or instructor’s permission.
GDES 124: Intro to UI/UX
An introduction to the fundamentals of designing responsive layouts for web browsers and mobile devices. After an introduction to workflow and project management, students will use technology to effectively apply fundamental design tools including color, typography, imagery, composition, and conceptual thinking to create interactive projects and prototypes. Topics include understanding the user; content organization; navigation; usability and accessibility; interface design; interface prototyping.
Prerequisites
None.
GDES 210: Design & Typography
Introduction to principles and application of design and typography. Develop typographic fundamentals, layout, and compositional skills. Apply design process to visual communication problems. Develop solutions through analytical and intuitive approaches to problem solving.
Prerequisites
None.
GDES 239: Graphic Design I
Introduction to creative processes in graphic design. Develop understanding of role of design process in visual communication. Focus on: visual thinking; relationship between word, image and meaning; problem-solving process.
Prerequisites
GDES 124 or GDES 210.
GDES 240: Graphic Design II
Continuation of GDES 239 - Graphic Design I. Continued study in fundamental concepts and skills of graphic design. Methods of defining and finding solutions for communication problems. Focus on continued development of formal design skills and mastery of digital technologies.
Prerequisites
GDES 239.
GDES 243: New Media UI/UX
Builds on principles introduced in GDES 124 Intro to UI/UX. Focus on: conceptualization; users and expectations; sequencing; analysis of interactions; information architecture; multi-user environments, prototyping and proof-of-concept presentations.
Prerequisites
GDES 124; GDES 210; GDES 239.
GDES 246: Designing with Type II
Designing typographic information. Continued exploration of: expressive possibilities of typography; visual structure and hierarchies of information; the organization of typographic space. Emphasis on use of type to create messages, both literary and visual.
Prerequisites
GDES 210; GDES 239.
GDES 341: Graphic Design III
Intermediate exploration of conceptualization and development of type-and- image messages. Refine problem-solving skills through design process. Emphasis on: research and analysis of visual communications; synthesis and refinement of visual message construction.
Prerequisites
GDES 240; GDES 246.
GDES 342: Graphic Design IV
Continued development of concepts and techniques introduced in GDES 341 - Graphic Design Studio II. Emphasis on investigating the cultural impact of design and developing communications targeting specific audiences.
Prerequisites
GDES 341; GDES 345.
GDES 345: Three Dimensional Problem Solving
Introduction to 3-dimensional problem solving. Emphasis on principles of visual organization and communication associated with 3-dimensional problem solving. Develop conceptual and technical skills to expand flat surfaces into fully dimensional forms and spaces.
Prerequisites
GDES 240; GDES 246.
GDES 363: Designing with Type III
Advanced topics in complex text and information problems. Emphasis on typographic structure using sequential layouts, grids and other organizational systems; information hierarchies supporting formal expression and typographic communication.
Prerequisites
GDES 341; GDES 345.
GDES 370: Contemporary Topics In Graphic Design
Topics in contemporary graphic communication, including ethics, criticism, and professional practice. Course content is determined each fall to address current issues.
Prerequisites
None.
GDES 420: Visual Persuasion
Introduction to multimedia as a component of presentation and communication. Focus on writing, typography, image, and motion as a means of conveying a point of view and persuading an audience. Areas of concentration include: researching; writing; planning and designing presentations; basics of persuasive argument and public speaking.
Prerequisites
GDES 240; GDES 246.
GDES 480: Portfolio
Professional preparation for career in visual communication. Topics include: portfolio preparation; written communication; interview and job search skills. Guest speakers provide career insights. Create web-based and print portfolios which demonstrate an understanding of design principles while revealing creative problem-solving abilities.
Prerequisites
GDES 342; GDES 345.
GDES 491: Design Research Center Practicum
Cross-disciplinary practicum provides experience creating team-based projects for real-world clients. Projects include: corporate identity packages; brochures; videos; web site design.
Prerequisites
GDES 341 or GDES 342; GDES 345 or instructor’s permission; minimum 3.0 GPA required. Permission to enroll granted based on portfolio review and faculty recommendations.
GDES 493: Graphic Design V
Advanced problems in visual communication. Explore complex combinations of typography, imagemaking and interactive components. Topics in cultural issues impacting graphic communication.
Prerequisites
GDES 342; GDES 345.
GDES 494: Graphic Design VI
Advanced projects in graphic design requiring research and self-direction. Emphasis on contemporary issues facing the design profession including practice, criticism, and ethics.
Prerequisites
GDES 493.
GDES 495: Special Topics: Wearable Messages
Survey of the history, politics, and popular culture of the t-shirt. Creation of messages for t-shirt application using various media. Exploration of upcycling, deconstruction, and reconstruction of the t-shirt via cutting and sewing. Investigation of: possibilities of the t-shirt as sculptural form; the packaging of shirts; documentation using photography.
Prerequisites
Minimum 60 credits.
GDES 496: Graphic Design Internship
Department
Professional graphic communication work experience at a studio, agency, or firm. Experience professional practice and build qualifications for entry-level jobs. Internship selection based on career goals under direction of faculty advisor. Internships are on-site and under the direction of an experienced professional. Documentation of performed work and oral presentation required.
Prerequisites
GDES 240; GDES 246; minimum 3.0 GPA. Grading: Credit/No Credit. Note: Summer internships take GDES 497.
GDES 497: GD Summer Internship
Department
Professional graphic communication summer work experience at a studio, agency, or firm. Experience professional practice and build qualifications for entry-level jobs. Internship selection based on career goals under direction of faculty advisor. Internships are on-site and under the direction of an experienced professional. Documentation of performed work and oral presentation required.
Prerequisites
GDES 240; GDES 246; minimum 3.0 GPA. Grading: Credit/No Credit. Credits will be applied as studio elective credits at the conclusion of fall semester.