Graphic Design

Course Description:

Students will work with the elements and principles of design in the study 
and creation of two-dimensional work. This basic art course will have an 
emphasis on visual communication through the use of concepts, type and 
images. The student designer will combine graphic materials – words, pictures 
and other graphic elements- to construct a visual communication or visual 
language. This course includes development of layout skills, style and an 
understanding of the design process. Through a series of exercises and 
projects, students will develop their perceptual skills as well as an 
awareness of the role that design plays in the environment in which they live 
such as graphic design, interior design, environmental design and 
advertising. Students will create original images including 
enhancing/altering photographs. The compositions will be evaluated using the 
vocabulary of visual art and appropriate references to visual literacy. 
Students will be expected to work independently on projects beyond class time 
and conduct research on the field of digital/computer based art. The Adobe 
Creative Suite – Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign will be used in class.

Class format: This is mostly a computer-based class with some studio work 
included in which the student explores various methods and materials used in 
art making. Specifically, classes will consist of creating art projects; 
attending lectures; reading art-related material as well as participating in 
class critiques.

Grading:
60% Class Work
-- Completed Projects

20% Class Participation & Homework
-- Daily class work
-- Class critiques
-- Class discussions
-- Conduct and effort includes: 
•	Work on task and cooperatively, following instructions, not 
preventing others from getting work done. 
•	Not using computers for Facebook, e-mail or games. 
•	Arriving to class on time. Attendance will be taken the first 10 
minutes of class. Once I close the door, you must go to office and get a blue 
pass to be admitted.
•	Once in class begin work on current assignment. 
•	All class artwork is school appropriate, if not, administration will 
be notified and you will lose credit.
•	Computer use is for Graphic Design classwork only.

Homework
-- Access GD Homework in Moodle site:
http://moodle.holliston.k12.ma.us/moodle/  then Fine & Performing Arts then
Bynoe Graphic Design
-- Assorted art related assignments
-- Any other assigned work pertinent to class work
Homework: ASSIGNED MONDAY AND DUE FRIDAY

20% Final Exam
-- Final project – presented to class



Attendance policy:
You are required to attend class every day and poor attendance will be 
reflected in your grade. Students who have 12 unexcused absences in a Term 
course will lose credit for that course. This is in the Student Handbook and 
not up to the Teacher's discretion.


Extra help policy
Extra help will be available as needed. Arrangements should be made with the 
teacher for after school help, and students are always welcome to come during 
DSB. Students who would like to come during DSB, must call me first and then 
get a pass from your teacher.

Make-up work Policy
Students will be expected to make up any classwork or homework missed due to 
excused absences within a reasonable time (two to four days) except in the 
case of an extended absence, for which special arrangements must be made with 
the instructor. Work that is not made up will be given a zero grade.

All materials, subject matter and themes generated by students must be school 
appropriate, including homework.

Syllabus: 

Concepts reviewed:
	What is Graphic Design? Communicate a message.
	Media Literacy – what is the purpose or message of a logo, assorted media?
Product design.
	Design Process – thumbnails, drafts, research, message, execution
	Principles and elements of Design
	Typography
	Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, Proximity
	Rule of Thirds
	Visual Hierarchy
	White Space

Analysis of design materials: i.e. Luba Lukova posters etc.
Studio projects: experimenting with elements and principles of design

The following projects are created to assist the students conceptualize and 
execute their creative ideas. They will be problem solving and using critical 
thinking skills to complete projects. 
(InDesign, Photoshop & Illustrator software used)
	Billboard messages – images in text – InDesign introduced
	Re-create Van Gogh flier
	HHS Ad – photo and text
	Re-Design “ugly” ad
	Two page spread of exhibit – write review and design spread
	Person in Different Setting – Photoshop introduced
	Two opposite images morphed together
	Self-portrait related to Surrealism
	Opposite words – photographic collage with quote
	Country four page spread – research issue for text and related images
	WWII Museum brochure - black and white
	Images in words using - Illustrator introduced
	Event flier – image in headline
	Product brochure
	CD case – booklet, cd label & back panel
	Poster showing scientific process
	Publicity package for restaurant – design and present
	FINAL - Publicity package (eportfolio) for a non-profit or company 
with environmental focus – design and present to class 
	
	Text for reference: Graphic Design Solutions by Robin Landau and 
Graphic Design: The New Basics by Ellen Lupton