A course designed to introduce students to the practice of graphic design. Visual problem-solving is explored, from poster design, logo design, and book cover design to the concepting and design of advertisements, among other projects. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)]

Prerequisite(s): ART 1120 and ART 2210 — minimum grade of C.

• Use a cloud-based storage backup account (Adobe, Google Drive, Microsoft, Dropbox, etc.). Please use a cloud-based storage for your file archives; don't rely on flash drives — eventually they break and then you cry.
• Always archive your work in two separate places — hard drive and cloud storage. It is recommended to back up at least once a week.

• Understand the fundamental basic visual concepts of graphic design.
• Learn to communicate theoretical concepts visually.
• Learn to think iteratively and to move through the design process.
• Practice basic print and production problem solving.
• Employ strict attention to detail through careful observation.
• Learn to work within a client based structure.
• Analyze and articulate the effectiveness of their own work and the work of their peers.

Grading Procedure

• Completion of all assignments as specified and within given time frames is strictly required.
• Regular studio work habits and personal discipline relative to assigned problems are essential — in other words, YOU MUST PUT IN THE TIME. Work each class period to keep up.
• Generally, you should build into your weekly schedule 6 hours for class time, plus another 6 hours for outside-of-class work.
• Individual work reflected in thumbnails or preliminary sketching.
• Final solutions to visual problems assigned.
• Participation in discussions and critiques as assigned.

Evaluation Process

• Did you put in the time? It is evident when sufficient time was not invested.
• What were your working methods and procedures during design stages and in the finished project?
• How did you apply specific concepts presented (for each problem) leading to a final solution?
• What was your solution to the problem within specific limitations?
• What was the overall solution in terms of sensitivity to design principles, use of art elements, sophistication of presentation, and craftsmanship?

As the semester continues, evidence of progressive integration and understanding of concepts introduced sequentially throughout the course becomes more critical in evaluating finished work. Verbal/digital critiques of assignments by the instructor and other students will contribute to this process.

Project Grading Scale (per design project, 10 points each)

• A = 10 Points: Strong work — professional quality.
• A- = 9 Points: Strong work; needs a little more to reach professional level.
• B = 8 Points: Average student level work; with more effort and quality it can move up.
• C+ = 7 Points: Struggling and poor quality; needs more to reach average student level.
• C- = 6 Points: Serious deficiencies in effort and quality — seek help.
• D = 5 Points: Significant deficiencies — seek help.
• F = Did not complete or a wasted effort.

Methods of Instruction

• Lectures/demonstrations
• Visual problem-solving studio time
• Discussions/critiques

Keep an active sketchbook. Use it to record ideas and process for this and other classes and as a tool to work out visual problems. Keep it with you; it will become a valuable partner in developing as a visual thinker.

Artificial Intelligence

Unless given specific approval by the professor, artificial intelligence or generative tools are not allowed to be used in your projects. If discovered, use of AI tools in the creation of a project will be cause for failure on the project and possibly the course. Final grading decisions are at the professor’s discretion.

Late Work and Redos

I will accept assignments late but will mark them down a full grade or more depending on how late. I reserve the right to make that determination. Grading is based on individual work, projects, discussions, tests, and attendance. “REDO’s” are accepted for on-time projects only. No redos are allowed for late work unless ill or major conflicts (e.g., a death in the family). The project will be considered late after roll is called. You will have one week to redo the work, not the whole semester.

Late Submission Policy

I will accept projects late, but they will be marked down accordingly. I reserve final judgment on how much to mark down depending on the quality of the work and how late it is submitted.

Make Up Work / Extra Credit

There is no make up work or extra credit. Finishing the projects on time is key.

Final Exams

If an emergency occurs that prevents the administration of a course-scheduled final examination, final course grades will be calculated based on the work completed to that point in time and the faculty member’s considered judgment. Final exams will not be rescheduled, and a grade of “I” will not be given as a result of an institutional cancellation of a final examination. This final exam policy does not apply to online courses.

Attendance will be taken each class. You have 3 free absences, after which each additional absence will result in your final grade possibly being significantly deducted at the instructor’s discretion. Please communicate if you are having issues that prevent you from attending class.

A student who misses more than 25% of scheduled class time (including unexcused absences and tardiness) will receive a final grade no higher than a “C–”, and may fail the course, regardless of performance on assignments.

You are expected to stay (except for breaks) the entire class period. Unless you have a good excuse, you may be recorded absent if you leave before class is over.

Studio courses are experiential in nature and rely heavily on in-class instruction, collaboration, and critique. As such, attendance is mandatory.

Excused absences—such as those due to documented illness, university-sponsored activities, or other legitimate circumstances—may be made up with appropriate documentation (e.g., a doctor’s note or official university communication). It is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor before the absence when possible and to make arrangements to complete missed work promptly.

Consistent attendance and active participation are essential to your success in this course and in your development as an artist/designer.

Finances are an integral part of maintaining your wellbeing. If you are struggling financially or wish to know more about budgeting, please visit the Financial Wellness Center in room 201C in the Sharwan Smith Center, contact Ashleigh Zimmerman at (435) 865-8436, or text the Financial Wellness line at 435-708-1952.