Design

Learn basic principles of micro typography, including the anatomy of letters, adapting letter forms, letter and word spacing, line spacing, and simple hierarchy of text. Create expressive typography.

Intro to color and its application to design, including the mechanics of light, the physiology of vision and the psychology of color. Study ways color is used in culture and methods designers employ in making their work effective.

This course introduces the basic foundation and building blocks necessary to successfully use the page layout program, Adobe InDesign. This course focuses on basic skills, concepts, & techniques. Students develop the concepts and skills necessary to use and understand the software tools and pallets. Emphasis is placed on importing, placing and manipulating graphic images from Illustrator and Photoshop.

Continues the exploration of User Experience Design (UX), and skills required for front end development, specifically HTML and CSS. Students will be introduced to concepts such as Design Thinking, Design Systems, Empathy Maps, Customer Journey Maps, Prototyping tools, and SVG animation.

Seattle Central New Media is a coordinated studies program for first-year Graphic Design and Visual Media students at Seattle Central College. This three-quarter, project-based curriculum develops skills in media, communications, computation, and collaboration. Taught across both disciplines, it prepares students for professional practice, fosters community building, and provides opportunities to build networks and establish career foundations in media-related fields.

Focuses on using the grid for page construction. Explores page structure and hierarchy principles and grid systems.

This course focuses on basic skills, concepts, and techniques using the pixel-based program, Adobe Photoshop. Students learn how to successfully color correct a photo using curves and levels. Emphasis is placed on creating a non-destructive workflow and on using the correct selection tool for the job. Necessary skills such as scanning, clipping paths, masking, alpha channels, retouching, layer organization, actions, effects, smart objects, and layer manipulation are taught.

Advanced principles of Web Design and User Experience Design, building on the core principles of the previous two quarters. Students will build complex websites with advanced techniques such as CSS Grid and Animated SVG, and explore additional prototyping tools such as Webflow, while exploring emerging technologies such as Augmented Reality and Voice Design.

A hands-on exploration of design thinking and public speaking tools geared at helping students produce novel solutions, and present them effectively. Students will explore design thinking methodology, employ creativity tools, prompts, and sprints to become more agile and confident creative problem solvers.

New Media is a three-quarter, project-based, coordinated studies program for first-year Graphic Design and Visual Media students. In this culminating course, students apply their design skills to a real-world marketing campaign. Working in collaborative teams, students move through the full design process¿from client research and needs analysis to final presentation¿producing professional print collateral, video, and web solutions.

This course will concentrate on poster design as a form of visual communication. Emphasis will be on conceptual visual problem-solving across a variety of audiences and outcomes. Assignments will be supported by lectures and critiques of student work. Students will have the chance to solve various poster design problems with a variety of visual approaches, including typography, graphics, illustration, and/or photography. All work will be printed on our large-format inkjet printers.

Design and produce a corporate identity system, including trademark or logo and applied graphics, for a mix of visual applications for a business. Covers research, mind-mapping, creative development, contemporary design approaches, and creating a complete system.

Study the basic concepts of exhibit design, and install the SCCA Portfolio Show. Students will work in teams to explore creative options for the show's layout and navigation. Including but not limited to, the installation of two and three-dimensional display options, print and web portfolio displays, motion graphics, and internal and external signage. Students work in small groups and are also involved in marketing and promoting the show.

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a relatively new discipline that examines how people interact with--and use--various digital products. In this course, we will address the considerations needed when designing an interface and the differences and similarities between screen-based media and print-based media.

Second of three courses that expand current graphics design knowledge and skills through work on a major self-initiated design project. Emphasizes research and design process to reach a successful design solution.

This course teaches students the essential skills needed for a successful job search and introduces best practices for working in the creative field. Students will learn how to secure client contracts and apply their design skills in exchange for fair pay or equitable trade. The course also provides practical experience in pricing and negotiating fees, writing proposals and design briefs, organizing efficient timelines, managing workflows, and using basic accounting and business practices.

Advanced Motion Graphics with Generative AI Tools, including AI ethics and privacy. This class builds on the existing foundation of previous Motion Graphics classes. It adds the relatively new Generative AI tools that are rapidly being added to contemporary workflows within the creative industries. Students will be introduced to various generative AI tools for brainstorming, image generation, audio and video generation, and 3D asset generation to create more compelling Motion Graphics projects.

Develop, design and prepare a portfolio that represents individual creativity and demonstrates skills for seeking employment in the Graphic Design field. Develop a personal business card and stationery.

Explores graphic designs that are sensitive to human scale in built and natural environments, including way-finding systems, informational signs and symbols, exhibit design and ornamental solutions.

Third of three courses that expand current graphics design knowledge and skills through work on a major self-initiated design project. Emphasizes research and design process to reach a successful design solution.