Graphic 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.

Intro to the basic skills, concepts and techniques of successfully using the page layout program Adobe InDesign.

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.

This interdisciplinary SCCC Creative Academy course, second of a three-course series, brings together Graphic Design and Photography students to apply skills to complete integrative design assignments. Students are given authentic tasks and projects preparing them for real-world work demands encountered in their respective fields. Students work collaboratively in this project-based curriculum, exploring the role and interplay of design and communications in the context of New Media and society.

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

Intro to the basic skills, concepts and techniques of successfully using the pixel-based program Adobe Photoshop. Learn to color correct a photo using curves and levels, create a non-destructive work flow and select the correct tool for the job.

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.

Credit range: 2 - 5
Total required work experience credits for DES 197: 3

Integrates educational studies with supervised work/internship experience. Provides individualized opportunities to apply graphic design knowledge and skills in the workplace. Includes developing work experience learning outcomes and monitoring achievement through self-evaluation and faculty and supervisor evaluations.

This is the final of a three course series in which advanced techniques will be applied and explored. The course provides students from Design and Photography with authentic tasks and projects preparing them for real-world work demands encountered in their respective fields. Students work collaboratively in a project-based curriculum, exploring the role of communications in the context of New Media and society.

Covers poster design as a form of visual communication. Emphasizes conceptual visual problem-solving for various audiences and outcomes. Solve various poster design problems with a variety of visual approaches, including typography, graphics, Illustration and/or photography.

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.

Introduction to Motion Graphics and how it relates to Web design and development. Focus on using Adobe AfterEffects to create video and animation projects for web, TV, and Film.

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.

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.

Design and install the SCCA Portfolio Show. Working in teams, explore creative options to the layout and navigation of the show. Include 2-D and 3-D display installation options, print and web portfolios displays, motion graphics, internal and external signage in the planning.

Acquire work contracts with a client and apply design skills in exchange for a fair wage or equitable trade. Gain practical experience with pricing and negotiating fees, writing proposals and design briefs, organizing efficient timelines, managing workflows, and applying basic accounting and business practices.

Final Capstone project which utilizes all skills acquired in the previous quarters along with public speaking and whiteboard interview practice and the production of their personal portfolio web site.

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.

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.