Course Overview

Each class will be divided between a lectures/design objectives and in-class work. Some weeks will require students to complete out of classroom assignments. This course will integrate the theory of typography and design within each project by way of examples and readings. Students will be responsible for getting work printed for assignments. Readings, Quizzes, Design Projects, Design Objectives (Lectures), Presentations and Critiques, will all be part of the curriculum.

What will you learn in this course?

• Have a proficiency in a broad range of design skills pertaining to publication & web design.
• Understand typography, color, layout, photo editing, composition, graphics, vector & raster application etc.
• Be able to navigate Photoshop’s Workspace, Create & setup documents
• Understand Layers and Masking
• Be able to work with effects, filters and adjustments
• Have a basic understanding of text, typography, vector tools and animated GIFs
• Be able to use Actions
• Understand differences in files types, and color profiles
• Be able to appropriately output files for both print and web
• Import images using Bridge, Scanners and Cameras
• Successfully create images that can be used as portfolio builders
• Have the ability to create a well designed photos, raster images and design materials for print or web

What will you do in class?

• In-Class Assignments and Homework Assignments
• In-Class Projects and Presentations
• Critiques, led by instructor with student participation

What topics will be covered?

• Pixel and vector tools
• Importing images into Photoshop
• Working with pixel images
• Making selections
• Vector shapes
• Working with text
• Working with layers and layer masks
• Adjustment layers and Channels
• Retouching Photographs Animating GIFs
• Create and use Photoshop actions

Suggested Readings or Links to other content

Software: Course will be conducted using Adobe Photoshop. Adobe CC is the version we will be using in the classroom. Adobe Acrobat will also be used to view pdf files. Students will have access to the computer labs during the course of the term.

Literature: Required Readings will be supplied by the instructor

Recommended but not Required: “How to Design Cool Stuff” Before and After Magazine by John Wade

“Thinking with Type” Ellen Lupton

For tutorials and additional help it is recommended to visit Lynda.com or Adobe.com for video tutorials. These tutorials are free and/or low cost.

Supplies/Equipment

• Sketchbook (suggested, for notes, planning projects and idea sketching)
• USB drive with a minimum memory capacity of 2GB