Course Description

The course introduces students to elements of design, spatial relationships, typography and imagery as they apply to practical visual solutions for self-promotion, resumes, logo design, Web design, and sequential systems. It instructs the student in graphic design skills employing traditional and digital tools, materials and procedures employed in the communication arts industry. The course focuses on helping learners find creative visual solutions to communication problems using technical skills.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to

·         Correctly evaluate typographic and layout design outcomes

·         Utilise knowledge gained to design and develop media artefacts with a high quality of layoutand graphic design features. 

·         Conceive, create and deliver a range of layout and graphic design media products

·         Demonstrate capacity for critical evaluation and professional competence. 

·         Competently construct and present hard-copy promotional materials adaptable to multiple formats

Course Content

·         Design Concepts in Black and White

·         Introducing Photoshop

·         Introducing Quark Xpress

·         Scanning Class

·         Creating Your Advert

·         Design using Colour

·         Photoshop Selections

Required Reading Materials

·         Lidwell, W., Holden, K. & Butler, J. (2010). Universal Principles of Design. (2nded.).

Rockport, United States: Rockport Publisher Incorporated.

·         Bierut, Michael. (2010).How to Use Graphic Design to Sell Things. London: Thames & Hudson Ltd.

Optional Reading Material

·         Wheeler, Alina. (2012). Designing Brand Identity. New York, US: John Wiley & Sons Inc.