Graphic design is a powerful creative practice that can transform how we interact with the world. Through websites, magazines, CD and book covers, logos, advertising, and social media, graphic designers use words and images to communicate a message. In this course, you will learn skills and techniques to creatively solve problems in a variety of real-world projects. Topics include: design principles; color theory; typography; image editing and retouching; page layout; and graphic design career possibilities.

Unit

Time 

Frame

Big Ideas (Statements or Essential Questions)

Major Learning Experiences from Unit 

Introduction

2 class

periods

An introduction to the class syllabus, rules and expectations, and icebreaker activities to get to know one another.

Introductions to all

  1. Classroom Rules & Expectations

  2. Class Syllabus

  3. Icebreaker Activities

Unit I

Safety

4 class periods

Students will learn how design solves problems and communicates ideas. They will also learn the evacuation route, lock down procedures, and safety within the class.

Individual and Group Discussions. Group Critiques


Project Assessments on the following lessons;

  1. Classroom Safety

  2. Ergonomics

  3. Fire Exit Poster

Unit II

Design Process

4 class periods

Students will further explore the design process, with a different format and project specifications. Focus will be placed on creating visual interest, the elements and principles of design, and the meanings and attitudes reflected in images.

Individual and Group Critiques


Project Assessments on the following lessons;


  1. Thumbnail Sketches

  2. Portfolio Cover

Unit III

Lines & Shapes: Calligraphy, Typography and Graffiti

8 class periods

Students will learn a brief history of the written word, traditional techniques in graphic design,
font design basics and the art of typography.

Individual and Group Critiques


Project Assessments on the following lessons;

  1. Calligraphy Name

  2. Calligraphy Quote

  3. Typography Design

  4. Graffiti

Unit IV

Type Based Logo Design


Students will learn about branding and logo design, while being introduced to scanning and vector graphics

Individual and Group Discussions and Critiques

Project Based Assessments;


  1. Logo Design

  2. Illustrator Basics

  3. Scanning basics

Unit V

Design Principles & Pre-Press

8-12 class periods

Students will learn how to “go digital” with graphic design using Adobe InDesign. Applying their previous knowledge of typography in the digital realm, students will create files for print.

Individual and Group Discussions and Critiques

Project Assessments based on the following lessons;

InDesign Basics

  1. Print considerations

  2. Business Cards

  3. Letterhead

  4. Creating a portfolio

Unit VI

Photoshop Basics and Magazine Design

8-12 class periods

Students will learn advanced typography incorporating body copy, headlines, sub-headings and pull quotes while getting an introduction
to Adobe Photoshop.

Individual and Group Discussions and Critiques

Project Assessments based on the following lessons;


  1. Photoshop Basics

  2. Photoshop challenges

  3. Magazine page design

Unit VII

Design Inquiry

8-12 class periods

Students will learn advanced graphic design techniques using Adobe Photoshop, while synthesizing their previous knowledge of typography and exploring concepts and communication in graphic design.

Individual and Group Discussions
and Critiques


Project Assessments based
on the following lessons;


  1. What is Design Inquiry?

  2. Designers talk design

  3. Event poster

  4. PSA poster

Unit VIII

Consumer & Visual Culture

6-8 class periods

Continuing to build on the previous knowledge of every lesson, students will investigate consumer design in the form of advertising, packaging and outside media formats, and analysis how these designs affect our society and create our visual culture.

Individual and Group Discussions and Critiques

Project Assessments based on the following lessons;


  1. What is Visual Culture?

  2. Advertising Design

  3. Package Design

Unit IX

Media Culture

6-8 class periods

As a synthesis of all their previous experiences in and out of class, students will create designs based on stories and sounds within our society, with a focus on “buying” the viewers interest. Students will also explore how graphic design can sell other, more positive ideas, like hope.

Individual and Group Discussions and Critiques

Project Assessments based on the following lessons;


  1. What is Media Culture?

  2. CD/DVD Cover

  3. Billboard Design

  4. Can Design Care?

Unit X

Design Careers & Portfolios

4 class periods

Combining all of their work into a single location, students will analyze, synthesize and evaluate all their experiences and new understandings in Graphic Design, while creating a portfolio of their class work.

Individual and Group Discussions and Critiques

Project Assessments based on the following lessons;


  1. Portfolio Design