ARTS 077 Graphic Design: Perception

  • Download the complete syllabus• ARTS 77 GD Perception

  • To view information related to specific assignments for ARTS 77:

    • Go back to the Main Menu
    • Under the Courses menu>>ARTS 077
    • Press on the Assignments Tab
    • Choose from the pull out menu of options that will appear to the right.

    Turn in assignments on the Canvas Course Site.

  • ARTS 077 Graphic Design: Perception (previously titled GD II) will be meeting in person in Art Studio 110 (MAC Lab) and 119 (GD Studio). We will meet together as a group to clarify directions, answer questions and gain individual feedback/critique as well as work on assigned projects. With that in mind, it is imperative that you are prepared for each class with questions and to confirm your progress on assignments. I will be presenting course material to you from this website as well as the Canvas course web site.
  • No eating or drinking is allowed in labs, studios, classrooms or any instructional space. Outdoor in the courtyard or hallways only.
  • Occasionally, we may also use Zoom. Join Zoom at https://pacific.zoom.us/j/2381917234 for those class meetings. Please take a look at these suggestions(found under the Visual Resources tab on the wordpress.com website) to aid you in making your home online connections the best they can be.
    • All Zoom presentations and discussions during this course maybe recorded. As a student in this class, please note that your participation in live class discussions may therefore also be recorded.  By participating in a live class discussion on Zoom, you will be giving your consent to this recording.  Access to these recordings will be limited to faculty and students enrolled in the class, to assist those who cannot attend the live session, and will be a resource for those who would like to review content that was presented.  

This is the second course in the graphic design core curriculum for students majoring in GD. As such, Graphic Design Perception builds upon the concepts introduced in Graphic Design I. Students majoring in GD are required to complete GD I and all relevant portfolio requirements established by the overall GD program first.

The following are specific concepts and themes related to the successful development of all visual identity systems.

  • Visual Perception will be explored throughout the semester—what it is, how does it affect a target audience, and by what means does a designer attempt to use it.
  • The theories of Gestalt, with particular emphasis on the relationship between figure and ground, proximity and similarity.
  • Foundational design concepts of sequence, visual hierarchy, grouping, and symbol recognition.
  • Application of the grid will be employed as a means of visual organization through a range of assignments completed both off and on the computer.
  • Typography and image making techniques will be equally explored in solving design problems
  • Conceptual thinking and project development.

Course study will include historical style, consideration of target audience, and client requirements as reference points to developing meaningful contemporary identity design. All projects will encourage the development of a cohesive form and content relationship through visual communication. This is a challenging class, which requires thinking, reading, research, discussion, art, design, work and fun, involvement, please be prepared!

To view the complete syllabus, assignment calendar or individual assignments for ARTS 077, mouse over the ARTS 077 Graphic Design: Perception Tab found under COURSES from the main menu and look for the appropriate pullout listings that appear on the right.

GD II Sheng Moua Fig and Grnd FA2012

Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Build upon the concepts introduced in Graphic Design I and prepare the student to successfully meet the challenges of Graphic Design III.

2. Complete exploratory projects in design theory and practice, which may be used to develop a presentation portfolio of personal work.

3. Develop an understanding of the language of design, which includes critical theory, critique, history, technology, and craftsmanship.

4. Explore specifically the concept of Visual Perception as applied to visual communication.

5. Explore specifically the concepts of grouping and hierarchy as applied to visual communication.

6. Explore specifically the concept of Gestalt Theory as applied to visual communication.

7. Practice designing page layouts using a grid.

8. Demonstrate the ability to design successfully within specific requirements and parameters.

9. Define and employ industry standard graphic design terminology to describe projects.

The objectives will be achieved by:

  1. Completing projects of increasing complexity
  2. In class & homework exercises
  3. Analysis & critique one’s own work & then apply the skill to the work of others
  4. Readings, lectures & discussion of readings
  5. Writing

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