Graphic Design Portfolio

Section 1

What is Graphic Design?

• Brief overview and discussion
• Elements of design
• Gestalt Principles

Word Work

• Letterform Anatomy
• Type Classifications
• Speed design with limited source material!

Design Assignment: Logo Design

• Brief slide show on what makes a good logo
• Design assignment: Choice of logo redesign for an existing company or create your own personal logo design.
• Create two distinct design options for your logo.

Section 2

Design Process

• Explore ideation and the creative design process
• Logo exploration (Ritos del Sol, Vaya)
• Learn logo drafting using the template feature in Illustrator
• Introduction of Photoshop mock-ups
• Sketching exercise. Learn to work quickly and creatively within fixed parameters.

Color Interaction

• What do colors mean?
• How do designers use colors effectively
• Color palettes: we will explore how to choose appropriate color palettes for different assignments

Design Assignment: Identity System

• Finalize your logo to design an identity system using a "color study" and complementary typeface. Use this visual system to either create a stationery design or social media graphics.

Section 3

Typography

• Typographic Overview
• Type Selection
• Type Pairing
• Foundry Overview
• Optical Spacing

Design Assignment: Book/eBook Cover Redesign

• Create either a book or eBook cover design for a re-issue of a famous piece of fiction. Use type and imagery to create a visually appealing cover that will entice a reader.