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This course investigates principles of pictorial organization through the relationship of composition and color of visual elements. This includes the study of formal qualities of art; line, shape, value, texture, rhythm, space, balance, proportion, movement, unity, harmony, and tension. Studies of color address properties of hue, value, and intensity, as well as color interactions of harmony, discord, and simultaneous contrast. Special emphasis is given to concepts necessary for visual communication, regardless of media, but this course will utilize digital tools as a way to explore the concepts efficiently and to prepare students for contemporary expectations of commercial art and design professions. Primary software: Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.
This lecture and studio course introduces principles of creative visualization with the use of the computer and pixel based imaging software. Comprehension of key terms and concepts are taught, with projects designed to develop practical software skills and aesthetic development. Emphasis is placed upon working with imagery from digital cameras, scanners, and generating original computer graphics. Topics include photo-retouching, digital drawing and painting, digital montage, color modes, and preparing files for printing and web based display. Primary software: Adobe Photoshop.
This lecture and studio course is focused on the use vector based imaging software for drawing and design. Comprehension of key terms and concepts are taught, with projects designed to develop practical software skills and aesthetic development. Emphasis is placed upon use of vector drawing tools, stylization techniques, and integration with pixel graphics. Topics include simplification of form, technical drawing, pattern creation, and perspective studies. Primary software: Adobe Illustrator.
This course will focus on an introduction to 3D. Students will learn the key features of modeling, animation, lighting, texturing, physic dynamics and camera technique through Autodesk Maya.
This course is an introduction to the process of creating motion graphics. The core applications used in this course are Adobe After Effects, Premiere, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Students will also be creating video content to use in their motion graphics work.
This foundation level drawing course is for graphic design students to gain competency in traditional basic of drawing, including line, shape, tone, and space. Drawing from observation to depict form with accurate proportion and perspective is practiced, as well as creating diagrams to visually communicate in ways that are not directly observable.
This foundation course explores basic graphic design methods, processes, techniques, and formats. Assignments introduce elements, media, and principles of graphic design from historical and contemporary perspectives and emphasize visual representation aimed to communicate ideas and non-visual content. Students will use Adobe's Creative Suite 3 (CS3) software.
LCAD Design students will be required to successfully complete a portfolio review within their sophomore to junior year in order to continue in the design program. This review is mandatory and is designed to assess strengths, weaknesses, and academic readiness to move forward in the program. Students must follow the Advancement Submission Guidelines and File Upload Instructions as provided by the Department Chair.
This course covers user interface and user experience principles, processes, and application. Students will learn the basic skills of UI/UX in order to design digital products such as mobile apps and responsive websites. The goal of the class is to understand and apply the product development steps; starting with research, concept validation, user-focused designs, to file preparation for web developers/engineers. The course will introduce industry-approved tools and programs.
This course covers the history, theory and practice of letterforms and typography they apply to other areas of design, graphics and visual communication. Projects cover principles of typography, letter structure, typeface selection, fundamentals of digital type, and typographic layout.
This studio course in digital image making will challenge students to create thought-provoking and visually stimulating work while learning how to use the computer as a versatile tool for creation and manipulation. A range of projects will be developed while students consider the role of literal and implicit communication, aesthetics, and emotional impact. Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Macromedia Flash (a beginning intro).
This advanced course introduces 3-dimensional computer modeling, concepts, technology and techniques (i.e., 3-dimensional virtual coordinate system, wire-frame, texture mapping, light source and camera positioning, etc.) through assignments that emphasize innovative object or product design and photorealistic representation.
This is an introductory course for the design major requiring conceptual, perceptual, manual, and computational skills to meet studio research into the history of letterforms and layout design. Projects explore compositional and structural aspects of letterforms, as well as various kinds of text layouts and their optical and interpretational effects. Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.
This is an introductory course for the design major. Studio practice explores the use of hierarchy, form, conceptual thinking, visual representation and interpretation, and the elements of communication. Projects address various essential graphic design formats: logotypes, promotional items, editorial design examples, announcements, and a variety of visual styles. Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.
This lecture and studio course examines the use of digital cameras with a focus on essential skills relevant to artist and designers. Technical aspects of the course include principles of photographic exposure, lighting, and working with digital files. Artistic aspects of the course include considerations for effective communication and emotional impact, thematic unity, and image enhancement techniques. Primary software used: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Bridge.
This advanced course requires conceptual, imaginative, manual, and computational skills to meet studio production and research resulting in projects that combine visual identity elements (such as logotypes, color palettes, typographic components, illustrations, and/or photographs). The course emphasizes a contextual approach to developing a brand or a line of products and its package as well as toward understanding the design processes that result in functional three-dimensional package solutions. Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.
This advanced course requires creative, computational, manual and critical thinking skills to meet conceptual and/or visual standards relevant to a comprehensive and strategic brand identity system. This course includes a comparative analysis of the market and of strategic brand positioning to create a visual identity system (for example, creation of a brand-mark, color palettes, brand expression, brand style through typographic, photographic and illustration styles). Brand strategy solutions will include sample applications (examples include environmental graphic design, transportation, apparel, product, packaging, experiential design).
This course focusses on recording, editing, and compositing digital video files. Concepts and techniques of non-linear editing, compositing layers of computer generated imagery and live action video, special effects, camera movements and cinematic points of view, and design of titling and motion graphics will be covered. The work of professional animators, directors, and producers will be screened and discussed. This course covers the operation of video-capable devices and camcorders, including exposure control, use of lighting, and shot types. Techniques for working with title graphics and sound will also be demonstrated and practiced.
This intermediate course explores the underlying principles and elements of letterforms. Also explored are their usage, various grid-based layout systems, and typographic styles. Assignments emphasize visual representations of complex information through various editorial design formats, and are conceived as a means by which to analyze the semiotic function of text and its aesthetic and phenomenal qualities. Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.
This is an introductory course for the design major. Studio practice explores the use of hierarchy, form, conceptual thinking, visual representation and interpretation, and the elements of communication. Projects address various essential graphic design formats: logotypes, promotional items, editorial design examples, announcements, and a variety of visual styles. Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.
This is an advanced level course in the design major that focuses on the methods and principles of communication and the creation of meaningful content through the development of visual symbols, structures, and systems. The course will include extensive design processes, readings and in-depth research, the development and execution of strategic briefs, and both visual and verbal presentations.
This course builds on students existing design and typography skills and sets them in motion. Students in this course learn how to communicate messages by combining video, 3d, animation, and sound. This course focuses on Adobe master suite, After Effects, Maya, Sound Booth, and FinalCut Pro. Students will be storyboarding and executing motion graphics pieces that would be used in high definition television and on the web. Topics include typographic design, alpha channels, keys, masks, compositing 2D and 3D graphics, and video compression.
This course prepares students to enter the professional design industry. Students will create a database of prospective employers in a variety of design-related fields for a self-promotional direct-mail campaign. In accordance with the observed individual needs, students will complete a grand-scale senior thesis project. The emphasis of the senior thesis is for the student to challenge their design and problem-solving skills while developing final portfolio pieces.
This course continues to prepare students to enter the professional design industry. Students will create a database of prospective employers in a variety of design-related fields for a self-promotional direct-mail campaign. In accordance with the observed individual needs, students will complete a grand-scale senior thesis project. The emphasis of the senior thesis is for the student to challenge their design and problem-solving skills while developing final portfolio pieces.
This course is an overview of the Design industry and will include guest speakers and lectures specific to the broad spectrum of potential career paths. Course content will include an introduction to professional organizations, industry employment structures, professional standards, processes, and industry specific history. Fundamental information will be presented on how to gain understanding and identify pathways for a career as well as guidance on how to build a hard and soft skillsets that will support your career trajectory.
This lecture/studio course introduces students to business practices, thereby bridging the gap between the educational experience and the professional world of the graphic designer. Topics include self-promotion, processes and intricacies of finding work, printing processes and collateral, general business guidelines, billing clients, contracts, and professional organizations.
This course is designed to expose students to the basics of video production for the purpose of concept and content creation. Students study techniques and methods for reporting, messaging, and storytelling through video. The interactive course teaches students how to develop stories and how to best structure these stories for Action Sport audiences.
This course serves as an exploration and introduction of the history and culture of action sports. The course provides an overview of the key companies, influential athletes, various sports and key concepts that drive the industry culture and brand. Through the use of lectures and guest speakers, students will gain valuable context for design development and industry knowledge. Guest speakers will include corporate leaders, art directors, athletes and action sport designers.
This course allows students to explore or participate in a class that is specifically focused on a special topic or opportunity. Example: Prints and Patterns – using design skills to understand the development and set up for apparel print and pattern making.
This course covers user interface and user experience principles, processes, and application. Students will learn the basic skills of UI/UX in order to design digital products such as mobile apps and responsive websites. The goal of the class is to understand and apply the product development steps; starting with research, concept validation, user-focused designs, to file preparation for web developers/engineers. The course will introduce industry-approved tools and programs.
This course is designed to empower graphic designers with the knowledge and skills needed to create compelling visual content for a wide range of digital platforms. Through a combination of theory, practical exercises, and real-world case studies, students will gain an understanding of how to engage, inform, and inspire audiences across various online platforms including social media, websites, mobile apps, and emerging technologies. Topics include social media literacy, best practices for digital file distribution, domain name registration, web hosting, and a survey of dominant platforms and technologies that allow for instant, global communication. Software used: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, text-editors, and supplemental open source and third party tools for design and content management.
Color Marketing, and the field of Color, Material and Finish design is one of the fastest growing areas of design that is practiced in numerous different industries including apparel, automotive, consumer electronics, aviation, and almost all consumer goods manufactured worldwide. This discipline is used to create more meaning, emotional connection, and aesthetic value to products of all kind. Most professionals who work in the field come from a variety of backgrounds including graphics, branding, illustration, advertising, industrial and product design. The top global brands like Apple, NIKE, MINI, Beats, use color, materials, and finishes to create products that will succeed in the marketplace, and create more added value, and emotional connection to the products. It is one of the main factors in creating the DNA of any successful consumer product brand.
In this course, we will learn how to design and implement various types of mobile AR experiences (model viewers, interactive objects, image targets, and face filters) using Unity. You’ll learn about the challenges and tactics for creating well designed AR experiences, and build a solid foundation that you can use to create a wide variety of functional, high quality, AR experiences on your phone.
This intermediate course requires conceptual, imaginative, manual and critical thinking skills resulting in conceptual 3 dimensional Industrial Design Product solutions. Utilizing design processes and the principles and practices of Industrial Design, this course focuses on developing innovative and functional products for various industries. Through a combination of lectures, group sketch critique, and hands-on projects, students will learn the fundamental concepts and techniques used in the Product Design process from concept ideation to final product realization. Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.
This course provides the opportunity for students to participate in project planning for location development projects. The course covers the art and science of non-linear production and editing. Students study field-production techniques and methods for developing, reporting, and storytelling through action video. Students learn how working on location, with various elements, impacts the final project and ultimately affect its success. Students are introduced to the production model of editing video for location shooting.
Brand Development will address the cornerstone methods and philosophies of branding. Students will create brand campaigns, media, advertising and branded experiences for both hypothetical and real companies. Projects will use cross disciplinary skills.
This course is an upper level elective where a selected group of students focus on in depth projects. The Honors Team environment simulates that of a working design office, school project or firm. Students take the first step into professional application of their talents through working on advanced more complex or multi-faceted projects individually and as a team. Honors lab looks at the business of design as well as the effect of the designer in business. Projects can also include LCAD material etc. Admission is by portfolio application.
This course addresses the skills and logic needed to conceptualize and extend a brand to environmental applications. Bus wraps, events, retail spaces, billboards, buildings and exhibits are all mediums that have become the domain of the designer. This course focuses on projects that will teach the student how to design for these environments.
This course will allow the student to gain a more in-depth focus on creating and developing the skills needed to create more advanced digital videos (30 second ads marketing/promotional videos, and digital shorts, etc.). Students will learn and use Final Cut Pro, HD camera use, lighting techniques as needed. Students will learn the process needed to conceptualize and create final videos. Some use of special effects will be explored as well as the software used to create these effects.
This course introduces the concepts, methods and skills used in the Action Sports industry.
This lecture and studio course explores the use of digital cameras with a focus on essential skills relevant to artist and designers. Technical aspects of the course include principles of photographic exposure, lighting, and working with digital files. Artistic aspects of the course include considerations for effective communication and emotional impact, thematic unity, and image enhancement techniques. Primary software used: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Bridge.
This is an advanced course that explores, through assignments that emphasize narrative and stylistic qualities of dynamic, time-based presentations, computer modeling and concepts and techniques. Computer application: Maya.
This is an advanced course that emphasizes an innovative contextual approach to the design and development of a product, environment or experience applying the strategies and skills relevant to the field of Colors, Materials and Finishes. A combination of critical thinking, design strategies, material resourcing and rendering skills result in the development of conceptual design solutions and prototypes for products, environments and experiences. The class requires an advanced understanding of conceptual, imaginative, manual, and computational skills to meet studio production and research resulting in projects that combine visual identity elements (such as logotypes, color palettes, typographic components, illustrations, and/or photographs in both vector and 3D rendered applications). Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Cinema 4D, Frame IO, Swatchbook.
This course is for students that have completed Digital Video 1 and want to continue advancing their skills. This class builds upon the knowledge and experience gained from previous projects and allows for more concept development, refined camera work, and with personalized topics related to storytelling, informing an audience, or creating persuasive presentations.
This course builds the on students existing experience and knowledge from Motion Graphics + Visual Effects. Students in this course focus on producing a motion graphics reel to display their work. Students function independently to create several professional level motion graphic animations to supplement the work they have already produced. This course offers more creative freedom so students can explore their own style inside of motion graphics. At the end of the course students will have a reel that will showcase their abilities. This course focuses on Adobe Creative Cloud, After Effects, C4D, Audition, Premiere and Media Encoder.
This course provides the next level of development for the student looking to enter the action sport industry. This class partners with industry to create a more in depth knowledge of the business, terminology, methods and creativity needed. Students will use their knowledge of media, layout and 3D to create complete individual clothing lines or action sport related product.
This course teaches students how to make production ready prints and patterns for apparel or other uses.
This advanced course covers advanced user interface and user experience principles, processes, and application. Students will learn advanced skills of UI/UX building on the basic skills established in UI/UX 1 and 2 in order to design digital products such as mobile apps and responsive websites. The goal of the class is to understand and apply at an advanced level the product development steps; starting with research, concept validation, user-focused designs, to file preparation for web developers/engineers. The course will build on the industry-approved tools and programs.
This internship lab provides students with a supervised, practical learning experience in a work setting that is relevant to their major. Through virtual assignments and workplace projects + training the student will apply what they have learned in their LCAD classes in order to solidify professional goals, test possible career choices, build their networks, and gain a better understanding of employer expectations. This lab is to be taken concurrently with an internship for-credit and is designated as CREDIT/NO CREDIT for up to three (3) units of academic credit. This lab may be repeated one time for credit (a total of 6 units)
This course is designed to empower graphic designers with the knowledge and skills needed to create compelling visual content for a wide range of digital platforms. Through a combination of theory, practical exercises, and real-world case studies, students will gain an understanding of how to engage, inform, and inspire audiences across various online platforms including social media, websites, mobile apps, and emerging technologies. Topics include social media literacy, best practices for digital file distribution, domain name registration, web hosting, and a survey of dominant platforms and technologies that allow for instant, global communication. Software used: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, text-editors, and supplemental open source and third party tools for design and content management.
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