Graphic Design w/Ill Course Listings

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 is a comprehensive drawing course that covers technical and observational skills necessary to create convincing representations of simple and complex still-life forms. Students are introduced to applied perspective drawing to strengthen their ability to communicate ideas using drawing media. Topics covered are composition, creating volume and space utilizing lines as measurement, construction drawing, linear perspective systems and basic light logic. Materials include graphite and charcoal.

This course is an introduction to drawing the human form that explores observational and imaginative drawing techniques using graphite and charcoal. Students work from the draped and undraped model. Emphasis is on accurate representation of the figure utilizing observation with the elements of gesture, measurement, construction line, volume, proportion, and surface anatomy. Materials include graphite and charcoal.

An introduction to illustration and the role of the illustrator in the communication arts field. Through assignments and in-class demonstrations and brief exercises, students will explore the practices and principles of communicating visual concepts and executing successful illustrations. Students will work with a variety of media and surfaces and will be expected to understand the uniqueness and use of each individual material and practice by the end of class. The course will place an emphasis on visual communication and problem solving. Students are expected to come prepared to every class, and to find individual solutions to the illustration “problems” provided them throughout the semester and to successfully execute each project to the breadth of their ability.

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.

A sophomore level course that encourages students to look inward and build toward a professional voice and portfolio as it relates to their future focus as a creative professional. Digital tools and digital media exploration are emphasized as students generate work in response to industry based prompts. Basic motion and animation techniques are covered and continued in IL 336 Sequential Problem Solving. Illustration Voice + Vision will also serve as an introduction and overview to core business practices in Illustration.

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 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.