BASIC GRAPHIC DESIGN
A study of two-dimensional (2-D) design with emphasis on the visual communication design process. Topics include basic terminology and graphic design principles. Introduction to the fundamentals of design that lead to the discovery and comprehension of the visual language. Form, balance, structure, rhythm, and harmony are studied in black and white and in color. Various media are used. Foundation laid for advanced courses in design.

DESIGN CONCEPTS
Fundamental techniques in conceptualizing. Includes all procedures from initial research to creating strategies to finalizing a project.

Prerequisites: ARTC 1305.

COMPUTER ILLUSTRATION
Use of the tools and transformation options of an industry-standard vector drawing program to create complex illustrations. Includes principles of layout and design and manipulation of text and graphics.

Prerequisites: ARTC 1402 and GRPH 1459

ARTC
1371

DIGITAL IMAGING I
Digital imaging using raster image editing and/or image creation software: scanning, resolution, file formats, output devices, color systems, and image-acquisitions. A solid introduction to Adobe Photoshop with specific attention to practical applications of digital imaging to include preparing images for print (halftone theory) and web output. Gain proficiency with Adobe Photoshop palettes, selections, layers, masks, image editing and painting. Introduction to layer styles, type effects, and filters. Gain specific understanding of image resolution and pixel depth for variety of output needs. Encourage creative studio skills.

BASIC ILLUSTRATION
Introduction to drawing techniques, skills, and concepts using various black and white media. Emphasis on perspective construction of the human figure and principles of shading as they pertain to the illustration industry. Introduction to drawing skills using various media. Includes study of one and two point perspective, fundamental construction of the human head figure, and the principles of shading. Emphasizes natural and technical drawing, and working in both the studio and the outdoor environment. Foundation laid for advanced courses in illustration.

top

DIGITAL PUBLISHING I
An introduction to the fundamentals of using the computer as a primary production tool. Topics include an overview of industry standard software for page layout and design, drawing and image manipulation, and various methods of reproduction for print and electronic delivery. An introduction to InDesign, and other tools and skills used to prepare electronic pre-press art for print reproduction with a goal of economy, neatness and faithfulness to the designer's layout or written instructions. Material covered will include graphic terminology, type specification, and evolution of the printed piece from concept to final printed project.

top

DESIGN COMMUNICATION I
Study of design development relating to graphic design terminology, tools and media, and layout and design concepts. Topics include integration of type, images and other design elements, and developing computer skills in industry standard computer programs. Study of design development pertaining to color theories, publications, and advertising. Projects will emphasize relating form to content through selection, creation and integration of typographic, photographic, illustrative and design elements. Building on computer skills by executing all concepts using QuarkXPress, Illustrator and PhotoShop.

Prerequisites: ARTC 2417.

ILLUSTRATION TECHNIQUES I
A study of illustration techniques in various media. Emphasis on creative interpretation and disciplined draftsmanship for visual communication of ideas. Study of drawing in various contemporary media, from still life, nature, photographs, and the imagination. Emphasizes creative interpretation, memory of observation, and disciplined draftsmanship. Continuation of the study of perspective through the development of perception of appearance and form. Lays groundwork for Advanced Illustration Classes.

Prerequisites: ARTC 1409, or Department Chair approval.

TYPOGRAPHY A study of letterforms and typographic concepts as elements of graphic communication. Emphasis on developing a current, practical typographic knowledge based on industry standards.

Prerequisites: ARTC 1413

SPECIAL TOPICS IN GRAPHIC DESIGN, COMMERCIAL ART AND ILLUSTRATION Topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledge, and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student. This course was designed to be repeated multiple times to improve student proficiency.

Prerequisites: ARTC 1401

top

HISTORY OF COMMUNICATION GRAPHICS
Survey of the evolution of graphic arts as it relates to the history of art. Topics include formal, stylistic, social, political, economic, and historical aspects. Emphasis on the art movement, schools of thought, individuals, and technology as they interrelate with graphic arts. Survey course of the history of commercial art, starting with the visual communication found in the cave paintings through the creation of the letter form and its expansion due to the Gutenberg Press to the present state of commercial art and its impact on world history as it reaches the masses through various media. This course allows students to better understand the context within which graphic artists work.

top

ARTC 2401 ILLUSTRATION TECHNIQUES II
Continued study of illustration media and techniques using digital and/or traditional tools. Emphasis on conceptualization and composition as they relate to "real world" assignments. Advanced study for exploring the different illustration media and their application in general composition or related visual communication media such as magazines, books, jacket covers, etc. Emphasis on experimentation and development of solution to visual problems.

Prerequisites: ARTC 1409 and ARTC 1421.

top

ARTC 2405 DIGITAL IMAGING II
General principles of digital image processing and electronic painting. Emphasis on bitmapped or raster-based image making and the creative aspects of electronic illustration for commercial and fine art applications. This includes an introduction to color management and correction for output to print as well as optimizing images for the web. Intermediate techniques using Adobe Photoshop will be reviewed to gain greater efficiency using masks and channels; pen and vectors; short cuts and actions; type effects; and controlled use of layer styles, blending modes, filters and other special effects..

Prerequisites: ARTC 1402.

top

ARTC 2413 DIGITAL PUBLISHING II
Studio art utilizing layout procedures from thumbnails and roughs to final comprehensive and printing. Emphasis on the effective use of a variety of stylistic approaches to visual communication and the development of effective work habits and studio skills. Advanced projects using computer programs InDesign, Illustrator and PhotoShop with an emphasis on preparing electronic pre-press art for print reproduction, 4-color separation, special effects, stages of the production process, printing economy, and comprehensive application of printing papers.

Prerequisites: ARTC 1413.

TYPOGRAPHIC DESIGN
Exploration of typographic design including computer generated letterforms as elements of design. Includes theory and techniques of traditional, contemporary, and experimental typography. Projects will involve the manipulation of type, use of type accessories and choice of type styles most suited to the page layout. Concept production using Adobe Creative Suite software.

Prerequisites: ARTC 1427.

top

COMPUTER ILLUSTRATION II
Advanced use of software capabilities with emphasis on various output procedures, the resolution of complex design issues, and concept development.

Prerequisites: ARTC 1353.

PRE-CERTIFICATION FOR GRAPHIC ARTS
This is a capstone course for the Graphic Arts Technology degree and certificate. Certification is industry standard excellence that is used to demonstrate the students' product knowledge and expertise. Students will practice graphic arts technology skills and study the topics covered in exam preparation guides.

Prerequisites: ARTC 2448 and ARTC 2405.