Graphic & Web Design

Courses

GWD-100: Design Principles & Color Theory

Credits 3

Students will concentrate on utilizing design principles and theories in problem solving, focusing on the importance of layout composition. Emphasis will be on the process of design development from roughs to comprehensives, layout, and the use of grid systems for multi-component layouts. Critical analysis will be applied through the usage of type and layout to create clear, communicative design. Additionally, students will get an introduction to the principles of color and an exploration of color theory as it relates to print and digital media. Students will also receive an introduction to Adobe Creative Cloud.

GWD-105: Design Technologies

Credits 3

This course will explore the use of Adobe Creative Cloud digital design tools. Students will gain a thorough understanding of design techniques by using tools to create compositions, digital illustrations,  web and print media, and photo manipulation. They will also learn about file types and exports for web and print media.  By the conclusion of this course, students will begin developing a capstone portfolio.

GWD-110: Image Manipulation & Photography

Credits 3

In this course, students explore the principles of photography and the utilization of photography as a means of documenting design projects and portfolio pieces. This course covers the basic principles for lighting, setup and shooting with digital cameras. Students will photograph both two-dimensional and three-dimensional objects, then students will become acquainted with the concepts, hardware, and software, related to digital image acquisition, image editing, manipulation, color management basics, masking, layering, retouching, and output. At the conclusion of this course, students will produce a portfolio artifact that can be added to their developing capstone portfolio.

GWD-115: Typography & Hierarchy

Credits 3

This course will explore printed communication and the use of typography as an exclusive element of design. The course will focus on the development of marketable, original and creative problem-solving solutions with an emphasis on professional presentation techniques. This course includes three distinct areas of learning in the subject of typography: Traditional Typography is an introduction of lettering skills and the history and foundation of letterforms. The placement of display and text type in a formatted space, and the relationship between the appearance and readability of letterforms, are also studied. Students will work in a traditional context of hand-rendering type and will also be introduced to contemporary typesetting technology. Expressive & Experimental Typography is designed to further investigate the power and beauty of expressive typography and its applications. The use of computer software and non-traditional media are explored. Projects will include kinetic typography, unique typeface/font design, and creative title designs. Contemporary Typography will explore the current design trends in typography. The work of contemporary type designers will be analyzed. Emphasis will be placed on experimentation of creative, innovative and new-wave type designing. At the conclusion of this course, students will produce a portfolio artifact that can be added to their developing capstone portfolio.

GWD-120: Page Layout & Composition Design

Credits 3

This advanced course will concentrate on utilizing design principles and theories in problem solving, focusing on the importance of layout composition. Emphasis will be placed on the process of design development from thumbnails to comprehensives, layout, and the use of grid systems for multi-component layouts. Prior learnings in typography, illustration, image manipulation and photography will be combined to create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing page layout system. At the conclusion of this course, students will produce a portfolio artifact that can be added to their developing capstone portfolio.

GWD-125: Digital Illustration

Credits 3

This course advances the students' understanding of the computer as an artist's tool. Building on previous courses in drawing, concept development and introductory computer aided design; students will be asked to generate a number of expressive solutions that address specific illustrative problems, both technical and creative. Emphasis will be placed on meeting deadlines, use of applicable rendering techniques, application of appropriate typography and professional presentation methods. As part of this course, students will be given the opportunity to develop their digital illustration skills by exploring numerous tools and techniques to obtain desired results, including:

Dynamic Digital Illustration will concentrate on advertising illustrations using vector-based applications and explore graphic designs for products and apparel. Editorial Illustration will explore various conceptual illustrators and their visions. Graphic Illustration will concentrate on the application of design elements in a stylized illustration. Attention to detail and rendering techniques will be emphasized and refined. Illustration for Multimedia & Web will help students produce vector-based computer-generated compositions for use in print, web sites, and multimedia products. Throughout the course, attention to detail and rendering techniques will be emphasized and refined. This suggests a focus on honing technical skills and craftsmanship to create polished, professional-grade illustrations.  At the conclusion of the course, students will produce a portfolio artifact that can be added to their capstone portfolio. They will also learn how to select existing projects or determine new ones for their portfolio, as well as how to organize and prepare their design process artifacts for display online.

 

GWD-130: UX/UI Design Foundations

Credits 3

In this course, students will learn foundational theories and principles of User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design while gaining practical proficiency in industry standard design software programs. This course also covers user design process and research. Students will create intuitive digital experiences by applying human-centered design principles, wireframing techniques, and interactive prototypes. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to design compelling user interfaces and create engaging digital solutions, as well as understand user needs, behaviors and how they interact with services.

GWD-200: Digital Design in Marketing

Credits 3

This course provides students with a working knowledge in the growing field of digital marketing. Students will learn about the evolution and purpose of digital marketing, the strategic uses of social media, and how these principles can transform the customer's journey. Students will also gain important industry skills for successful digital design in advertising such as copywriting, creating banner ads, producing promotional displays, and designing logos for products and businesses. At the conclusion of this course, students will produce a portfolio artifact of digital marketing design to enhance a company's product using effective digital media.

GWD-205: Image Manipulation & Photography

Credits 3

In this course, students explore the principles of photography and the utilization of photography as a means of documenting design projects and portfolio pieces. This course covers the basic principles for lighting, setup and shooting with digital cameras. Students will photograph both two-dimensional and three-dimensional objects, then students will become acquainted with the concepts, hardware, and software, related to digital image acquisition, image editing, manipulation, color management basics, masking, layering, retouching, and output.

GWD-210: Digital Illustration

Credits 3

This course advances the students' understanding of the computer as an artist's tool. Building on previous courses in drawing, concept development and introductory computer aided design; students will be asked to generate a number of expressive solutions that address specific illustrative problems, both technical and creative. Emphasis will be placed on meeting deadlines, use of applicable rendering techniques, application of appropriate typography and professional presentation methods. As part of this course, students will be given the opportunity to develop their digital illustration skills by exploring numerous tools and techniques to obtain desired results, including Dynamic Digital Illustration will concentrate on advertising illustrations using vector-based applications and explore graphic designs for products and apparel. Editorial Illustration will explore various conceptual illustrators and their visions. Graphic Illustration will concentrate on the application of design elements in a stylized illustration. Attention to detail and rendering techniques will be emphasized and refined. Illustration for Multimedia & Web will help students produce vector-based computergenerated compositions for use in print, web sites, and multimedia products.

GWD-215: Page Layout & Composition Design

Credits 3

This advanced course will concentrate on utilizing design principles and theories in problem solving and focusing on the importance of layout composition. Emphasis will be placed on the process of design development from thumbnails to comprehensives, layout, and the use of grid systems for multi-component layouts. Prior learnings in typography, illustration, image manipulation and photography will be combined to create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing page layout system.

GWD-220: Graphic Design Capstone & Portfolio

Credits 3

This course brings together the learned design and development concepts for Graphic Design for students to identify, interpret, and implement the roles and responsibilities of digital industry design team members. Web page scripting skills, aesthetic design principles such as page layout, type design, imaging and development of web pages will be used. Students will create mockups showcasing their design work and develop a unique project case study for formal presentation, engaging in a collaborative environment to practice accepting and implementing feedback, further enhancing their effective communication and collaboration skills in preparation for the workforce. As a final capstone, students will design and develop the overall identity for a self-promotional website and digital portfolio showcasing their learnings throughout their graphic design courses at Bryan University.