Revised 08/2020

ART 135 - Visual Communications (3 CR.)

Course Description

Studies intermediate design concepts applicable to all fields of the communication arts. Lecture 2 hours. Studio instruction 2 hours. Total 4 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

This course is a conceptual course that teaches specific creative techniques with which to approach communication needs in a visual context. It is an introduction to the generation of concepts essential to Communication Design.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

ART 131.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 

  • Define the roles and processes inherent in conceptual development and creativity
  • Execute hierarchies within visual communication
  • Research and make word and visual associations
  • Work in groups to use group dynamics as a creative tool
  • Use their imagination to break through the creative wall
  • Create complex projects from concept through execution

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Defining perception
  • How we think
  • How we visually communicate what we think
  • How we perceive others' visual communication
  • What hierarchy is and how we individually understand and use it
  • What is meant by "process" in regard to conceptual development
  • Using research, association, word lists, word webs, image webs and storyboards as elements of process
  • What we think
  • Expanding how we think and create visually
  • Gaining new perspectives to think freely about a creative challenge
  • How others think
  • Working in groups and experiencing group dynamics as creative tools
  • Hitting the creative wall and how to break through to rediscovery, imagination and infinite creativity.