Revised 8/202

ART 251 - Communication Design I (3 CR.)

Course Description

Studies the principles of visual communications as applied to advertising in newspapers, magazines, direct mail advertising, house organs, etc. Analyzes the influence of contemporary art on design. Part I of II. Lecture 2 hours. Studio instruction 2 hours. Total 4 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

This course is designed to provide the students the necessary knowledge for successful digital imaging and design composition within the visual communications field. It will explore design concepts that are relevant to image creation and document layout, as well as the current tools and technologies needed to accomplish this.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisites: ART 131 and ART 140.

Course Objectives

Upon the completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  • Integrate design principles into visual communication projects
  • Apply the fundamentals of current industry standard software
  • Prepare digital files based on industry standards
  • Produce digital imagery for visual communication
  • Differentiate between raster and vector graphics
  • Assemble digital files using appropriate technologies
  • Utilize digital files for appropriate output
  • Support critical critiques during class
  • Design digital compositions

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Communicating with digital compositions
  • Creation and editing software
  • Color management
  • Composition techniques
  • Web preparation
  • Print preparation
  • Digital image composition
  • Image source options

Additional Topics

The instructor may elect to concentrate on one aspect of design history, such as graphic design, depending on the direction and requirements of the program. This course content may also be developed into a two sequence. However, it should be stressed that design is a product of its cultural context and must be presented in relationship to all of the other Arts.