The following are the goals & objectives for this graphic design program.
Goals
1. Encourage the student to take on the role of the graphic designer, taking responsibility for their project as more than just an assignment to turn in, but rather a piece of art that they and their client can be proud of.
2. Give the student the opportunity to use the skills and theories they have been reading about in their textbook (see resources page) and hearing about in class in a practical and realistic way.
3. Allow students a chance to create a piece for their design portfolio, should they plan to pursue more education in the field.
4. Provide an environment where the student can work with a peer in order to conduct a brand meeting in which they will further their feelings of ownership over their project. Each student will take a turn as the client and as the designer (switching with their partner would be one possible method of conducting this in class). This task aims to provide the student with a perspective on both being a designer, and what it's like for their clients to convey their ideas to the artist.
Objectives
1. Conduct a brand meeting with a peer in which they take turns acting as the designer, and as the client. The client selects 10-20 images for the designer to consider as inspiration for the project. There is no submission for this section, but the students will do their best to have a thorough and organized brand meeting.
2. Create a logo for a client using the Illustrator tools reviewed in week one, as well as typography theories learned in the textbook and in week one of the quest.
3. Observe a stationary suite and pick out three elements that have been extended across the suite. Understand the ways in which a brand can extend across different mediums. There is no submission for this section, but the student is encouraged to admire advanced designer's work and see how beautiful and sophisticated branding can be.
4. Create a business card design, as well as a letterhead design for the client. Consider what information is necessary on each piece of business stationary, and explore ways to extend the brand elements across mediums.
5. Create a mock-up for a shopping bag for the client. Consider what makes a piece of packaging attractive and functional and decide on the best ways to present the relevant information.
Relevant Learning Outcomes
1. "Construct a complex document using a variety of page layout and graphic design concepts and tools"
2. "Describe a variety of digital-imaging tools and formats used by industry professionals"
3. "Use the tools available to set basic colour and graphic design characteristics of a file or document to aid viewing and clarify meaning"
See the full curriculum here.
