An introduction to the principles of page layout and graphic design through a systematic study of its

elements of composition, technical means and real world applications. Projects will

incorporate a broad spectrum of creative sources. regular critiques, discussions and presentations. This course will incorporate project work both in and out of class, as well as lecture field trip and research components. Beyond the concepts essential to good design practice, it is hoped that this course will open a window towards self-expression and awareness that can extend beyond the classroom.

daniel beckerprofessor of art

dbecker@gibbsnorwalk.com

}page layout

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Page Layout Syllabus

Instructor: Dan Beckerdbecker@gibbsnorwalk.com

}Course Description This course is an introduction to the principles of two-dimensional design through a systematic study of its abstract elements; line, size, shape, space, value, texture, color, proportion, and scale as pertaining to page layout. This studio course uses both computer and hands on methods to address the language of design in creating dynamic and visually well organized compositions. Projects will incorporate basic design elements into a broad spectrum of creative sources and ways of thinking. Critical thinking and verbal communication skills will be developed by regular critiques, discussions and presentations. This course will incorporate project work both in and out of class, as well as lecture field trip and research components. Beyond the concepts and skills essential to good design practice, it is hoped that this course will open a window towards self-expression and awareness that can extend beyond the classroom.

Course RationaleBecause good composition is at the heart of the act of creating art, this course takes a look at composition and its role in commercial layout. It is a primary and essential life-skill to master if your goal is to be a successful designer or artist, or even if it is not. This course will give you the tools to think visually and to analyze two dimensional space in order to create stunning, dynamic and aesthetically interesting compositions.

Course Objectives Introducing the language of design in order to create successful compositions. To master the visual elements of design in order to provide a foundation for any type of artistic pursuit the student engages in in the future. To aquaint students with aesthetic and conceptual problem solving skills as related to commercial design applicationsTo develop the ability of the student to recognize, evaluate and think critically about good layout and composition To be able to recognize good and bad design in a real world settingTo develop in the student skills in craftsmanship, professionalism, composition and work habits To begin to explore individual style and approach to page layout, materials, techniques and art making in general

Materials: Art Kit Dedicated Sketch Book Flash Drive

Assignments and Grading This is a studio class and as such it is expected that you spend a minimum of 4 hours per week outside of class on relevant assignments. Your projects are due at the beginning of class on critique day. Projects are considered on time if, and only if they are completed in final form at the time of critique. Assignments completed on the same day after the critique will be counted as one class late. Projects can be turned in ONLY on class days. Late assignments will be reduced 10 points, or one full letter grade per class period late. Assignments more than 2 class periods late will not be accepted. Exceptions will not be made unless the instructor has been notified and has discussed with the student extenuating circumstances.

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Page Layout Process BookDueEach Week and Ongoing hroughout the quarter

RequirementsKeep a design process Sketchbook so you can have a tangible record of and place to work on your projects for Design Fundamentals. Research, Notes, Thumbnails and a paragraph description for each project are all required elements in your design process book.

Because the process of design is as important as the products of design, the Design Process book will be worth 10% of your final grade. It will be graded on

ConsistencyNeatnessDepth

RationaleThrough the design process book you will be keeping an active record of your path in becoming a designer. It is a serious part of this class in that it is paramount in the quality of solution you achieve for each project in its finished form. Although it is worth 10% of your grade, because of its potential impact on the depth and quality of your project solutions, it manifests into much more. Use it to the best of your ability.

Instructor: Dan Beckerdbecker@gibbsnorwalk.com

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Page Layout Project 1

Client {American Institute of Architects AIA}

Your client would like you to come up with a series of 3 magazine cover designs for a

magazine that deals with contemporary architecture. They want the magazine to appeal to a

broad range of readers, from students to professionals to collectors, and they are interested in

trying new looks to accomplish this goal.

To complete this assignment successfully you must take into account current architectural

trends via magazines such as Architectural Digest, (available in the library) and research on

the internet. Come up with a simple and direct solution to a new magazine interface (cover)

that is a fresher take on what already exists.

Each member of the class will be creating a series of 3 magazine covers. You as the designer

may take it in whatever direction you choose, so long as it is well thought out. Between each

of your covers there should be a consistentcy of type, style, wording and placement.

However, just as you see with current periodicals, there will be an image change from issue to

issue.

Specifications

Finished Size Maximum 8.5 x 11 (letter) you may experiment with smaller formats within this

requirement (ie) 8 inch square

Materials-- computer generated imagery and type setting

Direction

Your direction for this project will be dictated by necessary research into contemporary

architectural styles, layout and photography. Your results will also be inspired by in class

roundtable brain storming sessions demonstrations and Critiques (Thursday Evenings) and a

possible field trip to Cooper Hewitt Museum of Design. (TBA)

Due

4 weeks

Process

Thorough design process notes outlining your research, class notes, design and artistic

influences and project directions. Step by step progress from week to week utilizing

thumbnails and research utilities.

Professor Daniel Beckerdbecker@gibbsnorwalk.com

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Page Layout Project 2

Client {New York Botanical Gardens}

The New York Botanical Garden would like you to create a simple 2 fold brochure on a

species of plant. The client is looking for a variety of individual design solutions that will

eventually be used in the New York Botanical Gardens Department of Education for the

public to use as a resource.

Your client has specified a mixture of modern type and image treatments and classical plant

illustration. To complete this assignment successfully you must take into account the history

of plant illustration. The results should be informative both visually and verbally.

To make things unique, The Botanical Garder also wants you to integrate found type into the

project--do this with digital or actual photographs, or by bringing in typographic examples to

work with.

Specifications

Finished Size will be 8 inches by 8 inches

Bound with found material

Materials--Combination of collage and computer generated imagery

Direction

Your direction for this project will be dictated by necessary research into your assigned plant

species, the history of plant and biological illustration, and ongoing research into graphic

styles, layout and photography.

Due

3 weeks

Instructor: Dan Beckerdbecker@gibbsnorwalk.com

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Page Layout Project 3

Music Festival Poster

Objectives to Understand

Using type as response, Type as Rhythm, Layered compositions, Choosing color

Due

In 3 Weeks --Final Critique

Size and Materials

11x17 inches

3-5 colors; in marker or acrylic

collaged letterforms from computer print outs

Instructions

Create a Poster for The Mozart Music Festival

First Create an abstract background for your poster by picking one of Mozart's Compositions,

and reacting to it by cropping rotating and overlapping 3 letterforms.

Fill the space with your composition.

Use a color scheme of no more than 5 colors

Once you have your background install the information, and imagery you are using.

Pay special attention to your alignments, font choices and image manipulation.

Your results will be simple and minimal.

In class

Critique project 2

Discussion rhythm, balance and interpretation

Continues historical discussions

Professor Daniel Beckerdbecker@gibbsnorwalk.com

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