What to learn more about graphic design?

Exploring color is just the beginning! While it’s a vital aspect of graphic design, it’s only one piece of the puzzle in this dynamic field. If you’re passionate about creating stunning digital art and making your mark in graphic design, you’ll need a few more essential skills.

Next semester, we’re excited to offer a fantastic lineup of both beginning and advanced classes. Here’s a sneak peek at the courses I’ll be teaching in spring—get ready to elevate your design skills and unleash your creativity!

An overview of the classes I will teach next semester:

GRART 34 Adobe Illustrator-ONLINE (asynchronous)

Many of you have already taken this class, but if you haven't, it is a must-have! This online, asynchronous class is designed to empower your creative journey through the industry-leading vector graphics software. Explore Illustrator's vast capabilities at your own pace, learning to craft visually stunning illustrations, logos, and designs. Delve into a flexible learning environment, where pre-recorded lectures, tutorials, and assignments allow you to master the intricacies of Illustrator on your schedule. Unlock the power of vector-based design, and by course completion, you'll confidently navigate Illustrator's tools, unleashing your artistic potential in the digital realm. Get ready for a transformative experience in Adobe Illustrator, where creativity meets convenience. During the course, you will create logos, t-shirts, and many other design products.

This class fills up quickly! It is the most popular class in the graphic arts department.

There are no prerequisites for this class.

GRART 114 Graphic Design Technologies (in-person)

This dynamic class will unravel the art and science of visual communication, merging artistic expression with cutting-edge technology. Throughout the course, you'll dive into industry-standard software, honing your design skills and gaining practical experience. We'll focus on the unique challenges of designing for print, exploring color theory, typography, and layout principles. Beyond theory, you'll embark on hands-on projects, bringing your ideas to life and receiving valuable feedback. By the end of the course, you'll have a portfolio filled with impactful designs, ready to tackle real-world graphic design challenges confidently. We will have field trips to a local print shop to observe how large-scale commercial printers operate. Your beautiful magazines will be printed on high-quality paper. Each student will receive a printed copy of their magazine.

GRART 32 Digital Documents is a prerequisite for this class. Knowledge of InDesign is required. If you have used InDesign or have taken an InDesign class in another college, you may file a petition for a prerequisite challenge.

Welcome to a journey where technology and imagination collide!

GRART 121 Applied Graphic Design 1

GRART 121 is a perfect continuation of learning typography through hands-on projects. In this class, you'll explore the intricate world of fonts, layout, and type design. Learn the nuances of typography, from historical styles to contemporary trends, enhancing your design finesse. Engage in interactive modules and projects that challenge your typographic creativity. Elevate your understanding of type as a powerful visual element in communication. Get ready to refine your skills, experiment with letterforms, and unlock the secrets of compelling textual aesthetics in this advanced online typography adventure.

As part of the class, we will learn about experimental typography, calligraphy projects, and 3D typography. GRART 113 is a prerequisite for GRART 121, and as a student who has already taken 113, you are ready to enroll in GRART 121.

GRART 123 Applied Graphic Design 3

I am working with the Dean to put this class on the schedule. It is not available yet, but it may be offered as a combined section with 121 if Dean Maher agrees to make both classes asynchronous online.

In GRART 123, you will develop your digital brand. Advanced Illustrator techniques will be taught in the first part of the class. The second part of the class is a project-based class with a special focus on branding and identity creation. Students will work to develop personal identity materials such as their logos, business cards, resumes, and digital portfolios, among other projects. You will become the architect of your brand story! In this virtual journey, you'll unravel the art and strategy behind building memorable brand identities. Dive into the principles of branding, explore visual elements, and craft a unique identity that speaks volumes.

Through hands-on projects, you'll translate concepts into captivating logos, color schemes, and collateral. Get ready to shape your brand narrative and leave a lasting impression. It's time to embark on a transformative adventure in crafting your own distinctive brand identity.

After taking this class, you will have a strong professional presence. You will also have great projects to include in your digital portfolio.

GRART 123 is a required capstone class for a certificate and degree in applied graphic design.

GRART 123 and GRART 121 may be offered as combined sections, but there will be two different Canvas shells for each course.