instructor: cameron thomas
office: 302c
hours: by appointment
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mon: norman hall g514i > periods 8 - 10 (3pm - 6pm)
wed: fac 114 > periods 8 - 10 (3pm - 6pm)
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This course is structured to explore the language and practice of graphic design at a rudimentary level. By the end of this course students should be able to use graphic design elements as effective visual communications tools. Students will learn basic design skills such as figure/ground, layout, composition and continuity and apply these strategies to design exercises both in and out of class. Students will also be required to research design concepts and ideas as well as materials and techniques leading to a more complete understanding of graphic design. By finding solutions to assigned design problems and participations in critiques, students will develop conceptual and practical design skills. Students will also complete in-class projects to learn time-management skills and brainstorming techniques.
There are no required texts, however I will provide handouts to read. There will also be reading materials at the Fine Arts library from time to time.
The instructional method of this course will include four design projects, lectures, quizzes, a research paper, group discussions and presentations. Participation in all aspects is imperative to your success in this course and will be an integral part of your final grade.
All deadlines and due-dates will be announced in class and posted in handouts. It is your responsibility to be aware of these dates and any changes to the schedule. Not knowing is not a valid excuse. If you have any questions please ask.
The purpose of grading is to clearly and accurately pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of your progress as a designer. In this course you will earn your grade through hard work. You will receive grades on all assignments and will be given a progress report at midterm to prevent any surprises. The mid-term progress report will evaluate progress, note strengths and areas for improvement. Your overall grade will be based on your understanding of the information and ideas discussed, formal and conceptual progress and professionalism during the course.
60% > sum of the projects
10% > sum of all in-class projects
10% > sum of quizzes
10% > research paper
10% > professionalism (participation, motivation, attendance, deadlines)
A (100% - 90%) superior work, all criteria have been surpassed in a distinguished manner
B+ (89% - 85%) very good work, all criteria have been surpassed
B (84% - 80%) above average work
C (79% - 70%) adequate, average work
D (69% - 60%) barely meeting criteria
E (59% - 0%) failure to meet criteria
You are required to keep a Process Book (sketchbook or visual journal) to document your progress throughout the semester. The process book is used for practice exercises, brainstorming (in and out of class), taking notes and keeping any other material having to do with the course. You are strongly encouraged to collect interesting images, shapes, and photocopied materials and glue them in the book. Please bring this to each and every class, as I will ask frequently to see what you have been working on. Feel free to comment on the class, respond to thoughts, ideas, questions, homework, critiques, discussions, readings or any other pertinent topics.
In addition to specific criteria defined by individual project goals, all projects will be graded on their success in the following areas:
1. Concept / Idea > this is the ability to discover and define design problems and issues in a clear and consistent language.
2. Solution > this pertains to the quality of Visual and Conceptual Solution. Factors such as composition, inventiveness, originality, layout and craft will be considered in grading.
3. Class work > you are required to keep all information related to this class in your sketchbook and should photocopy the pages to create a presentation for the process of each project. Quantity (yes, sometimes over quality) and innovation are important factors the more you do, the better your design will be.
4. Craft > I will not accept work that does not meet the required presentation (such as cover sheets). Maimed work will never be received (don't even insult me with torn, soiled or stained work).
Also important in considering project grades:
Completeness and Timeliness. Please do not turn in a project after the specific deadline, as no late projects will be accepted. Failure to meet deadlines will result in a zero. Only in the case of extreme situations that are called to my attention in advance can something be arranged. These excuses must be accompanied with proof. Always plan ahead.
These are small yet thought provoking projects, which will be turned in at the end of the class session. They are not announced so if you are absent the day one is given you will receive a zero for that project. In-Class projects cannot be made up and no late projects will be accepted.
There will be quizzes based on discussion, reading and lecture material. They will not be announced so if you are absent the day one is given you will receive a zero for that quiz. They cannot be made up.
You will need the following:
- Hardbound sketchbook
- Acid free paper
- Matte board (for mounting projects)
- Black ink pens (Rapidograph pens are nice)
- Pencils (a mechanical pencil is best)
- Straight edge
- X-Acto knife
- Storage discs - Zip or USB "Key" Disc
Other items to consider during your graphic design training are:
- A Macintosh Powerbook
- Adobe CS
- Macromedia Studio MX 2004
- Black + white plaka Pelikan
- Black three ring binder 8.5 x 11 x 1.5"
- Bristol board - 2 ply 14 x 17" pad
- Hot press illustration board - 20 x 30"
- Technograph or Derwent Design drawing pencil set
- Strathmore 400-7 14 x 17" drawing pad
- Large kneaded eraser - 2 x 2"
- 100 sheet 14 x 17" tracing paper pad
- Various paint brushes
- Professional Compass Set (with ruling pen)
- Ream typing paper 8.5 x 11"
- Color Aid or Rainbow Pack 6 x 9" (color paper)
- Liquid Paper correction fluid for photo copies
- Box of clear push pins
- Strathmore 400-7 18 x 24" drawing pad
- Large BLACK paper - Canson + Chromarama
- 100 bulk pack #11 xacto blades
- Rubber cement + thinner
- Self healing cutting matte
- Clear sheet protectors (50)
- Black tie portfolio 14 x 17"
- 24" steel metal ruler
- Art bin (tackle box)
Good attendance and punctuality are expected for this class and will strongly affect your grade. Roll will be taken at every class. You will be considered late if you arrive at class after roll has been taken. Every three times you are tardy will equal one unexcused absence. No unexcused absences will be allowed. The third absence will lower your final semester grade by one letter grade. The fourth unexcused absence will lower your grade by two letter grades and so on. A total of seven absences, excused or unexcused, will result in you receiving a failing grade for the course. There are no excused absences for anything but a verifiable death in the immediate family or with a doctor’s note on his/her stationery with a telephone number. The doctor’s note must be presented at the next class.
Always be open and constructive. Critique ideas, not people. No side conversations during presentations or critiques. No instant messaging or working on computers during lectures, discussions or critiques. Also please turn cell phone ringers off during class time.
As a result of completing the registration form at the University of Florida, every student has signed the following statement: “I understand that the University of Florida expects its students to be honest in all of their academic endeavors and understand that my failure to comply with this commitment may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the University. Detailed Academic Honesty Guidelines may be found at http://www.aa.ufl.edu/aa/Rules/4017.htm
Be advised that you can and will be dismissed from class if you engage in disruptive behavior. Students who intentionally act to impair, interfere with, or obstruct the mission, purposes, order, operations, processes, and functions of the University shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action by University authorities for misconduct, as set forth in the applicable rules of the Board of Regents and the University and state law governing such actions. A detailed list of disruptive conduct may be found at http://www.aa.ufl.edu/aa/Rules/1008.htm.
Resources are available on campus for student’s experiencing personal problems or lacking clear career and academic goals, which interfere with their academic performance. Find out more about counseling services here: http://www.counsel.ufl.edu
By continuing participation in this course you acknowledge that you have read and understand these policies. In addition, you agree that you have read and understand this syllabus, attendance and grading policies, and are aware of the Guidelines for use of University Facilities and Grounds for Making and Exhibiting Design (A copy of these guidelines is posted in the School of Art + Art History Office.)
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