OCG - Introduction to Graphic Communications

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School District of Oconee County

Introduction to Graphic Communication

Course Number: 520500CW

The Intro to Graphic Communications program prepares students for careers in the graphic design field. Skills may be applied in any media, such as print, digital media, product design, packaging, etc. Students are expected to combine text and graphics to communicate an effective message in the format intended for commercial reproduction. Students are also expected to use industry software and design concepts, principles, and processes to manipulate text and graphics, utilize and output appropriate file formats for Web and print, and meet client expectations.

 

There are no prerequisites required for this course.
There are no fees associated with this course.

UNIT A: SAFETY PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES

  1. Identify lab policies and procedures.
  2. Identify lab equipment.
  3. Identify contact information for classroom emergencies.
  4. Demonstrate safety procedures used in digital art and design program including safe body mechanics and ergonomics.
  5. Identify all fire exits.
  6. Demonstrate proper workspace cleaning procedures.

 

UNIT B: BASIC DRAWING SKILLS AND MEDIA EXPOSURE

  1. Create line drawings.
  2. Design compositions.
  3. Render artwork using pencil.
  4. Construct a color chart for color theory and harmony.
  5. Create thumbnails and rough sketches.
  6. Prepare photos and artwork for reproduction.
  7. Prepare compositional layout.
  8. Prepare electronic proofs.
  9. Identify various printing processes.

 

UNIT C: TYPOGRAPHY

  1. Identify various forms and styles of typography.
  2. Illustrate x-height, mean-line, base-line, ascenders, descenders, serifs, and leading, as well as their roles in measuring and designing with type.
  3. Illustrate caps, lowercase, uppercase, small caps, and ligatures.
  4. Define dingbats, bullets, rules, glyphs, and symbols, plus their uses in publications.
  5. Distinguish between display (headline) type and body (text) type by their point sizes, styles, and uses.
  6. List the major typefaces/font families and their uses.
  7. Explain letter spacing, tracking, kerning, baseline shift, and horizontal scale.
  8. Demonstrate the type arrangements: flush left–ragged right, flush right–ragged left, centered, justified, force justified, and widows and orphans.

 

UNIT D: PRE-PRODUCTION PRACTICES

  1. Demonstrate skills used when meeting with clients.
  2. Demonstrate project management skills to estimate costs and establish a budget.
  3. List practices used to schedule project workflow.
  4. State the importance of obtaining approval/sign-off.
  5. Demonstrate best practices in concept development including layout and copy.
  6. Maintain an ongoing sketch book/notebook.
  7. Produce draft quality drawings, including thumbnail drawings and rough sketches (integral to the creative process).
  8. Produce a comprehensive layout (integral to the creative process).
  9. Brainstorm a design concept based on customer need and target audience.
  10. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between message, color, typography, images, and layout.
  11. Demonstrate an understanding of corporate identity including how branding affects consumer recognition.
  12. Explain color theory as it applies to design: additive, subtractive, CMYK, RGB, and Web safe.
  13. Demonstrate an understanding of color theory by describing primary, secondary, and tertiary colors including hue, saturation, and lightness.
  14. Demonstrate appropriate use of space (positive vs. negative; size and proportion). 15. Identify elements of design: line, shape, form, space, texture, value, and color. 16. Identify principles of design: contrast, unity, repetition, rhythm, balance, emphasis, and proportion.

 

UNIT E: PRODUCTION PRACTICES

  1. List procedures used to ensure proper execution of a production plan including time log.
  2. Demonstrate various United States Postal Service (USPS) design constraints and provide resources for more information on USPS requirements.
  3. Describe techniques used to monitor, review, and adjust production schedule as necessary to meet quality standards.
  4. Choose appropriate software to create art for end use.
  5. Create original production pieces, meeting goals, timeline, and elements of style and design.
  6. Demonstrate procedures to prepare work for presentation (mounting and craftsmanship).
  7. Critique a layout to determine if it meets the customer’s needs, and suggest improvements.

 

UNIT F: PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINCIPLES

  1. Distinguish between digital and conventional photography.
  2. Utilize design elements in photography composition.
  3. Capture digital images using a scanner and digital camera.
  4. Demonstrate appropriate scanner/program operations for line artwork and continuous tone in both black/white and color.
  5. Identify high/low resolution images and describe the uses of each.
  6. Download a digital image from a stock photography Web site or CD.
  7. Scale a raster image using the proper settings in order to maintain the appropriate resolution for print or Web.
  8. Edit a raster image by using color correction, tone control, cropping, scaling, etc.
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Required Instructional Materials and Resources: (List required materials including SDOC provided textbooks, including any fees that apply, etc.)

  • Computer
  • Digital Camera
  • Online Portfolio Access

Course Summary:

Date Details Due