Introduction to the field of Graphic Design. Subjects include career possibilities, current trends, issues and practices in the industry. The basic theory, techniques and practices involved in solving a visual communication problem will also be introduced.

Overview of the history of graphic design. Emphasis on symbol, type, and image development, from early pictographs to modern communication design.

Provides a basic understanding of how visual structures are created and interpreted. Students study the main components of visual structures, become familiar with basic laws of color, and learn the basics of the gestalt principles of visual organization.

Prerequisite: ART 20A or Pre - Interior Design Major.

Explores the history and perceptual development of typography and its application in design solutions. Theoretical constructs of typography as they relate to legibility, clarity, composition and output will be addressed. Techniques using compositional layout applications will be covered with an emphasis in typographic accuracy and efficiency as well as preparation of digital files for proper output in a variety of digital and analog formats.

Prerequisite: DSGN 4, INTD 20, INTD 25, PHOT 20, PHOT 11, GPHD 5, GPHD 20, GPHD 25, GPHD 30, and acceptance into the major via supplemental application.

Corequisite: GPHD 125

Fee course.

Introduction to the language and perception of design as it is applied to systems. Complex visual structures are created, used in composition and interpreted. Techniques on ideation, design thinking, storyboarding and presentation are covered. Color theory as an integral component of message is addressed. Introduction to project management techniques specific to the creative business and technical processes for graphic design.

Prerequisite: DSGN 4, GPHD 5, GPHD 20, GPHD 25, GPHD 30, INTD 20, INTD 25, PHOT 11, PHOT 20, and acceptance into the major via supplemental application.

Corequisite: GPHD 120

Fee course.

Builds on established research, process, and project management techniques and provides students with the opportunity to focus on a practical investigation in design. Development of both visual and written research material will culminate in an oral presentation and then be applied to an appropriate project. Semiotics as applied to advanced design problems will be discussed. Image making will be stressed in this course as students experiment with techniques and media including, but not limited to, photography and illustration.

Prerequisite: GPHD 130, GPHD 135.

Corequisite: GPHD 140

Fee course.

Advanced study of visual systems as applied to branding and way finding. Construction of visual systems for an expansive multi-dimensional design solutions will be covered. Introduction to methods, techniques, and approaches of emotion-driven brand development. Application of syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic aspects of pictorial design systems to wayfinding system development. Exploration of the interplay between environmental conditions and human culture impact decisions in wayfinding system development.

Prerequisite: GPHD 140, GPHD 145.

Corequisite: GPHD 150

Fee course.

Directed observation and supervised work experience in an approved business, government, or service agency. Internships are offered to increase student understanding of the nature and scope of agency operations and giving students orientation in occupational specialties. Supervision is provided by authorized persons in the cooperating agencies and collaborative supervision is provided by the Graphic Design faculty. Minimum of three hours per week per unit of credit is required. Each student maintains a record of activities and assignments and prepares periodic reports.

Note: Students must make arrangements with a faculty member for a work program prior to admittance. No more than 6 units of GPHD 195 may be counted toward the major.

Prerequisite: Upper division status; GPA of 2.5 or above; GPHD 130, GPHD 135; instructor permission.

Teaches students analog and digital techniques and tools to enable them to apply existing drawing skills to create professional quality visuals and graphics. Students will learn how to create and convert analog visuals (drawings, paintings, etc.) to digital mediums, while exploring ways for applying traditional techniques to new digital interfaces (styluses, tablets, etc.). Class outcomes will enable them to apply a full range of graphic techniques to their existing work as designers.

Prerequisite: GPHD 125

Individual projects or directed projects open to students who wish to attempt independent work.

Note: Faculty approval is required. No more than 6 units of GPHD 199 may be counted toward a Graphic Design degree.