Graphic Design: Visual Form

This course introduces students to techniques for decoding and creating graphic messages in a variety of media, and delves into issues related to visual literacy through the hands-on making and analysis of graphic form. Graphic design relies on mastering the subtle manipulation of abstract shapes and developing sensitivity to the relationships between them. Students are exposed to graphics from the late 19th-century to the present in slide lectures. Studio assignments and group critique will foster an individual ability to realize sophisticated forms and motivate these towards carrying specific meanings.

Sample reading list:
Ellen Lupton with Andrew BlauveltGraphic Design, Now in Production
Paul RandDesign, Form and Chaos
Donis A. DondisA Primer of Visual Literacy
Daniel van der Velden and Vinca KrukWhite Knight, Before a Manifesto
Rudolph ArnhemimPerception of Graphic Form

Reading/Writing assignments:
Studio Assignments (one every two to three weeks, overlapping) 2 in-class exercises (one at midterm, one at final)

Other information:
Studio work will be supplemented by critiques, readings and guest lectures as described in the syllabus. All work will be ongoing with periodic reviews, and a complete portfolio is due at the end of class.

Faculty

Sections

U01

Mondays, 1:30 - 4:20 p.m.
Mondays, 7:30 - 9:40 p.m.
Room 303

Instructor(s)

David Reinfurt