The most important measuring stick for a teacher is student work. That is to say, the work that a student does is a direct reflection on the teacher. One of the most difficult but important aspects of teaching design, is creating projects. A good project has to satisfy a number of requirements. At its core, it must provide the student with a vehicle to achieve the learning objectives. The challenging project will engage the student and an exciting project will entertain. But above all, the good project will provide the student with a valuable learning experience. And then ultimately, provide them with something they can put in their book.
Typography
One of the most important skills for a young designer to develop is to become adept at working with type. A good creative director or art director, when reviewing a job applicant’s portfolio, will know immediately whether the person has potential simply from seeing how they handle type. See samples of exercises and projects from typography classes, click here…
Layout
The broad subject of layout is studied through a number of different courses such as publication design, prepress, and page layout. Many topics like typography, grid systems, image manipulation, design process, and production techniques come into play in layout. See samples of exercises and projects from layout classes, click here…
Visual Concept
In the early 60s, advertising became more intelligent. The synergy between the visual and verbal, or the copy and art, became essential to the concept. In the digital age, gaining skill in image manipulation will help the design student prepare to work in this current design and advertising environment. All projects are directed toward the process and solution of design problems rather than just techniques, filters, and effects. See samples of exercises and projects from image manipulation classes, click here…
Logo Design/Corporate Identity
One of the staples of the graphic design business is the logo. Projects and exercises are structured to present variety of theory and techniques. Symbolic, descriptive, and typographic solutions are explored and combined. See samples of logo design and corporate identity projects, click here…
History of Design
Although it is normally an academic course, I’ve added hands-on projects to the study of the history of design. This serves to reinforce the material that the students cover in their reading. Projects have ranged from illuminated manuscripts and linoleum block prints, to printing on a small letterpress. See samples of exercises and projects from history of design classes, click here…
Illustration and Rapid Visualization
Beginning with basic techniques of drawing and illustration, this class emphasizes visual problem solving to portray concepts. Lectures, demonstrations, in-class exercises, and four to five projects are designed to help students develops skills for the advertising and graphic design field. On the final day students present a journal which is a compilation of the entire course. This is a non-computer course with everything required to be done by hand. click here…
Basic Web Design
Basic Web Design isn’t so basic anymore. Now the modern web design student must quickly get beyond the basics of HTML and into the finer points of CSS and Javascript. The curriculum must be constantly updated to keep up with the ever-changing world of new media. The term project for the course is a student portfolio website. click here…
