Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Completion of AAD 70 with grade of "C" or better, or completion of AAD 52, AAD 62, and AAD 75 with grade of "C" or better
Advisory: Completion of AAD 60 and AAD 54 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (27 lecture, 63 activity)
Description: Advanced problem solving skills in graphic design across multiple, conceptually-linked assignments. Use of the computer to design effective graphic solutions and materials for print and screen. Research and and analysis of target audiences. Industry standards and procedures for working with art directors and printing service bureaus. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Synthesize the advanced techniques of graphic design across branding, marketing communications, and package design projects.
  • CSLO #2: Create digital files for reproduction and produce print-ready art for offset or digital printing using current computer software.
  • CSLO #3: Utilize appropriate strategies to research and identify target audiences.
  • CSLO #4: Develop appropriate strategies to collaborate professionally with art directors, design colleagues, and printing service bureaus.
  • CSLO #5: Formulate critique of page layout and design strategies used in preparation of designs in terms of composition, storytelling, visual cohesion, and aesthetics.

Effective Term

Fall 2025

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

90

Outside of Class Hours

72

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

Lecture Objectives:

  1. Identify the basic elements and correct use of type;
  2. Identify elements of creating digital files for reproduction, including folds, trim, bleeds, binding and appropriate printer notations;
  3. Demonstrate how to organize and manage multiple related files across a series of projects;
  4. Demonstrate how to work effectively with printing service bureaus;
  5. Identify various legal, ethical, and business issues in the field of design.

Activity Objectives:

  1. Use basic aesthetic principles of layout and design for print in course projects;
  2. Create basic elements and correct use of type;
  3. Use the scanner to import art and photographs into applications;
  4. Crop and edit photographs;
  5. Prepare file for color separations and spot colors or for digital reproduction;
  6. Produce print-ready art for offset or digital printing using current computer software.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • CSU Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Projects
            • Example: Each creative assignment includes specific design problems to be solved by students. Multiple solutions are possible, but students must articulate opinions and reasoned evaluations of the work. Example: Students create a logo for an instructor approved business. Rubric Graded
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: Students will work with specific guiding principles and elements of design to solve design problems with correct use of concept development, research, critical thinking, image preparation, presentation, originality in the design solution and class critique.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Activity
          • Lecture/Discussion
          • Distance Learning

          Activity:

          1. The students will use the content of the lecture to produce digital files for reproduction.

          Lecture:

          1. The instructor will provide a lecture overview of how Identify elements of creating digital files for reproduction, including folds, trim, bleeds, gripper edge, binding and appropriate printer notation. Students are expected to actively participate in the lecture.

          Distance Learning

          1. The instructor will provide an accessible lecture overview along with video and/or images of how to successfully complete projects relating to advanced topics in Graphic Design, such as product design and development. The instructor will demonstrate the use of templates for creating mock-ups for product development Students are required to demonstrate their practice and competency with the techniques through documentation of their product design and development work in video or images that will be submitted via the LMS. In addition, students will then respond to prompts with written submissions to share where they succeeded and where there is room for growth in their practice.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Read section on CMYK color in the printing process from class textbook in preparation for hands-on demonstration/tutorials by instructor in class and for examinations on course content and terms. 2. Develop design themes for projects through library and internet-based research focusing on content, and preparation of written objectives using the concepts and terminology for successful completion of the assignment.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          Assignments, projects and tutorials will emphasize learning of principles and elements of design through projects designed to teach specific concepts. Sample Assignment #1 Creating a Logotype The Project: For this project students will be creating a Logotype treatment for a company or brand name rendered in a specific graphical style, font, or color. Begin by developing a concept in black & white utilizing visual hierarchy, symbolism, and storytelling. When you have developed your design, create two different color versions of the design. Sample Assignment #2 Project Three: Package Design Design a three-dimensional package design that incorporates the brand identity developed earlier in the semester. Designers will need to choose a cut/fold template to apply graphics to, and should demonstrate an understanding of visual hierarchy, typography, and illustration. Surface graphics must also be applied to the (barcode, Ingredients, volume, legalize, etc) in addition to the brand's graphic language. Print and construct the package for critique. Craftsmanship matters.

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          Required Materials

          • Production For Graphic Designers
            • Author: Alan Pipes
            • Publisher: Prentice Hall
            • Publication Date: 2009
            • Text Edition: 5th
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Burns and Cohen
            • Author: DigitalPublishing
            • Publisher: Adobe Press
            • Publication Date: 2015
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Designing Brand Identity: A Comprehensive Guide to the World of Brands and Branding
            • Author: Alina Wheeler
            • Publisher: Wiley
            • Publication Date: March 6, 2024
            • Text Edition: 6th
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Graphic Design Play book
            • Author: Sophie Cure
            • Publisher: Laurence King Publishing
            • Publication Date: 2019
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.