GRAPHIC DESIGN
Note: The courses listed below are for the two-year diploma program. Subject to funding, UCFV may offer a revised Graphic Design program. See the Graphic Design program outline, or contact the program head at (604) 864-4679 for more details.
GD 101:
Computing for Graphic Design 3 credits
Prerequisites: admission to program
The course introduces the use of desktop computers for graphic design application. Specific software will be systematically demonstrated along with introductory exercises in typesetting, page assembly, image editing, and graphic importing. The creative potential of the computer as a design tool will be explored, although the emphasis will be placed on technical proficiency.
GD 115:
Drawing I 3 credits
Prerequisites: admission to program
The methodologies, materials and media required for visual images within the design process will be systematically introduced and explored. Students will be immersed in basic illustrative techniques and practise and refine their observation skills. The course will also introduce pictorial perspective and anatomical configuration.
GD 116:
Drawing II 3 credits
Prerequisites: admission to program
Students will be encouraged to actively explore and experiment with images, techniques, and materials in order to heighten their observation and communication skills. Projects will relate directly to line, form, composition, perspective, anatomy, and colour. Based on capabilities acquired in GD 115, students will be required to work cooperatively in teams. Aesthetic sensibility, individual and group initiative, together with research will prepare students for more effective visual solutions.
GD 125:
Colour I 3 credits
Prerequisites: admission to program
Utilizing relevant media and techniques through studio exercises, students will learn and practise “state of the art” colour theory. The course emphasizes the mixing characteristics of primary and secondary colours. Attention will be focused on the subtractive and additive qualities of colour as well as their psychological and cultural implications.
GD 153:
Design Fundamentals 3 credits
Prerequisites: admission to program
Students will be immersed in the fundamental elements of design. Through a series of creative exercises they will build a sound visual vocabulary that will allow them to articulate, at later stage of development, complex concepts for any given design problem. Emphasis will be placed on the nature of exploration and discovery together with the practice of basic presentation skills and techniques.
GD 154:
Typography I 3 credits
Prerequisites: admission to program
The anatomy and history of letterforms will be examined from metal type through to the current use of the computer. A strong emphasis on classical traditions will be emphasized as a solid precursor to digital typography. Typographic design assignments will allow for the distinction between modern and old style types as well as their legibility and emotive power.
GD 155:
Electronic Pre-Press I 3 credits
Prerequisites: admission to program
Electronic or digital pre-press refers to the computerized method by which a designer’s final art is produced before it goes to press. This is primarily a technical course that introduces students to pre-press technology. Students will first become familiar with the history and traditional methods of mechanical art production. The basics of electronic pre-press technology, introduced in GD 101, will be reiterated and developed further — namely, the techniques and procedural levels required for accurate preparation of art and design for the printing medium.
GD 161:
Graphic Design I 3 credits
Prerequisite: admission to program
An introduction to the process of developing visual communication pieces for specified audiences. Students will become familiar with the methodology of concept, both written and visual, design, and presentation. Achieving dynamic, original solutions will be emphasized throughout all stages of an assignment. The various elements of design will be practised to help students to build a visual vocabulary. This vocabulary will be applied to realistic assignments. During the design process students will explore their creative potential and learn techniques of presentation.
GD 162:
Graphic Design II 3 credits
Prerequisites: admission to program
The course further investigates the elements of design discovered in GD 161. Assignments will continue to expose students to realistic problems. The process of concept design and presentation will be reinforced with more emphasis on the typographic element of design together with more sophisticated presentation skills.
GD 163 (formerly GD 253):
Typography II 3 credits
Prerequisites: completion of first year
A further investigation into the range of typefaces together with their aesthetic, communicative, and emotive qualities will prepare students for solutions that are contingent upon typography alone. Students will be immersed in realistic assignments where graphic imagery will be treated as a secondary accent.
GD 200:
Business Essentials for Graphic Designers 3 credits
Prerequisites: admission to program
Graphic design students who plan to own their own design consultancy will learn the theory and practice of running a design business. Areas to be investigated include marketing your business, pricing/estimating/invoicing, business planning, sales projections, contracts, and capital and equipment financing.
GD 215:
Illustration I 3 credits
Prerequisites: completion of first year
Students will be introduced to new media and techniques and asked to apply drawing skills acquired in GD 115 and 116. An experimental attitude towards materials and process is encouraged to help students to understand and display the emotive qualities of illustration. Emphasis will also be placed on the communication of both abstract and concrete ideas.
GD 216:
Illustration II 3 credits
Prerequisites: completion of first year
This course will apply drawing skills and conceptual thinking required for a variety of problems that demand illustration. A wide range of media is actively encouraged along with the ability to choose the correct medium including mixed media. A renaissance/experimental approach to the content and technical aspects of illustration is stressed. Research and reference material is emphasized as a basis for the student’s creative approach.
GD 225 (formerly GD 126):
Colour II 3 credits
Prerequisites: admission to program
The practical application of learned colour theory will involve a series of creative studio exercises. Emphasis will be placed on the seven contrasts of colour. Students will utilize a range of media and techniques and will continue to explore the physical characteristics of colour as well as its psychological effect and cultural implications.
GD 255:
Electronic Pre-Press II 3 credits
Prerequisites: completion of first year
The shift to pre-press technology has revolutionized the responsibility of the graphic designer. However, not all artwork is contingent upon the computer. Students will learn and practise more sophisticated techniques in order to prepare their design work for the printing medium.
GD 256:
History of Print 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: SFU, OU, TWU
An assessment of the social implications of developments in information technology, from cave paintings to the microchip. Topics include the origins of symbolic representation, the nature of language in preliterate society, the significance of different systems of writing and numeration, the consequences of print, and the initial changes brought about by electronic media. The general orientation will be towards exploring the relationship between technological and social change, and the cultural and psychological dimensions of literacy.
Note: Students cannot receive credit for both GD 256 and MACS 210.
GD 261:
Graphic Design III 3 credits
Prerequisites: completion of first year
This course accentuates alternate forms of expression — collage, photography, digital design, or any creative avenue that is viable for the printing medium. Realistic assignments will continue to emphasize problem-solving techniques as well as the student’s personal style.
GD 262:
Three-Dimensional Graphic Design 3 credits
Prerequisites: completion of first year
The proliferation of visual materials generated by the information age has meant graphic designers have sought alternate avenues of expression in order to be seen. This course introduces students to the experience of solving problems in three dimensions. Students will experience how the medium affects communication together with conventional modes of package design.
GD 263:
Typographic Design 3 credits
Prerequisites: completion of first year
A deeper approach to solving problems typographically will be investigated. Students will apply their design and typographic vocabulary to finished portfolio pieces. Solutions will utilize hand-crafted type together with digital typography. Emphasis will be placed on developing a renaissance attitude in order to achieve optimum creativity.
GD 264:
Illustration in Context 3 credits
Prerequisites: completion of first year
The skills of an illustrator are required in many different contexts, some of which are unpredictable. This course will demonstrate the versatility that is required to meet these demands. Assignments will allow students to understand and experience the creative impact illustration can have on any given design problem. Assignments will be approached as finished portfolio pieces.
GD 362:
Graphic Design IV 3 credits
Prerequisite: completion of first year
It is expected that all assignments will serve the purpose of a finished portfolio. Fresh, original concepts, together with an innovative design approach and skilled presentation, will prepare students to enter employment. Emphasis will be placed on communication through the individual’s unique creative style. Professional standards and industry requirements will be constantly reiterated.
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