Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Graphic Design Defined

A. Describe the meaning of graphic design.

1. Types of images (type, drawing, graphics and photography)

2. Visual messages (sender, message, receiver)

B. Describe graphic design in our society.

C. Describe educational needs for graphic designers.

1. Perception

2. Visual organization

3. Design methodologies

4. Aesthetics

5. Visualizing techniques

6. Materials, tools, processes, technology

7. Production techniques

8. Message and content

9. Design theory

10. Historical perspective

    11. Current design trends

II. Graphic Design Field

A. List related disciplines within the graphic design field.

1. Graphic design

2. Typography

3. Photography

4. Illustration

5. Digital/web design

6. Design technology

7. Social media

B. List significant historical developments that influenced graphic design.

1. Major trends in design history

2. Influence of world events on style

3. Influence of technology on style

4. Contemporary developments in design

C. List career specialties in the graphic design field.

1. Advertising

2. Publication design

3. Illustration

4. Type design

5. Exhibit design

6. Interactive design

7. Multimedia design

8. Package design

9. Environmental design

9. Information design

10. Educational design

11. Corporate graphics

12. Identity design

13. Photography

14. Social media design

15. User experience design

III. Graphic Design Professional Practice

A. Identify entry-level through upper-level job positions in the graphic design field.

1. Traditional/digital production designer

2. Interactive designer

3. Illustrator

4. Graphic designer

5. Art director

B. Describe expectations for a typical entry-level job in graphic design.

1. Sample job description

2. Salary range/benefits profile for average

3. Average working conditions (hours, environment, demands, etc.)

4. Promotion opportunities

5. General employment qualifications

 a. Personal attributes

 b. Skills

 c. Portfolio

C. Describe projections for economic growth and job opportunity for the next 3-5 years.

1. Types of job forecasts

2. Geographic locale identified

3. Available information on salaries

4. Source(s) of information

D. Define business issues of importance to the graphic designer.

1. Ethical standards

2. New technologies

3. Pricing and marketing

4. Salaries/benefits

5. Contracts/legal considerations

6. Freelance vs. salaried

E. Describe available professional resources for the graphic designer.

1. Professional organizations

2. Networking

3. Seminars, conferences and workshops

4. Professional publications

5. Internet

6. Video

7. Job placement centers

F. Use vocabulary relating to the graphic design field, including terms related to the following:

1. Disciplines within the field of graphic design

2. Design history

3. Design specialties within the field

4. Job descriptions in graphic design

5. Business issues relating to graphic design

6. Resources for the designer

IV. JCCC Graphic Design Program

A. Career program profile.

B. Identify admission requirements for the JCCC Graphic Design program.

1. Testing

2. Required courses

3. Application

C. Describe portfolio review and explain its importance to the graphic design student major.

D. Describe the internship component of the Graphic Design program and explain its importance to the graphic design major.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Drawing Theory and Methods

A. Visually analyze and accurately draw three-dimensional form applying the principles of linear perspective and drawing fundamental geometric volumes as they relate to visual problem-solving in graphic design.

1. Draw two-point perspective with review of one-point and three-point perspective.

2. Perceive and draw the underlying transparent geometric volumes that form the structure of three-dimensional objects.

3. Analyze the proportion and structure of a single object.

B. Employ the following perceptual methods to describe three-dimensional form and spatial depth.

1. Scale gradation

2. Overlap

3. Figure/ground relationships

4. Line weight and continuity

5. Line and tone

6. Transition between light and shade

C. Apply the vocabulary specific to drawing theory and design principles.

II. Visual Problem-Solving and Drawing Process Methods

A. Practice visual research as a method of visual problem-solving.

B. Apply two-dimensional design principles, drawing theory and techniques and effectively apply in the generation of unique and visually engaging graphic compositions.

C. Practice drawing process methods employed to visually solve problems in graphic design and to achieve a variety of conceptual solutions.

D. Effectively self-evaluate and critique concepts through the practice of iterative drawing and visual problem-solving processes.

III. Drawing Media and Techniques

A. Identify and utilize appropriate drawing media as they apply to visual thinking and problem-solving methods in graphic design.

B. Apply line weight variation to achieve the illusion of visual depth and graphic emphasis.

C. Apply professional quality and finesse of line as it applies to graphic arts.

IV. Attitudes and Work Habits

A. Practice productive work habits as dictated by graphic design professional standards.

1. Study project materials and engage in research and effective note-taking.

2. Attend to detail.

3. Complete project stages on schedule.

4. Maintain a productive work setting.

B. Demonstrate teamwork skills.

1. Problem-solve in groups.

2. Respond positively to supervision.

3. Collaborate with peers and build consensus.

4. Maintain a positive attitude toward tasks and peers.

5. Give and accept constructive criticism and praise.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Form and Content Relationships
   A. Demonstrate an understanding of point of view.
   B. Employ visual balance: symmetry vs. asymmetry.
   C. Utilize relative scale and position in space.
   D. Employ positive and negative shape relationships.
   E. Demonstrate an understanding of emphasis and contrast. 
   F. Appropriately utilize color, value, and texture. 

II. Rendering Design Concepts
   A. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship of the location of
light source to the light, shade and cast shadow of three-dimensional
forms.
   B. Employ the range of values describing light, shade and shadow when
rendering three-dimensional forms. 
   C. Apply perspective theory to attain structural accuracy.
   D. Identify and employ appropriate media and stylistic techniques.
   E. Utilize value and color relationships to communicate concepts.

III. Visual Problem-Solving Methods
   A. Draw thumbnails.
   B. Draw roughs.
   C. Render color studies.
   D. Render comprehensives.
   E. Render finished art.

IV. Attitudes and Work Habits
   A. Demonstrate productive work habits.
      1. Record data
      2. Attend to detail
      3. Complete tasks on schedule
      4. Maintain the work setting
   B. Demonstrate teamwork skills.
      1. Problem-solve in groups
      2. Respond to supervision
      3. Collaborate with peers and build consensus
      4. Maintain a positive attitude toward tasks and peers
      5. Give and accept constructive criticism and praise.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. History of Type
   A. Describe the origins of type.
   B. Trace the evolution of type design (major trends).
   C. Describe and illustrate changing technology of type.
   D. Describe the implications of design trends and technological
innovations.

II. Basic Type Technologies
   A. Define the common and unique terminology of each of the following
typographical processes:
      1. Traditional
      2. Photo typesetting
      3. Digital
   B. Compare and contrast the three typographical processes listed
above.
   C. Design a specific project using traditional press type.
   D. Design projects using digital software, specifically Quark XPress.

III. Layout Content
   A. Define the givens and the variables of the project.
   B. Research the project topic.
   C. Explore potential visual images for the project.
   D. Create the design concept.
   E. Compose the "thumbnails."
   F. Revise selected thumbnails to "roughs."
   G. Select and refine rough.
   H. Edit and produce final version [comprehensive(s)].

IV. Legibility and Arrangements
   A. Recognize and select the appropriate attributes of type fonts.
      1. Type size (text type and display type)
      2. Line length 
      3. Leading
      4. Kerning
   B. Recognize and select the appropriate arrangements of type.
      1. Justified
      2. Rag right
      3. Rag left
      4. Centered
      5. Non-horizontal (diagonal)
   C. Recognize and select the appropriate compositional placements of
type.
      1. Symmetrical
      2. Asymmetrical
   D. Recognize and select the appropriate visual coding of text.
      1. Paragraphs
      2. Indentations
      3. Margins
   E. Recognize and select the appropriate parameters of the compositional
page.
      1. Page size
      2. Material choice
      3. Color selection

V. Design With Type
   A. Describe the basic typographic elements, including:
      1. Texture
      2. Value
      3. Weight
      4. Color
      5. Size
   B. Select the appropriate visual relationships from the basic
typographical elements listed above.
   C. Describe the relational typographic elements, including:
      1. Legibility
      2. Spacing
      3. Leading
      4. Alignment
   D. For specific projects, incorporate various configurations as
described above based on the criteria of the projects given to best solve
the design problem.

VI. Nature of Type
   A. Select and employ the appropriate compositional tools for designing
a project including:
      1. Geometrical (mathematical)
         a. Grid structure
         b. The golden section
      2. Optical/Gestalt principle
         a. Proportion
         b. Contrast
         c. Relationship
      3. Organic forms and patterns from nature
   B. Apply the principles of integral design in creating a project,
including:
      1. Photo
      2. Illustration
      3. Graphic devices, including boarders, bullets, icons, buttons,
patterns, and background

VII. Attitudes and Work Habits
   A. Identify and develop positive attitudes toward tasks and fellow
employees appropriate for the workplace, including giving and accepting
criticism and praise.
   B. Identify and develop productive work habits, including attending to
detail, completing tasks, maintaining the work setting and recording
data.
   C. Identify and develop collaborative/teamwork skills, including
solving problems in groups, building consensus and responding to
supervision.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Photograph Indication Techniques
   A. Employ photographic indication with markers and colored pencils
using:
      1. Textures and surfaces
      2. Black and white   
      3. Full color

II. Lettering and Typography
   A. Describe and utilize the basic principles of typography.
   B. Develop skills using traditional comprehensive lettering using
pencil, ink, markers and liquid media by indicating:
      1. Looping with and without T-square for body copy
      2. Comping display type
      3. Overlay refining systems and copy transfer
      4. Applying basic typographic settings for page layouts
      5. Employ basic typographic measurements in points and picas
   C. Develop skills using electronic type generation in a page layout
program including:
      1. Basic digital typesetting and formatting.
         a. Greeking (lourum ipsum)
         b. Master pages
         c. Paragraph style sheets
         d. Page set-up and printing outputs
         e. Image runarounds
      2. Applying basic typographic settings for page layouts.
      3. Employing basic typographic measurements in points and picas.

III. Applied Grid Systems
   A. Apply the principles and elements for designing advertising layout
formats.
   B. Apply the principles and elements for designing editorial layout
formats.

IV. Research and Resource for Layout Artists and Professional Vocabulary
   A. Establish an "artist's morgue" for idea and photo reference.
   B. Employ various resource materials for development of a visual/verbal
vocabulary.
   C. Implement distillations from research for use with the creative
problem solving processes.

V. Compositional Considerations for Basic Layout Elements
   A. Apply the principles of integral design in creating a project,
including:
      1. Typographic
      2. Representational images
      3. Non-representational images
   B. Apply the stages of conceptualization including: 
      1. Define the givens and the variables of the project
      2. Research the project topic
      3. Explore potential visual images for the project
      4. Create the design concept
      5. Compose the "thumbnails"
      6. Revise selected thumbnails to "roughs"
      7. Select and refine rough
      8. Edit and produce finial version (comprehensive(s))
   C. Apply the selection of appropriate tools.
      1. Traditional
      2. Digital
      3. Various combining of forms and media

VI. Attitudes and Work Habits
   A. Identify and develop positive attitudes toward tasks and fellow
employees appropriate for the workplace, including giving and accepting
criticism and praise.
   B. Identify and develop productive work habits, including attending to
detail, completing tasks, maintaining the work setting and recording
data.
   C. Identify and develop collaborative/teamwork skills, including
solving problems in groups, building consensus and responding to
supervision.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Transition from Conventional to Digital Production
   A. Define conventional reproduction photography.
   B. Trace the history of pre-press, on-press, and post-press.
   C. Define digital reproduction photography. 

II. Color Reproduction
   A. Define flat or match color.
   B. Define four color process.
   C. Identify different forms of proofing and printing options.

III. Material Identification and Quality Inspection
   A. Identify and demonstrate an understanding of the use for the following items:
      1. Line paper print
      2. Line film
      3. Line negative film
      4. Halftone line screens
      5. Printing plate
      6. Blue line
      7. Color Key
      8. Cromalins
      9. Digital proofs
   B. Troubleshoot problems for the above materials which could include:
      1. Overexposure
      2. Underexposure
      3. Processing errors
      4. Handling errors

IV. Enlargement and Reduction
   A. Calculate scaling ratios.
   B. Calculate and demonstrate proper digital reproduction ratios for:
      1. Line art
      2. Continuous tone images
   C. Contrast the differences between resizing and resampling.   

V. Scanning Input
   A. Identify the differences between raster graphics and vector graphics.
   B. Define and delineate the relationship between the following:
      1. Bitmaps
      2. Pixels
      3. Pixel depth
      4. Pixels per inch
      5. Dots per inch
      6. Spots per inch
      7. Lines per inch
   C. Utilize appropriate scanning techniques from both reflective art and transparencies.
   D. Utilize appropriate scanning techniques to produce the following:
      1. Line art
      2. Grayscale
      3. RGB
      4. CMYK

VI. Image Manipulation
   A. Correct an image for reproduction by using the following items:
      1. Levels
      2. Curves
      3. Brightness and contrast
      4. Threshold
      5. Sharpening
      6. Color correction
   B. Demonstrate the ability to work with the following:
      1. Layers
      2. Masks
      3. COB
      4. Clipping Path
      5. Retouching
      6. Merging multiple images
   C. Produce the following types of images:
      1. Posterization
      2. Mezzotint
      3. Combined filters
      4. Duotone

VII. File Management
   A. Articulate the particular purpose for saving work in:
      1. TIFF
      2. EPS
      3. DCS
      4. JPEG
      5. PICT
      6. GIF
      7. PDF
   B. Prepare files using the proper file formats.
   C. Employ managing file size.
   D. Develop managing naming files and arranging files.
   E. Demonstrate saving work to various storage devices to include:
      1. Removable storage disks
      2. Hard drive
      3. Server 
   F. Demonstrate the use of placing files and extracting files from a server.

VIII. The Film Recorder and Building a Queue
   A. Demonstrate the use of the film recorder.
   B.    Create a series of slides by building a queue using the available
software.

IX. Printing
   A. Assemble proper settings for printing a document.
   B. Demonstrate and differentiate between the various printing
technologies to include:
      1. Black and white laser printer
      2. Color thermal wax printers
      3. Color laser printer
      4. Dye-sublimation printer
      5. Ink jet printer

X. Preparation and Completion of a Color Key
   A. Employ stripping procedures with film negatives.
   B. Utilize opaquing techniques to complete the stripping procedure.
   C. Describe and employ the process in developing a color key for line art and halftone. 

XI. Attitudes and Work Habits
   A. Identify and develop positive attitudes toward tasks and fellow employees appropriate or the workplace, including giving and accepting criticism and praise.
   B. Identify and develop productive work habits, including attending to detail, completing tasks, maintaining the work setting and recording data.
   C. Identify and develop collaborative/teamwork skills, including solving problems in groups, building consensus and responding to supervision.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Introduction to Illustration
   A. Identify the following categories of illustration:
      1. Editorial
      2. Book
      3. Advertising
      4. Institutional
      5. Other
   B. Identify illustrators and artists based on their media and
techniques. 

II. Visual Resources
   A. Demonstrate appropriate use of photographs as a visual resource.
   B. Cite and utilize appropriate reference books and professional
periodicals.
   C. Build a visual reference collection file within appropriate
classifications, utilizing a variety of sources.

III. Illustration Techniques, Media and Processes
   A. Demonstrate appropriate ways of working with photographic reference
including the following:
      1. Copyright issues
      2. Color and value interpretations
      3. Enlarging, reducing, combining and altering images
         a. Photocopier  
         b. Laser scanner
         c. Computer programs
         d. Other
   B. Demonstrate the ability to apply traditional media methods and
techniques:
      1. Dry media
      2. Liquid media
      3. Mixed media and collage
      4. Other

IV. Image Development
   A. Appropriately utilize the following visual problem-solving processes
and methods:
      1. Research
      2. Thumbnails
      3. Roughs
      4. Comprehensives
      5. Finished Art
   B. Apply design principles of visual language.   
   C. Employ appropriate combinations of type and image.

V. Attitudes and Work Habits
   A. Demonstrate productive work habits.
      1. Record data
      2. Attend to detail
      3. Complete tasks on schedule
      4. Maintain the work setting
   B. Demonstrate teamwork skills.
      1. Problem-solve in groups
      2. Respond to supervision
      3. Collaborate with peers and build consensus
      4. Maintain a positive attitude towards tasks and peers
      5. Give and accept constructive criticism and praise

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. History of Type
   A. Identify and distinguish between twentieth century type designers.
   B. Trace the evolution of twentieth century type design (major
trends).

II. Typographic Design Considerations
   A. Analyze the nature of type and demonstrate how to design with type
to express an idea.
   B. Employ the principles of legibility to convey a particular idea or
expression.
   C. Explore and utilize various typographic elements.
   D. Select and manipulate relational typographic elements in design
projects.

III. Layout Content
   A. Demonstrate creative conceptualization and problem solving skills.
      1. Define the givens and the variables of the project.
      2. Research the project topic.
      3. Explore potential visual images for the project.
      4. Create the design concept.
      5. Compose the "thumbnails."
      6. Revise selected thumbnails to "roughs."
      7. Select and refine rough.
      8. Edit and produce finial version [comprehensive(s)].
   B. Employ various graphic communication modes in creative projects.
   C. Develop techniques to determine audience response to project
designs.

IV. Applied Grid Systems
   A. Apply the principles and elements for designing advertising layout
formats.
   B. Apply the principles and elements for designing editorial layout
formats.
   C. Explain and accommodate the differences and design grids for paper
and/or the illuminated screen. 

V. Applied Typography
   A. Employ traditional and digital type production systems including:
      1. Type measurements systems using points and picas
      2. Traditional and digital body copy indication    
      3. Copy mark-up/character counting and copy fitting
   B. Interpret the use of type as a design element.
      1. Type as a graphic element
      2.    Type as a pattern or background
      3.    Type as picture element
      4. Type as textural or three dimensional element

VI. Layout Elements
   A. Identify design and production considerations.
      1. Explain traditional tools and materials.
      2. Relate traditional design and materials to digital tools and
materials
      3. Explain and employ digital tools and materials.
   B. Define and select appropriate states of finish.
   C. Select the appropriate function of a layout element and determine
its usage.

VII. Research and Resource for Graphic Designers and Professional
Vocabulary
   A. Establish an "artist's morgue" for idea and pictorial photo
reference.
   B. Employ various resource materials for development of a visual/verbal
vocabulary.
   C. Establish concepts from research and use them with the creative
problem solving processes.
   D. Establish methods for controlling production/cost limitations.

VIII. Attitudes and Work Habits
   A. Identify and develop positive attitudes toward tasks and fellow
employees appropriate for the workplace, including giving and accepting
criticism and praise.
   B. Identify and develop productive work habits, including attending to
detail, completing tasks, maintaining the work setting and recording
data.
   C. Identify and develop collaborative/teamwork skills, including
solving problems in groups, building consensus and responding to
supervision.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Introduction to Graphic Production
   A. Define the stages of production.
   B. Trace the designers role in understanding production methods.
   C. Employ essential professional vocabulary.
      1. Traditional
      2. Digital

II. History of Printing
   A. Trace the traditional printing processes.
   B. Explain the impact of digital processes on the print industry.
   C. Be aware of the future trends that will impact the print industry.

III. Copy Preparation
   A. Employ traditional and digital type production systems including:
      1. Type measurements systems using points and picas
      2. Traditional and digital body copy indication
      3. Copy mark-up/character counting and copy fitting
      4. Digital typesetting
      5. Preparing files for output to an image setter

IV. Preparing Art for Production at All Stages
   A. Research and assemble basic materials for the project.
   B. Develop layout(s).
   C. Utilize copyfitting, appropriate measurements and correct markup.
   D. Generate typography.
   E. Describe consultation with art director, client and printer as
needed.
   F. Generate the mechanical (final art for printing).
   G. Employ electronic prepress techniques.
      1. Spot color trapping and separation
      2. Two color process trapping and separation

V. Production Considerations
   A. Demonstrate general procedures.
      1. Imposition
      2. Binding
      3. Folds
      4. Paper
      5. Inks
      6. Bleeds
   B. Demonstrate color separation for spot or match color.
      
VI. Production Preparation and Printing a Job
   A. Complete costing of the job.
   B. Develop time estimating practices.
   C. Employ sequencing the project.
   D. Employ appropriate tools.
   E. Employ appropriate materials.
   F. Employ appropriate equipment.
   G. Employ appropriate processes.
   H. Employ appropriate techniques.

VII. Attitudes and Work Habits
   A. Identify and develop positive attitudes toward tasks and fellow
employees appropriate for the workplace, including giving and accepting
criticism and praise.
   B. Identify and develop productive work habits, including attending to
detail, completing tasks, maintaining the work setting and recording
data.
   C. Identify and develop collaborative/teamwork skills, including
solving problems in groups, building consensus and responding to
supervision.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. The Production Artist's Job
   A. Define, compare and contrast traditional and digital production
methods.
   B. Describe the importance and methods of collaboration and teamwork
essential for the production artist. 

II. Professional Vocabulary and Sources of Information
   A. Employ essential professional vocabulary.
      1. Traditional
      2. Digital
   B. Employ appropriate sources of information.
      1. Books and Periodicals
      2. Organizations
      3. Service Bureaus
      4. Printers

III. Preparing Art for Production at All Stages
   A. Research and assemble basic materials for the project.
   B. Develop layout(s).
   C. Utilize copyfitting, appropriate measurements and correct markup.
   D. Generate typography.
   E. Describe consultation with art director, client and printer as
needed.
   F. Generate the mechanical (final art for printing).
   G. Employ electronic prepress techniques:
      1. Spot color trapping and separation
      2. Four color process trapping and separation
      3. Preparing graphics for the Web
      4. Preparing presentation graphics (for the computer screen)
   H. Demonstrate costing the job.

IV. Production Procedures
   A. Demonstrate general procedures.
      1. Folds
      2. Bleeds
      3. Binding
   B. Demonstrate specialty procedures.
      1. Embossing
      2. Die cuts
      3. Three-dimensional construction
   C. Demonstrate color trapping.
      1. Spot or match color
      2. Four color process
   D. Demonstrate color separation.
      1. Spot or match color
      2. Four color process

V. Production Issues
   A. Employ appropriate tools.
   B. Employ appropriate materials.
   C. Employ appropriate equipment.
   D. Employ appropriate processes.
   E. Employ appropriate techniques.
   F. Distinguish between digital and traditional methodologies.

VI. The Process for Preparing and Printing a Job
   A. Complete costing of the job.
   B. Produce film separations.
   C. Produce color match proof.
   D. Define plate preparation.
   E. Define press preparation.

VII. Attitudes and Work Habits
   A. Identify and develop positive attitudes toward tasks and fellow
employees appropriate for the workplace, including giving and accepting
criticism and praise.
   B. Identify and develop productive work habits, including attending to
detail, completing tasks, maintaining the work setting and recording
data.
   C. Identify and develop collaborative/teamwork skills, including
solving problems in groups, building consensus and responding to
supervision.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. The Relationship Between and Definition of Visual and Graphic
Communication
   A. Describe the similarities and differences of the following visual
communication methods:
      1. Graphics
      2. Film
      3. Television
      4. Video
      5. Computer
   B. Compare and contrast the following graphic communication forms:
      1. Two dimensional
      2. Three dimensional

II. Information and Persuasion Through Graphic Communication
   A. Solve information communication problems.
      1. Knowledge
      2. Skills
   B. Solve persuasion communication problems.
      1. Attitudes
      2. Preferences
      3. Prejudices

III. Communication to a Variety of Audiences
   A. Compare and contrast mass audience/low literacy issues.
      1. Simplicity
      2. Realism
   B. Compare and contrast sophisticated audience issues.
      1. Education level
      2. Symbolic association
   C. Utilize the communication process.
      1. Research
      2. Analysis
      3. Implementation
      4. Feedback

IV. Signs and Symbols in Graphic Communication
   A. Define, describe and identify signs and symbols including logogram,
phonogram, pictogram and diagram.
   B. Use appropriate signs and symbols in creative projects.

V. Graphic Communication Modes
   A. Explain graphic communication modes including typographic, hand
graphic and photographic.
   B. Employ various graphic communication modes in creative projects.

VI. Evaluation of Communication Systems
   A. Evaluate specific projects for the following criteria:
      1. Semantic (meaning)
      2. Synthetic (graphic)
      3. Pragmatic (reproduction)
   B. Address the preceding criteria in the development of creative
projects.

VII. Attitudes and Work Habits
   A. Identify and develop positive attitudes toward tasks and fellow
employees appropriate for the workplace, including giving and accepting
criticism and praise.
   B. Identify and develop productive work habits, including attending to
detail, completing tasks, maintaining the work setting and recording
data.
   C. Identify and develop collaborative/teamwork skills, including
solving problems in groups, building consensus and responding to
supervision.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Evaluating Graphic Design and Advertising
   A. Define the graphic designer's problem.
   B. Describe and follow the steps in the creative problem solving
process.
      1. Concepting
      2. Thumbnails
      3. Roughs
      4. Comprehensives
   C. Identify the classes of materials the designer works with.
      1. Given materials (products, copy, slogans, logotypes, format,
media, production, etc.)
      2. Formal materials (space, contrast, proportion, harmony, rhythm,
repetition, line, mass, shape, color, weight, value, texture, etc.)
      3. Psychological materials (visual perceptions, optical illusions,
the instincts, intuitions, emotions of the audience, etc.)
   D. Describe the impact of electronic information.
      1. Communicating with clients
      2. Access and copyright issues
      3. Networks, servers and back-ups
      4. Compression of market delivery time

II. Information Vehicles - The Visual Vocabulary
   A. Choose the most appropriate graphic mode for a given problem.
      1. Photography
      2. Illustration
      3. Typography
   B. Employ hand graphic elements as necessary.
      1. Symbols/logos
      2. Charts and diagrams
      3. Maps
      4. Minor graphic elements
   C. Appropriately employ electronic elements.
      1. Fonts
      2. Stock photography
      3. Stock illustration
      4. Clip art

III. Graphic Design Products
   A. Compare and contrast the different types of graphic design products
including:
      1. TV graphics
      2. Corporate advertising
      3. Publications
      4. Educational media
      5. Promotional materials
      6. Exhibition design
      7. Packaging design
      8. Environmental signage
   B. Follow the creative problem solving process to create three projects
selected from the preceding list.
   C. Respond to the projects through professional critiques and
evaluation, including self evaluation.

IV. Attitudes and Work Habits
   A. Identify and develop positive attitudes toward tasks and fellow
employees appropriate for the workplace, including giving and accepting
criticism and praise.
   B. Identify and develop productive work habits, including attending to
detail, completing tasks, maintaining the work setting and recording
data.
   C. Identify and develop collaborative/teamwork skills, including
solving problems in groups, building consensus and responding to
supervision.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Professional Portfolio
   A. Select appropriate level of work and determine the total number of
pieces.
   B. Research and select the appropriate type of portfolio.
   C. Prepare work for the selected type of portfolio.
   D. Rework projects as necessary for the final portfolio.
   E. Reduce work as necessary to fit the scale of the portfolio.
   F. Employ proper photography studio techniques to photograph wall
reliefs and three-dimensional work.
   G. Sequence the work for greatest visual impact.

II. Documentation Digital Portfolio Archive
   A. Employ the appropriate digital imaging storage recording devices
necessary for proper image exposure, calibration, and resolution for
documenting all works in the final digital portfolio archive.
   B. Make duplicate portable storage archives as necessary.
   C. Properly label portable storage archives as directed.
   D. Prepare the portable storage archives for presentation as directed.

III. Professional Resume, Business Ensemble and Self Promo
   A. Collect resume, business ensemble and self promo information.
   B. Select an appropriate type of resume, business ensemble and self
promo.
   C. Write the resume, business ensemble and self promo copy.
   D. Design the resume, business ensemble and self promo.
   E. Produce the resume, business ensemble and self promo.

IV. Professional Considerations
   A. Establish personal and professional goals.
   B. List professional organizations and contacts.
   C. List professional publications.
   D. Demonstrate interview techniques.
   E. Describe how to conduct a job search.
   F. Describe how to evaluate a job offer.
      
V. Attitudes and Work Habits
   A. Identify and develop positive attitudes toward tasks and fellow
employees appropriate for the workplace, including giving and accepting
criticism and praise.
   B. Identify and develop productive work habits, including attending to
detail, completing tasks, maintaining the work setting and recording
data.
   C. Identify and develop collaborative/teamwork skills, including
solving problems in groups, building consensus and responding to
supervision.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Internship Search Techniques
   A. Make phone calls to appropriate potential employers to schedule an
interview.
   B. Conduct personal interviews with potential employers.
   C. Evaluate the internship interviews for comparison and competency.
   D. Identify potential employers to follow-up with correspondence. 

II. Formal Internship Agreement and Related Issues
   A. Negotiate hours and salary with the internship sponsor.
   B. Submit the signed cooperative training agreement at the beginning of
the employment period.  

III. Establishing Evaluation Criteria
   A. Discuss the midterm and final evaluation with the sponsor.
   B. Discuss the midterm and final evaluation with the instructor.
   
IV. Review of Internship Activities
   A. Evaluate the work produced with the instructor.
   B. Evaluate your work habits, including: accepting criticism and
praise, productive work habits, completing tasks in a timely manner,
problem solving (individual or group), and responding to supervision.