ARTG 281. Graphic Design Production Techniques
Prerequisites: ARTG 280 with a grade of “C” or better.
Credit Hours: (3)
Development of design problem solving skills and current electronic file pre-press
preparation. Basic production for professional and desktop printing.
Note(s): Applied Learning designated course. Students cannot received credit for both ARTG 281
and ART 281.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
This course completes the students’ introduction to graphic design and further develops
and sharpens their critical capacity and understanding of the production process and
how it relates to design decisions. Building on the basics introduced in ART 280,
students will complete studio assignments demonstrating mastery of the software programs
most used by graphic design professionals. Specific areas of investigation include
file preparation for electronic pre-press, scanning and manipulation of line and continuous
tone art, use and specification of type, colors, and layout.
Detailed Description of the Conduct of the Course
Art Graphic Design 281 is organized as both a studio and lecture course. All studio
assignments provide extensive practice in design for professional offset reproduction
and desktop printing. Lectures, texts, videos, and actual printed pieces are all used
to reinforce and illuminate the studio activities. The above emphasize current electronic
pre-press processes and provide an understanding of actual print production and its
relation to design. Studio assignments deal with typography, orderly visual layout,
image manipulation, file preparation, etc.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Upon satisfactory completion of this course, the student demonstrates extended design
problem solving and pre-press production skills and an understanding of the role of
the designer in current print production processes. The student further demonstrates
an increased perception and ability for critical analysis and discussion and presentation
of various graphics.
Assessment Measures
Assessment takes several forms:
1. Two or more written examinations cover the intellectual and manipulative concepts
of the text, demonstrations and studio activities. All exams are objective in nature
and form a significant part of the final evaluation.
2. The various studio assignment solutions are reviewed in terms of appropriateness
to the stated problem, creativity, craft, process, timeliness, etc.
3. Studio assignments receive written evaluations. Individual and group critiques
provide ample opportunity for verbal and written analysis, comparison and conceptualization.
4. Because of the experiential nature of many studio activities and demonstrations,
a strict attendance policy is enforced.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
Revised April 13, 2012
March 01, 2021