Session 1: Welcome to Design Concepts in Communication. Today we will start with introductions and then move on to a discussion regarding the syllabus, course content, and a lecture titled, What is Design?.
In order to reach the course objectives as stated in the syllabus we will design several 2D projects, complete exercises, participate in class discussions, complete reading assignments, and take tests. Through these activities you will learn the basics of design, how to compose 2D content, an understanding of typography, how to apply grids, color theory, and photo manipulation.
Session 2: Today we will begin Adobe Illustrator CC demonstrations and discuss the requirements for the first Exercise #1. Following the discussion I will demonstrate Illustrator Lesson 1.
Illustrator Lesson 1: The Basics
Overview of the interface and basic tools
How to open a new document and define its defaults
Using the selection and direct selection tools
Adjusting and applying stroke and fill to an object
Exercise #1: Good versus Bad Logo Design
Due: Session 1, Week 3 (4 points)
Description:
Compose a page in Adobe Illustrator that displays four existing logos for organizations, products, or businesses. Two of the logos will be logos that you consider to be designed well and the other two will be logos that you consider to be designed poorly. Write a paragraph of copy for each logo that explains why you believe the logo is or isn’t well designed or poorly designed. Use concepts from the Gestalt theory of Perception to support your assessments. Note: Dig deep! Don’t just use the first logos you find on Google. Think about business signs near where you live or products that you use regularly.
Requirements:
1. Find two logos you believe represent good design and two logos you believe represent bad design.
2. Place the good and the bad logos in an 8.5″ x 11″ Illustrator document
3. Write a few sentences explaining why you believe the design is good or bad according to the Gestalt Theory of Perception
4. Upload a PDF of the Illustrator file to the assignment folder on Canvas.
Points Breakdown: (4 points)
1 point is earned for each logo and written explanation
Relevant Resources:
How to make screenshots on Mac OSX
How to make screenshots on Windows