Multimedia Graphic Design (MGD)

Introduces the basic components of multimedia: text, graphics, animation, sound, and video. Students gain an introductory knowledge of various multimedia and design software programs. Students gain hands-on, technical, conceptual and aesthetic experience pertaining to the creation of multi-dimensional design and time-based media via an array of projects and demonstrations. Students will be introduced to career opportunities within multimedia fields.

Offers an introduction to the principles and techniques of videotape production, including camera operation, basic script writing, lighting, sound and basic digital editing. Detailed examination of the pre-production, production, and post-production processes, as well as aesthetics, will be included.

Introduces the visual thinking skills necessary to understand and use the creative process, develop innovative concepts and forms, and to produce and analyze creative works. The underlying components of creative thinking, the creative process, and the creative economy are of primary concern in this class. This class is about concept development and sketching.

Explores the pivotal events and achievements that have led to the current state of graphic communication. Through lectures, slides, videos, class discussions and research; students discover the creative thinkers, innovations and breakthrough technologies that have shaped the evolution of visual communication, advertising and industrial design today.

Covers the design process and creative problem solving. Design and color theories, fundamentals, styles, stages area applied to workups, finished art, and presentations. Emphasis will be on line, form, composition, and continuity.

Studies lettering and letter forms; the various methods and mediums used in freehand and mechanically-rendered lettering; the design of lettering and practical applications of lettering in the field of graphic design.

Concentrates on the high-end capabilities of Adobe Photoshop as an illustration, design and photo retouching tool. Students explore a wide range of selection and manipulation techniques that can be applied to photos, graphics and videos. Course competencies and outline follow those set out by the Adobe Certified Associate exam in Visual Communication Using Adobe Photoshop.

Concentrates on the high-end capabilities of Adobe Illustrator as an illustration, design and vector drawing tool. Students learn how to use the tools to create digital artwork that can be used in web design, print media, and digital screen design. Course competencies and outline follow those set by the Adobe certified Associate exam in Visual Communication using Adobe Illustrator.

Introduces students to InDesign, a page layout program which integrates seamlessly with other Adobe design programs. InDesign delivers creative freedom and productivity to DTP. Class discussions and independent projects supplement hands-on classroom work.

Introduces the history and concepts of typography as applied to graphic communications. Explores appropriate use of typography in a variety of design applications, emphasizing the basic design principles of typographic compositions and typesetting. Covers type recognition and typographic terms.

Explores techniques in typography, theory, and layout for publication and digital media. This course explores the combination of type and images to create design and communication solutions with a focus on graphic production and includes comprehensive design processes.

Surveys visual communications, its history and impact on society. A foundation course for graphic design and illustration majors and a survey for non-majors who are interested in the field. Assignments require minimal artistic talent

Explores the use of tools, computer graphics techniques and design layout principles to produce professional graphic designs. Studies include printing basics, typography and digital color systems. Students use creative thinking to solve communication and design concepts for the output process.

Teaches students how to work with an illustration and paint software application called Painter. Color and relationships, repeat patterns, animation and digitization are among the topics covered in the course as students explore the possibilities of visual art using computers. Assigned projects cover a wide range of visual approaches. Painter provides an extra competitive edge for students.

Covers the creative problem solving techniques for effective design and advertising continuity. Advanced exploration with design devices, theories and applications will be discussed. Students will continue skills as well as design process development for ideas and concepts through all the layout stages to the finishes presentation.

Covers fundamentals skills and theories of drawing and rendering line structure, form, value, texture, and composition. Application of drawing skills with various media for line quality as well as value and texture interpretations are also covered.

Addresses methods and techniques used in the profession of illustration for advertising, brochures, books and other forms of printed communications. Course concentrates on developing expertise in producing line and continuous-tone black-and-white art with emphasis on design and the creation of art for reproduction.

Addresses methods and techniques used in the illustration profession beyond those covered in Illustration I. Course concentrates on developing expertise in producing color art for reproduction.

Introduces website planning, design, development, and publishing using current web standards and industry tools. Topics include the history of the internet, web industry roles, and the relationships between HTML, CSS, and JavaScript with an emphasis on User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI), accessibility, structured design processes, and file management. The course also covers frameworks and design systems to build, optimize, and publish responsive, multi-page digital experiences.

Explores the creation of animation and dynamic media for web and multimedia applications, conforming to professional standards. Emphasizes the manipulation of time-based media using key-frames, tweens and other technologies related to the specific software being utilized. Also examines the use of scripts to trigger timeline events and create basic interactive behavior.

Encompasses all major aspects of creating 3D characters using animation software. Using developed characters, the student will learn how to animate for personality.

Explores techniques and approaches in the latest delivery methods for web, mobile, and emergent media communication. Students explore digital media outlets such as blogs, podcasts, e-zines and social networks. Concepts in video production, photography, journalism, marketing, advertising, public relations, editing and relevant skills necessary for agile mass communication are introduced. Students create communication pieces for internet-based, mobile, and emergent media.

This course emphasizes the creation of solutions for suggested user tasks and the development of design patterns used in contemporary apps and websites.

Introduces to digital non-linear video editing. Students will capture, compress, edit, and manipulate video images using a personal computer. Assembly techniques including media management, editing tools, titles, and motion control; transitions and filters, and special effects are explored.

Provides the fundamental techniques for creating digital motion graphics such as 2D animations, animated logos, video graphics, etc. Classes cover relevant tools and techniques as well as industry standards, delivery methods and output.

To be determined by the individual instructor. A Course Description will be developed for each course and documented within the course syllabus. Refer to the SFCC Style Guide for Course Description, Required Course Learning Outcome, and Topical Outline guidelines.

To be determined by the individual instructor. A Course Description will be developed for each course and documented within the course syllabus. Refer to the SFCC Style Guide for Course Description, Required Course Learning Outcome, and Topical Outline guidelines.

Studies the artist's role as a visual storyteller, with completion of a finished projects to portfolio. Covers adapting a story into character development, story boarding, visuals, editing and constructing the final drawing. Special attention to specifications, deadlines, reproduction requirements and professionalism.

Introduces the theories and principles that apply to three-dimensional design graphics for packaging and display; various dimensional marketing solutions to create dynamic visual effects concepts will be developed. Work layout stages and mock-ups will utilize various methods of cutting, folding, and assembly to explore the design concepts and their visual effects.

Develops and reinforces image composition techniques learned in Adobe Photoshop I, MGD 111. Fundamentals are continuously reinforced as new design techniques are introduced.

Expands the skillful practice and strategic use of Adobe Illustrator as a vector-based design tool in traditional and emerging workflows.

Explores in detail the electronic prepress process. Students examine steps for preparing a digital file for trapping, output considerations and proofing techniques. Creating effective electronic designs and efficient use of today`s software programs are also covered.

Expands the investigation of typographic form, function and meaning within the context of contemporary visual language. Students will learn to effectively use typography as a solution to many diverse visual language applications. Students will build conceptualization skills while further experimenting with the aesthetic, formal and functional role typography plays in the creation of meaning. Students will learn how type is applied to grid systems and will explore an increasing complexity of content organization, encompassing multipage formats, websites, and systems design considerations.

Develops a more refined visual vocabulary, concentrating only on wet media both monochromatic and full color. Projects are more self-directed with emphasis on research, content composition, and professional expectation of the illustration in the graphic area. Working from both life and photographic subjects, the student will develop skills to achieve control of the painterly illustration media.

Introduces the process of generating computer design

Continues MGD 221 with advanced problems in generating computer design for graphics application, emphasizing production of individual fine art pieces

Addresses the artistic methods and techniques used in the development of sequential art. Course concentrates on developing conceptual and technical skills necessary to produce shorter format comic and comic strip art. Emphasis will be placed on contemporary B&W comic illustration techniques.

Presents a selected overview of the origins and development of narrative illustration as it relates specifically to the genre of comics. Students will explore the fundamentals of developing and illustrating comics, encompassing single panel comics, and word + image based comics.

Continues Illustration II with added emphasis on conceptual development and proficiency in technique.

Covers advanced illustration techniques including manual, computer, and mixed media techniques.

Expands on previously learned fundamentals of HTML introducing cascading style sheets, DHTML, Java Scripts and CGI forms. Color usage and interface design principles are emphasized in this course. In this course we'll examine Web sites that employ more complex structures, optimal site architecture and navigation necessary for larger and more complex sites.

Provides an overview of current open source tools used in the design industry for designing and implementing Web architecture. Course content changes with trends in the industry. Design focus is on information hierarchy in how it pertains to User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Topics include current content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress and/or Drupal, identifying web scripting languages, and an overview of open source programming and database integration.

Stresses the complex creation of 2D animated motion graphics concentrating on the prior skills learned and the use of scripting and behaviors. Students will create motion graphics using these skills and apply them to web sites. Web site justification of motion graphics will be stressed, appraised and weighed.

Provides a project-based introduction of the design process of user experience and user interface. This course emphasizes practical methods and approaches based on user need for solving design problems. Other focuses of the course include user testing and research methods, design prototyping, and design validation.

Examines development of multimedia from a production standpoint. The process of transforming conceptual designs into actual projects is explored. Students study the management function of those tasks associated with the business end of development. Teamwork is emphasized throughout the course.

Looks at the more complex and advanced techniques of digital video editing. Areas of editing such as masking, filtering, blue/green screening, track mattes, and image mattes will be examined. Students will produce a movie project in this class and discuss practical ways to distribute to various audiences.

Provides advanced skills and techniques for creating digital motion graphics. The course covers relevant tools and techniques as well as industry standards, specialized techniques, and additional tools and resources.

Presents a guide to freelance work and a study of business practices and procedures and models unique to creative occupations (graphic design, web design, animation, fine arts). Discussion includes determining charges, business forms, business planning, tax structure, licenses and registration, self-promotion (resume, website, portfolio, business identity package). Course may include visits by professionals in the field and discussion of career opportunities in a quickly changing career field.

To be determined by the individual instructor. A Course Description will be developed for each course and documented within the course syllabus. Refer to the SFCC Style Guide for Course Description, Required Course Learning Outcome, and Topical Outline guidelines.

To be determined by the individual instructor. A Course Description will be developed for each course and documented within the course syllabus. Refer to the SFCC Style Guide for Course Description, Required Course Learning Outcome, and Topical Outline guidelines.