art 200 digital page design SPRING 2012

briar levit blevit@pdx.edu levitpsu.tumblr.com

This studio course introduces concepts, applications, and projects in page composition, document design, color pre-press, text processing, typesetting, page layout, and pagination. Emphasis is placed on workflow and project management for production of documents in print and electronic media.
assignment weighting

Project 1: Soft Grid Poster, 15% Project 2: Card Set 20%

Project 3: Event Program, 30% Project 4: Exhibition Catalog, 35%

Investment: Participation, Preparedness, Professionalism are included in all project grades.

grading scale

A 93% + A- 9092%
at t e n d a n c e

B+ 8789% B 8386%

B- 8082% C+ 7779%

C 7376% C- 7072%

D+ 6769% D 6366%

D- 6062% F 59% -

Arriving late and/or leaving early will result in a half-absence for the class session. Attendance points may not be made up. Students are allotted 2 absences per term without consequence. Each absence above the two will lower the final grade by a 3%. If you miss class, make sure to check my handout rack in the Green Room for anything you missed.
deadlines

Treat your deadlines just as you would treat a professional/work deadline. You will lose 10 points (one full grade) for each class day after the due date that you turn it in.
blogs

For general resources and blog entries of interest posted by me: levitpsu.tumblr.com The class schedule will be shared with you on Google Calendar (I will invite you to join) Hand-outs and files will be placed on the PSU Server Instructions to access it are on the blog under the line get files off server. Department activities/notices are posted on: psu.gd Sign up immediately for the mailing list on the site. Friends of Graphic Design (student group) updates can be found at: gdpsu.typepad.com/aiga Its your responsibility to check these blogs regularly. put these on your bookmarks toolbar.
flickr

Please share your work and offer feedback in our class group. Final images (either photos or digital files) for each project must be posted in this group as well. Please note they are final in the name. Group ART200_SP2012: http://www.flickr.com/groups/1985300@N22/
e m a i l c o n tac t

I will contact you often on email via your psu account. Its extremely important that you check this account regularly or link it to another email account if you prefer using a different one. You can reach me at blevit@pdx.edu.
meeting with me

Appointment-only: 1pm 3pm, Wednesdays Open Hours: 1pm 2pm, Tuesdays + Thursdays Important: If personal issues arise that affect your ability to successfully complete the requirements and/ or to attend class, please notify me as soon as possible so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
computers

Updated on 3/31/12

You are required to bring your computer to class everyday.

art 200 digital page design SPRING 2012

briar levit blevit@pdx.edu levitpsu.tumblr.com

supplies

Please purchase the following (if you havent already): Notebook (style is your choice, big enough to sketch layout ideas in) Red pen (thin point for marking up layouts) 18 cork-backed ruler Self healing mat X-acto blades and handlexs Spray mount (or Letratac) Bone folder

The blog section called tools on the right sidebar, gives images of these if you are unclear.
process books

The process of a design project is incredibly important. A process book is required for projects 24 in this class. In an Itoya presentation booklet (9x12), or similar, (no 3-ring binders) you will collect: Research, both visual and text-based Hand-drawn Sketches Rough digital layouts Mock-ups (with corrections written in) Color explorations Materials tests (testing various papers with the final printer to be used for best end result) Library of images used in project (if applicable) Type studies

This is not busy work, but rather a way for me (and for you) to review your progress/process in the evaluation of your work. If in doubtinclude it! This means, print-outs of image galleries, mood boards, lists, notes, brainstorms, web articles, magazine/book photocopies, any non-computer visual explorations etc. The more, the better.
r at i o n a l e pa p e r s

The ability to talk and write cogently about design is a skill not to be underestimated. You will need to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing with clients/art directors/peers, or you will have a hard time convincing people to take your design recommendations, let alone understanding theirs. Explanations like: I chose that color because it looks cool. arent convincing, and arent backed up by anything more than personal taste. If someone is paying you money for your skill/expertise/talent, they need you to be able to talk to them about it, as well as design it. Verbal and written communication helps you sell your idea (for example: I used this typeface because it is a historical reference to the type used on tonic bottles of the Victorian erathe style which we have appropriated to package this upscale skin care line). Included with each project will be your written rationale for your final design. In this paper, you will note why you made various final design choices: color, scale, paper stock, type selection, historical reference, photo vs. illustration etc. This is not a list or description of all the things you tried. Its an explanation for why you did what you did for the final piece. It is critical that you say why, not what. Your paper should be 300 words or less. Make your words count. Please also make sure you spell check and proofread your papers just as you would for any other college classand more importantly like you would do for an email or document that you would present to an employer/client/colleague. A rationale is required for projects 24.
students with disabilities

Students with disabilities who require special accommodations, those who have any emergency medical information that I should know about, and anyone who may need other special arrangements should discuss these with me no later than the end of the first week of the term. Students with disabilities should register with the PSU Disability Resource Center (503-725-4150) to document their need for accommodations and to obtain support services. If any personal issues arise during the term that affect your ability to successfully complete the course requirements, please notify me as soon as possible so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Updated on 3/31/12

Levit: Example of grading sheet/criteria

Project Management (20%) This encompasses the recording of process through a collection of research, sketches, revisions, and refinement. It also takes in to account your time-management throughout the project. 1. Make deadlines, exhibit good time-management 2. Show research (visual and content) 3. Demonstrate exploration and analysis 4. Show a thorough collection of ideas and their development, through sketches/roughs/revisions 5. Write a rationale with reasons for choices (not summary)

Specific notes about your project will be here, or periodically, I will do handwritten Post-it notes placed directly on the project.

Conceptual Strength (20%) A concept is a well developed idea. Design concepts solve the design problem and address specific audiences and objectives. 1. Solve the design problem 2. Appropriate solution for the audience/specifications 3. Original and creative (developed beyond the obvious) 4. Communicates an idea

Design quality (50%) Typography, composition, color, hierarchy, image-making, and overall form. 1. Demonstrate an understanding of design principles 2. Be well developed: composition and hierarchy 3. Demonstrate an understanding of proper type usage 4. Show sound typographic decisions (appropriate typeface choices and combinations)

Production quality (10%) Manual and technical processes. 1. Pay attention to details and project specifications 2. Have a clean and functional file set-up 3. Demonstrate an understanding of technical specifications for color and final output 4. Show a developed craft and handling of manual tools

Updated on 3/31/12

grade: