Graphic design is everywhere: It is the combination of image and type used to convey a message while also considering formal elements and visual impact. In this class, students will develop a passion for design and an understanding of the potential for targeted communication in today's multimedia society.
It's all too common for typography to be given less attention than the other elements of a design concept. In this introductory level class, students will learn about the different schools of thought when it comes to type; learn basic typographical terminology and techniques; discuss what constitutes "good" and "bad" type; and build upon their design vocabulary, while participating in group discussions and critiques.
This class introduces individuals with little or no design background to the graphic design practice. Students work both on and off the computer to complete assignments that explore basic 2D communication principles integrating color, shape, texture, typography, and photography to build a visual language.
Permaculture design uses holistic principles to design living systems that yield benefits without depleting resources. Students will learn the Holmgren principles of permaculture design and map the environmental relationships and ecological requirements of their lifestyles, resulting in more opportunities for self-sustaining permaculture design. / Open to students ages 18 and above.
Required Software: Adobe Creative Suite.
Strongly Suggested Software: Mind Mapping software such as FreeMind (FREE), IMap, or Mindjet.
In every sport, there are moments of power, grace, and transition, many of which go unnoticed by spectators. A successful sports photograph achieves a delicate balance between storytelling and art. Moving beyond basic photo techniques, international sports photographer and an official photographer for the Summer Olympics 2012, Paul Phillips will teach students the tools necessary to effectively capture the excitement and drama of any sporting event—from a child's soccer game to a professional baseball game.
Used by contemporary artists as a means to explore identity, the photographic portrait has moved away from its commercial roots. People make portraits of their friends and family members not just as a historical record of the individual, but also to push the boundaries of what a photograph can say about its subject.
It is often assumed that only professional artists and illustrators can draw well. However, if concerns about artistic quality are eliminated, drawing or sketching can become a powerful communication tool. For example, a quick sketch may more effectively communicate complicated ideas than a one-thousand word document. During this class, students will learn the importance of becoming a visual thinker and how to create an effective quick sketch. In this class students will explore the many creative facets of the quick sketch and learn to develop an individualized style and method.
The storyboard is the first tool used in applying images to a script. During this class, students will learn about the basic mechanics of film and the translation of a script into a storyboard for animation or live-action film.
As creatives, we are always looking for new ways to motivate ourselves, find purpose in our projects, and a sense of fulfillment in our practice. This workshop is built to assist individuals in achieving an ultimate understanding of their personal definition of success, how to manage and set creative goals that are in line with their values, and how to be happy while working toward achieving those goals.
The 1975 exhibition, “New Topographics: Photographs of a Man-Altered Landscape,” was a watershed moment for landscape photography. The genre, which was largely perceived of as merely office decor or an antiquated aesthetic, was reintroduced with a vibrant and contemporary voice. Using this exhibition as inspiration and photography as the medium, the class will delve into humanity's effect upon the natural world, and its effect upon those within it.
MCAD Community Newsletter:
© 2013 Minneapolis College
of Art and Design