This is a basic course in writing copy for the graphic industry. Basic grammar rules and punctuation will be reviewed. Instruction will be given in research methods used by copy writers as well as digital methods of typesetting. Guidelines for combining image and type, writing effective headlines, slogans, and body copy for all type of print ads will be included. Communicating with a client and other graphic design professions (i.e., printers, typesetters, manufacturers, etc.) will be covered.

This introductory course into the Macintosh computer explores basic computer skills, with emphasis given to page layout for desktop publishing. Students will learn basic skills using design and illustration, photo-imaging, and page layout software.

This course develops drawing skills necessary for the graphic designer. Emphasis is placed on a variety of black and white techniques useful in communicating to a mass audience. Proper use of line, form, value, perspective, and figurative techniques are studied.

An introductory course dealing with the elements and principles of design, perception, and spatial organization. Design concepts, materials, media, and graphic design processes are explored using traditional and digital methods.

This course will emphasize the application of graphic design elements to various three-dimensional forms. Creative solutions to the design and assembly of product packaging and displays using traditional materials and digital design tools will be explored. Students will conceptualize visually and verbally, sketch ideas in a rough form, and develop final concepts into three-dimensional mockups with computer-generated graphics.

An introduction to the theory and practice of typographic design. The principles of type are studied focusing on letterforms, point size, kerning, leading, and appropriate type selection. The study and identification of type families and categories will be emphasized. Students will learn the typographic elements and techniques by which they can effectively communicate to a mass audience. Instruction will consist of lecture, class discussion, and projects.

This course explains the basic principles of color as applied to pigment, light, and print. Color psychology, symbolism, manipulation, sensation, temperature, harmonies, and packaging stimulate further inquiry into graphic design and client/sales persuasion. The course uses lecture, discussion, and color exercises to explore color theory and application.

This course focuses on illustration as a communication device in developing total design concepts to solve graphic problems of professional scope and complexity in a variety of digital and traditional media. Traditional techniques are utilized to create original illustrations, and then digital techniques are applied to reproduce the illustration digitally using appropriate software. The student will apply the elements and principles of design as well as layout techniques to incorporate the illustration into a final digitized design. (Examples: postage stamp illustration will be digitally reproduced as a sheet of stamps, editorial illustration will be integrated into an editorial page layout, etc). Illustration for all design disciplines (fashion, graphics, product, interiors and environmental) will be discussed as well as illustration trends in the field.

An introductory course in digital animation using Flash software. Creating moving images in the swf file format specifically for use on the Internet will be featured.

An advanced course dealing with the relationship of the designer of different audiences. The potential of graphics as a vehicle for communication in signage, editorials, print, posters, television, radio and displays. Traditional and electronic media will be utilized to develop concepts specific to a client's needs and/or constraints. Design trends will be explored as pertaining to different graphic materials will be discussed.

In this course, the student will develop a portfolio of work that demonstrates the conceptual abilities and technical skills necessary to gain employment in the field of graphic design. Creative marketing and self-promotion techniques will be discussed to assist the student in developing and designing a personal identity package that includes a creative resume, business card, letterhead and personal logo in preparation for seeking employment. Interviewing techniques, business practices, professional associations, resources and job seeking skills, specific to the field of graphic design, will be discussed.

Learn to use a digital camera (yours or ours) along with scanning, studio lighting, and photo restoration. PhotoShop is your darkroom for resizing, cropping, and formatting for print and for web applications.

This course will focus on using the Macintosh computer as an Illustrative/Graphic Design tool. Students will create graphics and illustrations using Adobe Illustrator. The use of design and illustration is emphasized.

This is an introductory course in photo-imaging using the computer, a scanner, a digital camera, and Adobe Photoshop software. Students will learn to create and manipulate photo images and incorporate those images into graphic design. Image quality and the use of photography in the design process will be emphasized.

This course will feature Adobe Dreamweaver software. Students will learn about creating web pages and then create one for their online portfolios. These pages will be linked to the Labette Community College Graphic Design page for use by the students as a web presence for them as they seek employment.

Using QuarkXPress as the platform students will incorporate graphics, scanned images, digital photography and text into advanced design projects. Concept development, design quality, and effectiveness of communication will be emphasized.

This course will focus on pre-press file preparation. Emphasis will be on digital preparation of print files for commercial printing and for online applications.