Syllabus

Course Information
Basic Graphic Design II
DSD-2025-A
January 14–May 6, 2019
Monday 12:10pm–3:00pm
209 E 23 St, Room 303

Instructor
Philip DiBello
philip@noideas.biz

Course Description
This course is an introduction to the various aspects of graphic communication. We will cover concepts, typography, layout and general graphic techniques.
The second semester will be spent utilizing the vocabulary and fundamental design techniques you’ve developed from the first semester. We will move from basic compositional assignments to using design elements to communicate ideas and emotions.
It is important to maintain your craft and dedication from the first semester. It should be inherent to your process at this point. Every line of text should be considered, every grid calculated, every cut perfect. With your craft and work ethic second nature you can focus your studies on creating a body of accomplished visual work, as well as honing your vocabulary to further critically engage in your work and the work of your peers.

“Graphic design—
which fulfills esthetic needs,
complies with the laws of form
and the exigencies of two-dimensional space;
which speaks in semiotics, sans-serifs,
and geometrics;
which abstracts, transforms, translates,
rotates, dilates, repeats, mirrors,
groups, and regroups—
is not good design
if it is irrelevant.

Graphic design—
which evokes the symmetry of Vitruvius,
the dynamic symmetry of Hambidge,
the asymmetry of Mondrian;
which is a good gestalt;
which is generated by intuition or by computer,
by invention or by a system of co-ordinates—
is not good design
if it does not co-operate
as an instrument
in the service of communication. ”
PAUL RAND, The Beautiful and the Useful

Student Expectations
You're expected to complete each assignment in the time permitted. Know there will be general costs required for materials such as paper, foam core and color prints as well as hand tools like knives, blades and rulers. Craft is a critical component to your assignments, understand that frayed, crumpled, ripped and uneven work is not acceptable.
If work will be shown, it should be up on the wall once you walk in. Take pride in your work and display it properly. Hang it with clear thumbtacks and make sure it’s straight and orderly.
You’re expected to engage in critique, both by giving and receiving feedback. Listen and participate during critiques even if what’s being discussed is not your work. The use of any device is not permitted. If you’re seen using a phone or laptop during crit you will be asked to leave the classroom without the option to take your work home.

Attendance Policy
Attendance is mandatory. Unexcused absence is a drop of 1 letter grade.
More than 2 unexcused absence is an automatic F for the semester.
Class starts promptly at 12:10 and no one will be admitted after 12:20.
If you arrive after 12:20 it will be counted as an unexcused absence.

Grading Breakdown
You will not receive a grade for each assignment but you will receive a provisional midterm grade to help you assess your performance. Your final grade will reflect the degree to which you have met the following criteria:

☒ A good understanding of design concepts covered
☒ Thoughtful and personal responses to assignments
☒ A sustained, wide-ranging, experimental process
☒ Responsiveness to feedback (evidence of growth)
☒ Clear articulation of design ideas & intentions
☒ Active and meaningful participation in discussions
☒ Refined craft & presentation
☒ Completion of assignments + attendance
☒ Being present during class time (paying attention)
☒ Exceptional effort and mastery of course material

Each criteria weighs 10% of your final grade. You must exhibit at least 7 criteria to pass this class.

Suggested Books
Grid Systems / Raster Systeme by Josef Müller-Brockmann →PDF
Designing Books by Jost Hochuli →PDF
Detail In Typography by Jost Hochuli →PDF
The Vignelli Canon →PDF
Typographie: A Manual of Design by Emil Ruder
The New Typography by Jan Tschichold
The Elements of Typographic Style by Robert Bringhurst
The Typographic Desk Reference By Theo Rosendorf
Designing Type by Karen Cheng
Design as Art by Bruno Munari

Typography References
ITC
Monotype
Font Shop
Linotype
URW++
Commercial Type
Klim Type Foundry (Kris Sowersby)
Tobias Frere-Jones
Hoefler & Co.
Open Foundry

Students with Disabilities
In order to receive academic accommodations due to a disability, a student must first register with the Office of Disability Services (ODS). Students approved for accommodations will be given an ODS Accommodation Letter to submit to their instructors. If a student does not provide an ODS Accommodation Letter to their instructor, they will not be eligible to receive accommodations in that course. All instructors are required to adhere to SVA’s policies regarding accommodations for students with disabilities. Students who have a need for academic accommodations, or suspect they may have a disability, should contact the ODS via telephone: 212-592-2396, or visit the office: 340 East 24th Street, 1st Floor, New York, NY 10010, or email: disabilityservices@sva.edu.