PROGRAMS AND OFFERINGS

Areas of Study • Art Adventure Weekends

2D/3D Fine Arts Portfolio Development
2D Portfolio Development
Animation
Digital Filmmaking
Digital Photography
Fashion Design + Merchandising
Graphic Design
Theatre

Graphic Design

Graphic designers shape our daily lives in a variety of ways—informing and educating the public (posters, publications, web sites and information graphics), creating relationships (branding and product packaging), helping people find where they are going (signage and wayfinding), creating awareness (exhibitions) and providing technical resources (typeface design). In this ever-expanding field, the career choices are diverse.

This course introduces the basic concepts, principles and techniques of graphic design.

Emphasis will be placed on exploring the diversity of skills needed to be a successful graphic designer in any of the career paths offered. Topics covered will include conceptual skills such as idea generation and problem solving, formal skills such as typography and composition, and an overview of the basic software applications for both print and web design. Historical and current practitioners, methods and processes will be explored through classroom projects, exercises and local field trips.

This course requires an open, inquisitive and energetic student who is interested in learning about visual communication in all its forms. No prior knowledge or experience of graphic design or its technologies are required. Students will be working with InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

Students should bring a 6” X 9” notebook for sketching (unlined paper) and pencils to the first day of class. Additional expenses may include printing costs not to exceed $25.

Instructor Bio: Christine Coffey
Christine Coffey is an instructor in the Department of Graphic Design at Virginia Commonwealth University. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from Syracuse University and an MFA in Graphic Design from VCU. She teaches a range of beginning and advanced courses in print and web design that covers topics such as typography, design principles, design theory, imaging, visual narrative, experimental techniques, portfolio development and software for both print and web applications.

Prior to teaching at VCU, Christine was Senior Designer/Art Director at a graphic design firm in Washington, DC that specializes in developing a diverse range of print and web materials. She has worked for clients such as the Smithsonian Institution and U.S. Department of Transportation as well as a variety of non-profit organizations, restaurants and local businesses. Her work has been recognized in a variety of books and award publications including Print Magazine and The One Show.

2010 Applications available in Fall 2009.