CLASS LIST + (GRAPHIC DESIGN)
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The following is a list of the Graphic Design (GR) classes I teach at both the graduate and undergraduate level. Where indicated click to view classroom materials.
Numbers identify intended level of course:
- 00000(F) - 09999 = typically represents skill enhancement / foundation courses
- 10000 – 10499 = typically represent first year courses
- 20500 – 20899 = typically represent second year courses
- 30900 – 31099 = typically represent third year courses
- 41100 – 41299 = typically represent fourth year courses
GR 0015PF
Portfolio Foundations Graphic Design
- The creative professions require innovative individuals with clear vision. Freshmen at The Art Institute of Philadelphia will work together to develop the vision of what makes a successful student and professional. The course begins by welcoming students into The Art Institute of Philadelphia community and helping them integrate into this student environment. Students will become acquainted with college and community resources, explore their goals for success, and work on establishing a visionary course for the development of their professional portfolio. The course concludes with attending the portfolio show of the graduating class.
GR 10120
Fundamentals of Design
- This course will introduce the basic principles of design. Using a variety of materials and techniques, the creative process will be introduced and developed. An exploration of design elements and relationships will establish a basic aesthetic sensitivity. A demonstration of basic tools for learning craftsmanship and presentation skills will be emphasized.
GR 10130
Color Theory
- This foundation course provides an introduction to the principles of color and an exploration of color theory as it relates to design. Optical aspects of color will be covered with an understanding of how the eye reacts to color and light. Proportion in figure/ground contrasts, composition, value scale, and natural color phenomena will be studied through weekly projects. The psychological and cultural aspects of color will be examined for making appropriate design decisions.
GR 10140
Survey of Graphic Design
- This course is an introduction to the history, principles, elements, and vocabulary of graphic design. It is an overview of contemporary design practice and design specialties within the profession. Methods are explored to help identify design objectives and improve graphic communication skills.
GR 10210
Typography I
- Beginning with an introduction to the history of letter forms and the function of typography, this course will also examine the construction and aesthetic application of typographic text and headline display applicable for various media. Typographical principals will be introduced as an essential element of design for creating effective communication. Emphasis will be placed on the appropriate and effective use, treatment, and application of type in a variety of formats.
| k.widra_typography_1_syllabi_for_web.pdf |
GR 10330
Concept Development
- This course identifies the components of the design process. Problem identification and research methods will be explored. Design solutions appropriate to a targeted market will be emphasized. The course will include idea-generating exercises and a concentration on design purpose and function.
GR 10340
Layout Design
- This class will concentrate on utilizing design principals and theories in problem solving, focusing on the importance of layout composition and visual hierarchy. Emphasis will be on the process of design development from rough to comprehensives, layout, and the use of grid systems for multi-component layouts. Design solutions will be executed through the use of traditional methods as well as digital print media applications.
GR 10350
Image Manipulation
- Students develop basic image manipulation skills in a raster-based computer environment. Emphasis in on mastering the fundamentals of scanning, color management, imaging, photo retouching, filters, and masks.
GR 10370
Foundations of Digital Design
- This course bridges the gap between traditional media and methods and digital art and design methods by building on the student’s foundational knowledge of drawing, design, aesthetics, and basic computer operation. In this course students will use a combination of both traditional and digital tools to explore and create compositions that are both expressive and relevant.
| k.widra_foundations_of_digital_design_syllabi_for_web.pdf |
GR 10450
Digital Layout
- This intensive course enhances and advances the students’ understanding of graphic design as a communications tool. Topics covered include composition, visual hierarchy, and the use of grid systems. Building on a basic understanding of design theory and computer-aided design, students will refine their technical and creative skills by generating compelling, informative designs that incorporate both visual and typographic elements.
GR 10460
Digital Illustration
- This intensive course advances the students’ understanding of the computer as an artist tool. Building on previous courses in drawing, concept development, and introductory computer-aided design, students will be asked to generate a number of compelling and expressive solutions that address specific illustrative problems, both technical and creative. As part of this course, students will be given the opportunity to develop their mastery of digital illustration by exploring numerous tools and techniques to obtain desired results.
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GR 10471
Digital Imaging & Manipulation
- This course is designed to teach Photoshop’s vast raster capabilities for varied formats including web and print graphics. Students will create a variety of visual projects with emphasis on advanced image correction, retouching, manipulation, and use of special effects.
GR 20561
Conceptual Imagery
- This course concentrates upon image concepts, content, symbolism, and narrative potential for advanced portfolio applications and provocative expression. Issues of style, consistency, series design, content, and presentation will help students develop a wider range of communication resources.
GR 20571
Typography II
- This course is the continuation in the study of typography, including the classifications previously covered, with a new emphasis on the expressive potential of designing with type. Exercises and projects focus on the hierarchical design skills required for effective and clear communications. Using traditional comping skills and computer generated type; projects will be enhanced through the study of current typographic trends in graphic design.
| k.widra_typography_2_syllabi_for_web.pdf |
GR 20620
Graphic Symbolism
- This course examines the importance of graphic symbols in design. Logos, trademarks, and other symbolic images will be examined in historic and contemporary contexts. Graphic elements including typography, simplified imagery, and abstract shapes will be utilized to create individual logo designs and other symbolic images.
GR 20641
Advertising Layout
- This course exposes students to the subject of out-of-home advertising, point of sale, and sales promotion advertising. Different types of out-of-home advertising associated with manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers will be presented. Descriptions of the types of work produced by advertising agencies and design firms, related to out-of-home advertising materials will be defined and presented in detail.
GR 20761
Product Graphics
- Graphic design principles will be applied to the development of 3D packaging. This course will explore packaging materials, production techniques, processes, and industry guidelines for surface treatments of product design in the context of today’s marketplace. Assignments will demonstrate the functionality of packaging from identification of a product to its consumer appeal.
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GR 20771
Corporate Identity
- The role of communication design in creating a comprehensive corporate identity program is the focus of this course. An analysis of corporate objectives and practical applications will be the basis for developing a structured corporate identity system, including logo design and other business communication applications. Students will conduct an in-depth systematic study of the creation of a Corporate Identity Standards Manual. Students will study and analyze effective Corporate Identity systems through case studies.
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GR 20782
Advertising Design
- This course explores planning, building, and execution of a comprehensive advertising campaign for an existing commercially available product or service. Students will conduct individual and group research, create a thorough analysis of a product in order to design and deliver an effective advertising strategy including visual components in the form of a campaign. Students will construct, draft, create, and present a final sales pitch presentation along with collateral materials. The product will be selected and assigned by the instructor at the beginning of the course. This course will also test students’ abilities to work as a team, build a dynamic and healthy professional atmosphere within a team, and deliver a quality product on time.
| advertising_design_student_example.pdf |
GR 20795
Typography III
- This is the last course of the Typography sequence. It explores and looks at typography as a highly effective visual tool which delivers powerful messages on the visual, intellectual, and emotional level. It will focus on the extensive exploration of the creative process which will include traditional and experimental forms of typographic expression. Emphasis will be placed on students’ experimentation with different media, both digital and non-digital. Students will apply creative typographic solutions to design problems based on historical models and contemporary trends.
GR 20830
Business
- This course is an in-depth study of the business aspects of the graphic design profession including copyright laws, client relations, estimates, invoices, professional business conduct, ethics, networking, and marketing ones’ business. Professional development tools will also be presented including resume writing, personal stationary package design, and proposal and budget writing. Successful professional interviewing skills will be emphasized.
GR 20850
Collateral Design
- The role of graphic design in collateral materials will be introduced and explored with a focus on brochures, billboards, transit cards, point-of-sale materials, point-of-purchase materials, direct mail pieces, sales promotional materials, folders, and multimedia design. Collateral elements will support client formulated positioning statements. The process of developing unified advertising collateral materials involving multiple presentations will be emphasized.
| collateral_design_student_example.pdf |
GR 20860
Portfolio Preparation
- This course will begin the process of assembling a student’s design work for inclusion into a viable portfolio which meets industry standards. Working with an instructor, each student will select representative pieces showcasing work that reflects a unique style. Lectures will cover the importance of professional presentation, arrangement of pieces, complete skill representation, varieties of portfolios, and media usage and techniques. Students will create additional new work as a requirement of the course.
GR 30940
Book Arts
- The art of book design is one of the most important of the graphic design arts, and one that the best designers find an enriching challenge. This course will focus on telling a story using type and images in new and creative ways. We will explore advanced methods of using type such as contrast, scale, fragmentation, and sequencing. We will use images in abstract space to express dynamics such as emotion, time, movement, and thought. A multi-page format will allow the student to develop individual design within each page, and to form a unified visual voice or style throughout.
GR 30950
Information Design
- This course will introduce students to the discipline of information design, with specific concentration on the area of information graphics. Emphasis will be placed on developing, organizing, and delivering complex information content through direct and concise visual representations. Students will explore various methods of representing complex amounts of information through the study of content and concept development. Course topics will include visual representation of statistical and technical information, charts and graphs, and content delivery through various media channels.
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GR 30970
Environmental Graphic Design
- Students will study the theory and practice of environmental graphic design, including educational and cultural exhibitions, retail and service environments, and way-finding systems. Conventions of two- dimensional graphic design such as typography, layout, image use, and visual hierarchy will be expanded into the three-dimensional environment. Elements such as sustainability, scale, light, color, typography, viewer placement, conceptual sketching, 3D model building, and various computer programs will be used to present and define the chosen message.
GR 31010
Editorial Design
- This course acquaints students with professional design practices on the design of double page and multi- page editorial projects. It focuses on the use of design principles and concepts with special attention to the use of the grid and selection and use of typography and images. Students will use their computer skills to generate final output of type and images for editorial projects.
GR 31021
Marketing Design
- This course will explore theories, methods, and strategies for creating effective marketing plans for both products and services by providing concepts of product, price, promotion, positioning, distribution, and benefit as they relate to advertising. Lectures include a review of the target audiences, budgets, types of analysis, and brand strategy while examining various management styles, techniques and trends in the industry. Course includes fieldwork, projects, and presentations.
| marketing_design_student_example.pdf |
GR 31040
Senior Design Studio
- The focus of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to begin research for the most pivotal projects of their academic career, the creation of their Professional Portfolio and the completion of their Senior Thesis Project. This course is driven by the needs of the individual student. Throughout the quarter students will be required to develop a specific creative brief for both projects that outlines in detail their concepts and approach in the creation of each piece. This endeavor will reflect an expansion of the students’ proficiency in all aspects of the design process learned throughout their course work including concept development, critical thinking, and presentation.
GR 41110
Professional Portfolio
- This course focuses on the completion of the portfolio. Working with an instructor, each student will select representative pieces showcasing work that reflects a unique style. Students will demonstrate their conceptual and design abilities as well as their presentation and technical skills to meet professional industry standards. Emphasis will be placed on portfolio presentation, market research, and identifying short and long-term professional employment goals. Students will create additional new work as a requirement of the course.
GR 41120
Art Direction
- This course will examine the role of the art director in producing multi-faceted design projects. Students will also work in teams and coordinate their creative efforts from concept to finished output. By setting professional standards and encouraging teamwork the course will further enhance students’ design, communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
GR 41130
Design Group
- Working in teams, students will utilize their previously acquired knowledge of design, typography, and production techniques to effectively solve communications problems for real world nonprofit clients. Under the guidance of faculty, students will review client needs, generate design solutions and present directly to the client for selection and approval. The client will professionally print the chosen design. *for student design group (C.A.R.E project) click here
GR 41210
Senior Project
- This course requires students to research, develop, and implement a cohesive graphic design plan that will solve a visual communication problem and/or address an issue approved by the instructor. Students will utilize both their graphic design and web skills to create a final project consisting of print and interactive media. Students must present the final visual thesis with a professional oral presentation. Students must demonstrate an understanding of design principles and design theory. A written analysis will be a supplement to the visual presentation.