Summary of the Design I 

In this course, students will complete a series of hands-on design projects that mirror real-world tasks performed by professional graphic designers, including logo creation, business card layout, poster design, magazine cover redesign, and a holiday greeting card. Each project reinforces the importance of the creative process—research, sketching, digital production, critique, and refinement—while building essential skills in typography, layout, branding, and visual storytelling. Through these assignments, students will apply the Elements and Principles of Design—such as balance, contrast, emphasis, alignment, and unity—to craft visually compelling work that communicates effectively. These foundational projects prepare students to think like designers and build a portfolio that reflects their creative growth and understanding of design fundamentals.

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Project 1: Personal Logo Design

Objective: Create a personalized, self-promotional logo using primarily typographic elements.

Key Steps:

• Research: Gather visual inspiration and build a mood board.

• Sketches: Develop 15 logo concepts and seek feedback.

• First Draft: Digitize your best sketch; participate in critique.

• Final Logo: Revise based on feedback and export properly.
  
  See Full Project Sheet

Project 2: Business Card

Objective: Design a business card using the logo from Project 1.

Specs:

• Size: 3.5” x 2” (include .125” bleed and safety margin)

• CMYK color mode
  
  

Key Steps:

• Research: Analyze various card layouts.

• Layout: Use InDesign to build your card with required contact info.

• Export: Save as PDF with crop marks and bleeds.

See Full Project Sheet

Project 3: Elements & Principles Poster

Objective: Design a poster showcasing a single design element or principle from Chapter 1.

Specs:

• Size: 11" x 17" with .125" bleed

• Color: Student’s choice
  
  

Key Steps:

• Research & Sketches: Select one element or principle; develop poster ideas and layout.

• First Draft: Create a digital version for critique.

• Final Poster: Revise and submit both digital and printed versions.
  
  

See Full Project Sheet

Project 4: Magazine Cover Redesign

Objective: Redesign a real magazine cover while keeping the masthead/logo intact.

Specs:

• Match original magazine dimensions

• CMYK color mode
  
  

Key Steps:

• Research: Study magazine covers, typography, and imagery.

• Sketches: Maintain article text; reimagine the visual layout.

• First Draft: Digitize and participate in in-class critique.

• Final Cover: Revise based on feedback.
  
  

See Full Project Sheet

Project 5: Holiday Greeting Card

Objective: Design a festive greeting card to be shared with college administrators.

Specs:

• Size: 5x7 or 7x5 (template provided)

• CMYK; includes crop marks

• Print 4 copies for hand delivery
  
  

Key Steps:

• Research & Sketches: Develop theme and concept sketches.

• First Draft: Digitize and present in-class.

• Final Card: Print, cut, and address to:

  • President Fore

  • VP Wilbanks

  • Dean Theresa Strong

  • Professor Balzotti/Mroz
    
    

See Full Project Sheet

InDesign Learning

Focus: Students will work through InDesign Chapters 2, 3, and 5 to develop layout skills essential for projects like the business card, greeting card, and poster.