VCAD: Visual Comm and Desig (VCAD)
VCAD 200. Graphic Design History. (3 Credits)
Exploration of the evolution of graphic communications from prehistoric times to the development of modern graphic design. The uses of and styles of graphic design will be covered. Art & Design Majors Only Course.
VCAD 201. Typography I. (3 Credits)
A study of typography fundamentals. History and development of lettering and type reproduction methods. Exploration of letterform aesthetics and communication value through practical design projects. For Graphic Design majors only. Prerequisites: ARTS 102 and 108.
VCAD 202. Typography II. (3 Credits)
An advanced exploration of typography. Functional and expressive type treatments and the effective implementation of type as a visual communication tool. Emphasis placed on the development of ideas and the ability to communicate them effectively. Introduction to proofreading and editing type. For Graphic Design majors only Prerequisite: VCAD 201.
VCAD 203. Graphic Design I. (3 Credits)
An introductory survey to the professional field of graphic design as related to print, multimedia, entertainment, environmental and other areas of visual communications. Emphasis on fundamental principles and skills with a broad approach to the application of techniques and concepts of the field. Prerequisite: ARTS 102 and 108.
VCAD 205. Graphic Design II. (3 Credits)
An advanced investigation of the professional field of graphic design as related to print, multimedia, entertainment, environmental and other areas of visual communications. Emphasis on the principles and skills of graphic design with a broad approach to the application of techniques and concepts of the field. Prerequisite: VCAD 203.
VCAD 206. Basic Photography. (3 Credits)
An introduction to photography, emphasizing the basic operation of a camera. Students will learn to adjust the settings for exposure, speed, and light conditions. Course includes the regular critiques of student work and discussions of photographic fundamentals. Prerequisites: ARTS 102 or permission of instructor.
VCAD 207. Digital Photography I. (3 Credits)
A digital approach to photography as a communication tool. The course emphasizes the use of the digital camera and photo-correction software and techniques. Course includes the regular critiques of student work and discussions of photographic fundamentals. Prerequisites: VCAD 206.
VCAD 300. Traditional Illustration. (3 Credits)
Emphasis on the fundamentals of rendering images while exploring various media and techniques. For Graphic Design majors only. Prerequisites: ARTS 202 and 208.
VCAD 301. Silkscreen Procedures. (3 Credits)
Introduction to the various silkscreen procedures employed in advertising art and design. Exploration of hand-cut stencils and photographic processes. Prerequisites: ARTS 202.
VCAD 302. Print Design. (3 Credits)
Introduction to the printing process. Examination of commercial printing: the presses, inks, paper, and finishing. The pre-press operations to prepare digital files will be emphasized. Prerequisites: VCAD 202 and 205.
VCAD 304. HTML. (3 Credits)
Exploration of the language and structure of HTML documents, markup techniques, and validation. Topics include text formatting, lists, tables, META tags, and CSS. Prerequisite: VCAD 202 and 205.
VCAD 305. UX/UI Design. (3 Credits)
Introduction to the planning and development of useful, aesthetically appealing interfaces and digital experiences through the effective use of navigation techniques with the creative use of graphics, sound and typography.
VCAD 307. Digital Photography II. (3 Credits)
Students will explore the creative use of digital cameras, and digital printing techniques. Imaging software will be used for editing and printing techniques. Students will learn advanced lighting, cropping, and formatting techniques. Course includes the regular critiques of student work and discussions of photographic fundamentals. Prerequisites: VCAD 207.
VCAD 310. Digital Illustration. (3 Credits)
Creating illustrations for editorial and business communications using traditional and digital media. For Graphic Design majors only. Prerequisites: VCAD 300.
VCAD 312. Print II. (3 Credits)
Designing print media using experimental formats, as well as special multi-media materials and techniques. For Graphic Design majors/minors only. Prerequisites: VCAD 302.
VCAD 314. Motion Graphics. (3 Credits)
Exploration of the effective use of animations in digital design and the graphics software used to make them.
VCAD 315. Publication Design. (3 Credits)
Analysis of professional design studio problems and processes related to publication design. Integrating cohesive design solutions, strategies, grid structures, layouts and compositions throughout multi-page formats. For Art & Design majors only. Prerequisites: VCAD 202 and 205.
VCAD 400. Editorial Illustration. (3 Credits)
Course devoted to generating commercial illustrations based on printed and digital publications with an understanding of the history of editorial illustration and its role in commercial art today. Contracts and forms, time management, client relationships and current trends are explored. Prerequisite: VCAD 310.
VCAD 401. Web Design II. (3 Credits)
Advanced work in the planning and development of useful, aesthetically appealing web sites. Students will learn the effects of browser choices and computing platforms on their design choices and should gain a critical eye for evaluating web site designs. Prerequisite: VCAD 305.
VCAD 410. Visual Narrative. (3 Credits)
Illustration-heavy course devoted to exploring the art of visual storytelling and character development. Proficiency in digital and traditional illustration required. Prerequisite: VCAD 400.
VCAD 411. Web Design III. (3 Credits)
Continuing in-depth study of web design formats and techniques to begin the development of a personal style through the creation of a series of extended web sites utilizing a variety of graphics. Prerequisite: VCAD 401.
VCAD 415. Package Design. (3 Credits)
Professional design studio processes and procedures related to packaging design. Developing brand identity and focusing on product positioning, while designing the three dimensional structure. For Art & Design majors only. Prerequisites: VCAD 202 and 205.
VCAD 416. Advertising Design. (3 Credits)
An introduction to advertising fundamentals. Development and implementation of strategic design concepts across multi-vehicle marketing materials. For Art & Design majors only. Prerequisites: VCAD 202 and 205.
VCAD 430. Portfolio (SP). (3 Credits)
Exploring the various methodologies for creating a professional portfolio and resume. For Art & Design majors only. Prerequisites: Senior status.
VCAD 450. Internship. (3-6 Credits)
Pragmatic work experience under the supervision of qualified professional practitioners. For Art & Design majors only. Prerequisites: VCAD 202 and VCAD 205.
VCAD 451. Senior Thesis Project. (3-6 Credits)
Examination of the business aspects of the commercial art world. Culminates in a formal presentation of a cohesive body of work before a departmental committee. Prerequisites: Senior status.
VCAD 489. Strategic Design. (3 Credits)
Students will be selected to work with area nonprofit clients to create and produce a wide variety of fully designed advertising and promotional materials. Students will work in teams to develop brand, marketing, and design strategies, write creative briefs, recruit teams to work with them during CreateAthononCampus (a 24 hour creative event held during Spring Break), present works to clients, and follow any deliverables through to production. Strong emphasis on leadership, team work, and a commitment to working with nonprofits. Prerequisite: Permission by Instructor.
