John Dyer Headshot

John Dyer

Lecturer

School of Design
College of Art and Design
jedfaa@rit.edu
585-503-4270
Office Location
GAN-2284

John Dyer

Lecturer

School of Design
College of Art and Design

Education

Certificate in Graphic Design, Graphic Careers Inc.; BS in Graphic Design, Art Institute of Pittsburgh; MFA in Visual Communication Design, Rochester Institute of Technology

Bio

John has worked as a Designer and Photographer for over 30 years, his history includes working at the first computer graphics firm in Western New York before joining Eastman Kodak Company for 25 years. John's work has been in the fields of traditional graphic design, video and motion design as well as web & UI design.

jedfaa@rit.edu
585-503-4270

Currently Teaching

GRDE-106
Graphic Design Studio I
3 Credits
This course is an introduction to basic visual communications in the field of graphic design. Lectures will cover graphic design topics ranging from: design thinking methodologies and processes, visual organization and hierarchy principles, color theory and application, and basic typography, to professionalism and ethics. Students will design solutions to visual communication problems through formal studies, perceptual understanding of aesthetics, graphic form and structure, concept development and visual organization. Assignments will explore aspects of graphic imagery, hierarchy, typography, and layout. Students will work with traditional materials and methods as well as develop their computer skills through applications requiring digital formats using industry standard software and hardware.
GRDE-107
Motion Design I
3 Credits
This course will introduce the concepts, principles and techniques of motion design and animation. Topics covered are planning and organization methods in the form of storyboards, animatics, kinetics, animation principles, sequencing, composition, visual variables, and forms of narrative storytelling. Focus is on the integration of time and media, such as illustration, photography, video, audio, animation and type, to communicate a moving message. This course will emphasize design from a problem-solving point of view and explores the production-timeline.
GRDE-202
Graphic Design Studio II
3 Credits
This course will focus on the analysis, creation and use of imagery for communication purposes, along with an introduction to symbol and icon design as it relates to branding. Processes and techniques for creating images are explored. Projects incorporate symbolism, concept development and integration of image and text. This course will build upon the principles and theories learned in Graphic Design Studio I with project solutions developed for print media, motion and digital use.
GRDE-207
Interactive Design I
3 Credits
This course provides an introduction to interactivity through the study of basic principles and methodologies involved in designing digital interfaces. Students will engage in projects where they will investigate, conceptualize and propose innovative interactive solutions to problems through a human-centered design approach. Students will create navigable interfaces and systems that allow audiences to achieve meaningful goals through compelling content, connecting people to people and people to information and environments. The course will also provide an introduction to building websites and developing interactive components using industry standard coding languages and software.
GRDE-302
Interactive Design II
3 Credits
This course encompasses and expands on previous interactive design, development, and graphic design experience. In this class, the application of user-centered design methodologies will be emphasized in the planning and implementing of interactive, instructional projects across multiple devices and platforms. Thorough exploration of the user experience will explored, and the resulting informed decisions on designing effective user interfaces. Students will engage in projects that incorporate contemporary social-cultural issues and will directly handle real content to define the underlying information architecture and structure of their interactive solutions. Design patterns, current, and future trends related to UI design will be discussed and applied according to industry’s best practices.
GRDE-307
Design Systems I
3 Credits
This course will provide students with conceptual, organizational, and aesthetic problem-solving methods to create unified and effective design systems, such as corporate identity systems, icon sets, poster and/or packaging series. Students will have an opportunity to synthesize graphic design principles from their previous courses into more advanced and in-depth projects. Research, concept generation, and relevant aesthetic principles will be emphasized. Presentation, writing, and professional skills will be a focus to prepare students for senior year coursework . Teamwork strategies and skills are implemented throughout the semester.
GRDE-498
Graphic Design Internship
1 - 6 Credits
This course exposes students to the professional environment through outside job opportunities in graphic design studios, advertising agencies, corporate communications departments, and other acceptable organizations. Students will work under the guidance of art directors, creative directors, senior graphic designers, or marketing communications managers and perform creative work that is educational and meaningful for their short-term academic goals as well as their long-range career preparation. Documentation of the experience is required and final review from employer is obtained. The appointed faculty adviser will meet with the student upon completion for final evaluation for a grade. Students must obtain pre-approval of their department and complete the Internship Approval Form. Credit earned is used toward elective credits.
GRDE-599
Graphic Design Independent Study
1 - 6 Credits
Graphic Design Independent Study will provide students with the ability to focus in a specialized area of graphic design with an individual faculty member. Students, with the assistance of a faculty adviser, will propose a course of study. The independent study student must obtain permission of an instructor and department by completing the Independent Study Proposal Form to enroll.

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Design a glass for Duvel Beer Company to be sold in Rochester area. In addition complete a motion design, interaction design and design a t-shirt or hoodie as part of an overall system. Emily...

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VCDE 733: Digital Media Integration Project celebrating the 35th anniversary of MTV. A contemporary design of a video containing live video, animated type and 2D and 3D animated content. Designed and...

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