Combining text and graphics is foundational for graphic production. The course provides an introduction to the theoretical and practical foundations of typography and page composition. Students study the technology and aesthetics of typography, and current methods of combining type and graphic elements to compose pages for print and electronic distribution. Projects include page composition and production methods, using current software tools and fonts in print and electronic displays. Students will apply their acquired knowledge to make informed decisions in the practice of typography and page composition.

Impactful images are essential for nearly all forms of effective graphic communication. The theme of this project-based course is the creation and optimization of raster and vector images for cross-media deployment through print, web, and mobile media. Through a series of hands-on, laboratory-based exercises, learners employ professional image evaluation and editing techniques in preparation for commercial output. Using current software and computer peripherals, learners apply industry best practices to produce, evaluate, and optimize digital raster and vector images.

Graphic media on an enterprise level requires efficient and automated workflows to complete printed projects efficiently, mistake-free, on-time, and on-budget. This course focuses on workflows for the two main printed output technologies for paginated pages: offset lithography and high-volume digital printing. Building on the understanding of the requisite steps entailed of these two key output processes, this hands-on course encompasses all of the processes that allow graphic media companies to go from concept to completion while minimizing manual steps to ensure that efficiency is built into an optimized and flexible workflow. Emphasis is placed on project management, stakeholder communications, bottleneck identification, and building efficiencies as related to paginated output for offset lithography and high-volume digital printing technologies.

The course develops knowledge and skills in applying two computer software packages for packaging design: Artios CAD and Adobe Illustrator. Topics covered are builder and rebuilder, solid modeling and drawing, animation, coloring, and painting. Emphasis is given to create a typical paperboard based carton with a proper structure and color usage.

This course is designed to expose students to all the elements needed to execute media projects across platforms. Students will learn concepts in project management as it applies to leading cross media projects and teams. Concepts and tools necessary for the implementation of a cross media workflow will be discussed and reinforced with hands-on exercises. Additionally, content management and industry standards and practices such as color management, asset management, and image optimization for output will be studied and applied through the context of cross media workflows.