Graphic Design Concentration
Contact Professor Botts for information about the graphic design program.
The Graphic Design program at Piedmont College offers an integrated approach that incorporates print, web and moving media applications with an emphasis on conceptual, aesthetic, ethical, and technological framework within the feild of graphic design. Students attend regional and national conferences and regularly participate in field trips relevant to the field of study.
Students have access to the Design Studio which is equipped with state of the art facilities. Please view the technology recommendations for graphic design students by clicking here.
Design Studio
The graphic design studio is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including:
Apple MacPro computers
20in Apple Cinema Displays
18" HP Designjet inkjet printer
44" HP Designjet inkjet printer
2 flatbed scanners (one large format)
Film scanners
Adobe Creative Suite 5
Graphic Design Course Descriptions
Practicum 1
GRDS 110 :: 1 hour
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Provides academic credit to students who work in areas of responsibility in graphic design, for example, working for a newspaper or magazine, working on the yearbook, etc. Students are required to work individually with the assigned professor and to log a minimum of thirty hours work in the field. At the end of the semester students are required to submit an 8-10 page paper explaining the role that they played in the creation of the designs and a complete portfolio with one copy of each design created during the term.
Graphic Design I
GRDS 200 :: 3 hours
Prerequisite: None
Introduction to the fundamentals of graphic design techniques and processes, including layout, mechanics and typography. Students will explore tools, techniques and theories of a broad spectrum of the graphic arts. An additional 3 hours of independent studio work is required.
Graphic Design II
GRDS 250 :: 3 hours
Prerequisite: GRDS 200 or consent of instructor.
Introduction to computer imaging for graphic design applications. Studio lab experience in creatively using various software applications for desktop publishing, drafting, illustration and typography. An additional 3 hours of independent studio work is required.
Graphic Design III
GRDS 300 :: 3 hours
Prerequisite: GRDS 200, 250 or consent of instructor.
Studio course in advanced graphic design. Greater specialization and individual problem solving in areas based on student’s strengths and interests, such as website design, animation, educational CDs, digital illustration, magazine and newspaper layout, logos and trademarks, etc. An additional 3 hours of independent studio work is required.
Special Topics in Graphic Design
GRDS 330 :: 3 hours
Prerequisite: GRDS 200, 250 or consent of instructor.
Topic for class will be determined by the professor. Selected topics in graphic design may include: typography, printing, packaging, posters, magazine or newspaper layout, educational DVDs, industrial design, corporate design, logos, large format design, displays, graphic design history, visual communications, client relationships, etc.
History of Graphic Design
GRDS 330.2 :: 3 hours
Prerequisite: GRDS 200 or consent of instructor.
Major movements and pivotal artists/designers and directors, and their impact on current graphic design trends. Students will explore various styles and techniques that span the history of graphic design both in lecture and in studio practice. An additional 3 hours of independent studio work is required, including research, papers, and creating designs.
Visual Communication
GRDS 330.3 :: 3 hours
Prerequisite: GRDS 200, 250 or consent of instructor.
This course is an introduction to the theory, psychology, principles and practices of symbols and the role that they play in the world. Students will explore symbols, techniques and theories behind the creation of symbolism spanning the history of graphic design both in lecture and in studio practice. An additional 3 hours of independent studio work is required.
Website Design
GRDS 370 :: 3 hours
Prerequisite: GRDS 200, 250, 260, or consent of instructor.
Introduction to and practical experience in the use of web design software. This course will emphasize creative design theory and applied technology. An additional 3 hours of independent studio work is required.
Advanced Studies in Graphic Design
GRDS 400 :: 3 hours
Prerequisite: Senior Standing.
A seminar designed to synthesize and integrate the theories and skills of graphic design. Class will focus on exploration of complex design projects from concept to final product. Class is structured as a professional design studio. Students are required to give both a written and oral presentation of their senior capstone project. This senior thesis project demonstrates the student’s abilities in the following areas: technology, content knowledge, creativity and organization. Students must score 80 percent or better on the capstone thesis and presentation to pass the course. Capstone projects are evaluated by all members of the graphic design faculty.
An additional 3 hours of independent studio work is required.
Internship in Graphic Design
GRDS 410 :: 3 hours
Prerequisite: Senior Standing.
Internships give students practical work exposure. The student will work either in a business or an agency and will be supervised by external personnel and designated faculty. At the end of the semester students are required to submit a journal explaining the role that they played in the creation of the designs and a complete portfolio with one copy of each design created during the term.
