GC 125 Color and Design
This course is an introduction to the elements and principles of design including basic compositional theory, graphic design methodology and production and presentation skills. Emphasis is placed on technical proficiency in the handling of tools and materials and the mastery of a visual language via basic problem-solving.This course is a study of the application and importance of color to graphic design. Emphasis is placed on the symbolic, aesthetic and psychological aspects of color. Experimentation and flexibility of approach are stressed as are both two-dimensional and three-dimensional applications. Color Theory, subtractive color mixing and additive color mixing will be explored. Prerequisites: GC111 Basic Graphic Design and GC 121 Digital Typography. Computer Supply Fee.
This is a studio course supported by lecture, presentation, discussion and critique. Often lecture and discussion begin the class session, followed by class time to work on assignments under the direction of the professor. Graphic Exercises and reading or research is assigned through out the term, and students require time outside of class to complete assignments.
Color Harmony & Contrast
This exercise encourages students to use compositional concepts such as scale, balance, overlap or interposition, and figure/ground reversal in addition to preliminary exploration in color contrast and color harmony theory, based on studies by Johannes Itten. Emphasis is placed on the division and analysis of space within the format and the application of value and color.
Combine two typographic forms [letter forms, numerals or punctuation] and one dingbat/symbol to create a two-dimensional, square composition.
- Explore the placement, as well as the value and saturation of the hues for each color scheme throughout your series of compositions.
- Explore the concepts of balance, harmony, contrast in two-dimensional compositions.
- Design compositions that include achromatic, monochromatic, analogous, triad, split complement, complement, and tetrad schemes.
- Explore the placement, as well as the value and saturation of the hues for each color scheme throughout your series of compositions.
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Form & Color
This exercise encourages students to explore and experiment with color harmony and color contrast schemes in a three-dimensional space. Emphasis is placed on the nomenclature of volumetric forms and analysis of color and space within the format. Creative association of form, drawing and color exercises supplement the unit content.- Explore the placement, as well as the value and saturation of the hues for each color scheme throughout your series of forms
- Explore the concepts of balance, harmony, contrast in three-dimensional space.
- Construct models that include achromatic, monochromatic, analogous, triad, split complement, complement, and tetrad schemes.
- Explore the placement, as well as the value and saturation of the hues for each color scheme throughout your series of form.
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Simultaneous Contrast & Pattern
This unit directs students in an exploration of simultaneous color, value and saturation contrast schemes in a two-dimensional format. Emphasis is placed on creation of a simple pattern using symmetry rules for compositional organization and the application of color to create the simultaneous contrast illusion. Development of creative observation skills of composition and color is essential for successful completion of this exercise.- Develop a series of pattern compositions using symmetry rules of translation, rotation, reflection and glide reflection.
- Explore the concept of balance between the positive and negative areas in the two-dimensional pattern compositions.
- Be aware that color proofs [CMYK] will vary from the computer screen [RGB], so adjustment is necessary to create the same visual phenomena in both media.
- Explore the placement, as well as variation of hue, value and saturation in three different compositional solutions using the same pattern solution.