Visual Communication I

What is visual communication? This course introduces you to an overview of key concepts and theories around the practice of Visual Communications. You will explore the creation, distribution, reception and consumption of messages and the influence of visual language. You will also be introduced to the roles that visual communication has within society. Elements of Design: Form & Image - An investigation of semiotics and the theoretical principles that underpin how meaning is extracted from words and images. Investigation covers the relationship between the sign and the signifier and how to choose appropriate signs for communicating visually through metaphor, metonym, synecdoche and juxtaposition. Elements of Design: Colour - Through analysis of a variety of examples from design outcomes, you will learn about the role of colour in communicating a message. Basic concepts of colour and meaning will be explored as elements of visual strategies. Design Fundamentals: Layout (Single page and Multiple Folds in a single page) - Through analysis of a variety of examples from design outcomes, you will learn techniques of composition and layout to present visual and textual elements in an effective manner on a single page. Basic introduction of page anatomy, visual dynamics, visual composition and visual hierarchy will be established between image and text. Ideation techniques and process documentation - Introduction to mind mapping, mood boarding and precedence studies will be established to enable you to contextualize your design solutions within the larger practice of design. Class assignments - Three creative projects. 1. Graphic Form (Within A4): Create a series of graphic forms within A4 to communicate a single idea using effective techniques of representation and design fundamentals. 2. Poster Design (Within A2): Create an A2 graphic driven poster design to communicate a single idea within a single page. Explorations on creating visual interest, visual hierarchy and visual flow within the integration of image, text and colour will be developed. 3. Multiple Folds Single Page Print (Within A3): Create a multiple fold print within A3 to communicate a single idea applying visual interest, visual hierarchy and visual flow. Assigned Exercises: 1. Design and Form - Preliminary Research & Visual Storming 2. Design and Form - Ideation Sketches 3. Design and Form - Colour Studies 4. Layout Design - Poster 5. Layout Design - Multiple Folds Print