An overview of the visual communication profession and
introduction to basic design business practices and professional
ethics.
Athena Title
Design Professional Practices
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in ARGD 4115E
Prerequisite
ARGD 3020 or permission of department
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will broaden familiarity with the contemporary design profession and the variety of situations and contexts within which one might practice graphic design.
Students will gain an understanding of basic design business practice including estimates and pricing models, contracts and legal issues, and copyright and rights of ownership.
Students will improve skills in communication about students' design work both verbally and written, along with the creation of a digital portfolio and materials related to preparation for entry into the profession.
Topical Outline
Professional Design Ethics: exposure to relevant legal business and intellectual property issues such as rights of usage, fair use, copyright, licensing, and contracts
Exploration of various types of design-related employment positions, including the legality of internships
Pricing models and rate strategies, and understanding of speculative work
Fundamentals of print and digital production, file preparation, and formats, as well as an introduction to various commercial fabrication processes and relevant platforms
Branding guidelines, usage, and basic preparation
Basic career-planning considerations including preparation of materials such as résumés and personal skills assessments
Understanding and ability to verbalize and explain design thinking and process
Curation and refinement of student design portfolios to document and summarize projects that highlight competencies and creative thinking
