Digital desktop publishing
Required Classes
Introduction to Fundamentals and Technology Organization
(one-time three-hour workshop required of all new students. This workshop does not count toward your twelve courses required for the certificate.)
This workshop will introduce you to the Mac computing environment and the latest operating system. You will learn how to access, organize and save your files using the campus’ networked servers. You will also learn how to personalize your home system and troubleshoot basic problems. Discover the ease of file management and learn tricks of the trade to keep your files under control, as well as how to add printers, access server shares, and locate and access wireless networks.
Fundamentals of 2-Dimensional Design
The focus of this course is the demystification of the design process, presenting the principles of 2D design as a rational series of prescribed steps and by emphasizing how those principles apply to all design and art disciplines. Introduction to the concepts of two-dimensional design focusing on the theory and use of composition as it relates to visual problem solving will be explored through lecture, studio instruction, critiques and weekly projects.
Some fundamental principles explored will include line, proportion, figure/ground, perspective and a high level look at the role of Gestalt’s influence on how we interpret and apply design.
Color Theory
This is an essential course for anyone pursuing or currently working in any art or design field who must communicate effectively with color. Confidence and skill are developed through weekly color (tone and value) -mixing exercises and homework projects using acrylic paints. Through lecture, demonstration, critique, and practical application, you investigate color theory, historical color comparison, color in our environment, and analyze masterpiece images and their use of color and tone. Lectures include the use of color as a marketing tool and an understanding of the rich vocabulary in color. Some fundamental principles explored will include tone, value, contrast, and the subtle application of color as an element of composition/design.
Desktop Publishing & Digital Imaging
Primary Software: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign
You will now be introduced to professional and desktop publishing, design, and digital imaging. Learn how to create your own page layout files using type and images that you have scanned, manipulated, or created. This complete, hands-on course begins with Illustrator, for drawing and type manipulation; continues with Adobe Photoshop, for image creation and editing, and concludes with InDesign, one of the prominent layout applications in the design field.
Typography
Primary Software: InDesign, Illustrator
A hands-on introduction to typography using InDesign and Illustrator, you will learn how graphic designers utilize type to create printed pieces and develop skills in the basics of typography. Explore how font type, positioning, size and color, along with other design elements, affect the communication of your layouts. Learn how type is measured, aligned, scaled, punctuated, and composed for a professional composition.
You will also be introduced to masters and contemporary typographers from the field of design.
Computer Drawing Software I and II
Primary Software: Illustrator
Prerequisites: Computer Drawing Software I before II, Desktop Publishing & Digital Imaging, and Typography
These courses are a comprehensive overview of the leading professional vector-based drawing program, Adobe Illustrator. In Computer Drawing Software I you will gain experience working in the program environment including insight into the various tool palettes, document settings, export formats, drawing and type manipulation. You will gain practical drawing and image creating experience for use in projects such as illustration, print and multimedia. In class technical demonstrations will accompany each assignment.
Computer Drawing Software II will assist you in gaining experience and confidence creatively and technically in this continuing study of Adobe Illustrator. We will explore advanced image making techniques such as compound shapes, creating custom brushes, graphic styles and patterns and more. You learn how Illustrator works with other software applications such as Flash, Photoshop and InDesign. This course is focused on creative solutions using Illustrator that will give you project experience that is typical in today’s work environments.
Digital Imaging I and II
Primary Software: Photoshop
Prerequisites: Digital Imaging I before II, Desktop Publishing & Digital Imaging, Typography
A two part in-depth introduction to the most popular raster-based image editing/painting software program used by desktop publishing and digital imaging professionals. You will be required to complete assignments designed to develop your artistic work in tandem with your use of digital tools. Topics include understanding the different “Tool” palettes, image scanning (importing and exporting), image manipulation and correction, and composition techniques emphasizing creative practice. You will also learn to take advantage of file organization techniques through the use of layer sets. Understanding the different file types (jpg, gif, bmp, etc.) and how they interact with other programs will also be explored.
In Digital Imaging II you will explore professional approaches to compositing, retouching, image correction, and masking. Brushes, lighting, textures and special effects are explored as creative ways of producing high-impact images.
Advanced Digital Imaging
Primary Software: Photoshop
Prerequisites: Digital Imaging I and II
This course is an advanced investigation of raster-based image editing techniques used by desktop publishing and digital imaging professionals. Topics include color theory, advanced scanning and image manipulation techniques, and output issues.
Page Layout
Primary Software: InDesign
We recommend that you take these classes before Page Layout: Desktop Publishing & Digital Imaging, Typography, Computer Drawing Software I and Digital Imaging I
The final course of the Desktop Publishing certificate program, this class is an introduction to the leading page layout program used by desktop publishing professionals. Topics include tool palettes, text formatting, image placement, and output issues.
Electives
Design Survey
As a graphic designer, it is important to be able to envision yourself and your work in the context of history. This class will examine the history of graphic design through lectures on design history, pioneering designers and significant art history movements. In addition, we will be learning about the relationship of graphic design to the culture and society of the times.
Drawing & Composition
Please refer to KCAI’s current Continuing Education catalog for drawing classes. Any drawing class that meets three hours at a time and is at least eight weeks in length will qualify as an elective in your certificate program completion.
Design Principles for the Web
Primary Software: Flash
Prerequisite: Digital Imaging I and II
With a focus on the design aspects of developing web sites and interactive media, this course explores the various phases of the design process in a professional environment. Topics include assessing clients’ and user needs, flowcharting, storyboarding, preparing mock-ups and demos, and production issues.
Introduction to Animation for the Web
Primary Software: Flash
Prerequisite: Digital Imaging I and II; knowledge of Illustrator or Freehand would be helpful.
Explore Flash’s versatility in regards to animation. This class will expose you to creating images and animating them in Flash, as well as importing external resources to build, and animation such as drawings, digital images and video. Learn the power and flexibility of vector animation as you learn how to build compelling motion graphics that can be used for web, CD-ROM and Video. .Portfolio Development
We recommend that you take at least two classes in this program before taking this class.
The term “portfolio” is used here in the larger sense to include the whole process, from documentation to completion of a finished document. This class will explore the portfolio as a personal design problem, understanding that your portfolio is the doorway to the professional world and reflects the designer as an extension of yourself (an extension of your very own brand). Documentation, materials and form studies will be the departure points for investigating possible portfolio designs that meet the individuals’ needs.
Some fundamental principles explored will include tailoring one’s portfolio to speak to different audiences, establishing a hierarchy of content, using economy of information to avoid appearing scattered or unorganized, and the application of color, text and imagery as elements to guide the viewer/user down desired paths.
What graduates say about the program...
Susanne Burket
Pricing Analyst, American Century Investments
...You are getting an opportunity to learn more than just the technical side of the computer programs (which is very rare)... I loved all the assignments that involved the layout of items on the page (designing ads, brochures and posters). Graphic design/visual communication is much more than learning how to use computer software. Many people can learn to use the software, but the certificate courses at KCAI teach people how to be visual communication designers.
Ingerlene Embry
Associate Editorial Director, Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Affordable, flexible, informative and creative, the Digital Desktop Publishing program has been a productive, engaging way for me to build my DDP skills. I am now much more comfortable in the digital world and more confident with my aesthetic sensibility. A great way to dip your toe in the water or dive right in to a new field.
Jessica Blythe
If you want an intensive course in graphic design from creative professionals who know the business, this is your program! I feel ready to enter the design industry prepared with a portfolio created in all the newest programs.
Certificate students are expected to attend classes, complete in-class assignments, and take examinations. The Certificate in Digital Desktop Publishing consists of ten (10) required courses and two (2) elective courses, each conferring one undergraduate credit. All certificate students may request a transcript.
Credits from other institutions and from previous semesters at KCAI will not transfer into the certificate program. If the student has taken the equivalent of some required courses, approval to substitute more challenging courses may be obtained from the Associate Vice President of Special Programs. Documentation supporting the experience, or a portfolio of work, should be submitted to the Special Programs office prior to beginning the course in question.
A certificate is issued with the fulfillment of the following conditions:
1) The program requirements are completed with a grade of C or better in each course, and 2) the student makes a written request to the registrar's office for the certificate.