Graphic Design I

National Cores Arts Standards:

• NAT.STRD.VA:Cr2.2.IIIa Demonstrate understanding and importance of balancing freedom and responsibility in the use of images, materials, tools, time, and equipment in the creation and circulation of creative work.
• NAT.STRD.VA:Cr2.2.IIa Demonstrate awareness of creating original and thoughtful work while searching individual voice.
• NAT.STR..VA:Cr2.2.Ia Demonstrate quality workmanship utilizing traditional and non-traditional materials and techniques in a safe environment, operating materials, tools, equipment and time in an appropriate manner.

PA State Standards for the Arts and Humanities:

• PA.STRD.9.3.12.D Analyze and interpret works in the arts and humanities from different societies using culturally specific vocabulary of critical response.

• Unity is a foundational principle in design that ensures all elements work together harmoniously, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing result.
• Various methods (like proximity, repetition, alignment, and color harmony) can be used to establish unity within a design.
• Unity enhances visual communication by making designs feel complete and purposeful, guiding the viewer's eye effectively through the composition.

• Unity in design helps to convey clear and consistent messaging by visually linking elements together.
• Recognizing and applying unity across both print and digital media is essential to creating professional, effective designs.
• Unity is achieved not only through design elements but also by aligning with a project’s purpose, audience, and message.
   

• Analyze examples of both unified and disjointed designs, identifying techniques that create unity and how these impact the overall design.
• Experiment with various methods to achieve unity in their own designs, using layout, color schemes, repetition, and alignment.
• Create a final project that demonstrates unity in design for a real or hypothetical client, ensuring all elements contribute to a cohesive, purposeful composition.
   

• How does unity contribute to effective visual communication in both print and digital design?
• In what ways can design elements and principles be used to achieve unity?
• How does unity impact a viewer’s perception of a design?
   

• What methods can designers use to achieve unity?
• How do repetition, alignment, and color schemes work together to unify a design?
• How do the purpose and intended audience of a design influence the way unity is applied?
• How can I assess the unity in my own designs and make improvements for a cohesive result?
   

• Paper and pencil, LMS course content, and Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop
   

• Unity
• Proximity
• Repetition
• Alignment
• Color Harmony
• Consistency
• Hierarchy
   

• Formative
• Summative
• Show and Tell discussion to extend the lecture
• Skill Building scaffolding assignment to teach/practice skills
• Project completion and presentation
• Artist statement and critique
• Collection and Curation of a Portfolio
   

National Core Art Standards:

• NAT.STRD.VA:Cr2.2.IIIa Demonstrate understanding and importance of balancing freedom and responsibility in the use of images, materials, tools, time and equipment in the creation and circulation of creative work.
• NAT.STRD.VA:Cr2.2.IIa Demonstrate awareness of creating  original and thoughtful work while searching individual voice.
• NAT.STR..VA:Cr2.2.Ia Demonstrate quality workmanship utilizing traditional and non-traditional materials and techniques in a safe environment, operating materials, tools, equipment and time in an appropriate manner.

PA State Standards for the Arts and Humanities:

• PA.STRD.9.3.12.D Analyze and interpret works in the arts and humanities from different societies using culturally specific vocabulary of critical response.

• Emphasis is a design principle that draws attention to specific elements within a composition, helping communicate the intended message by guiding the viewer’s eye to the most important parts.
• Emphasis can be created through contrast, size, color, position, and isolation, making key elements stand out within a design.
• Effective emphasis ensures that the viewer understands the hierarchy and focus areas of a design, enhancing its impact and clarity.

• Emphasis in design is used to establish visual hierarchy, helping prioritize information and guide the viewer’s experience.
• Different techniques can be combined to achieve emphasis, such as contrasting colors, varying sizes, or using white space strategically.
• Emphasis should align with the message and purpose of the design to effectively convey the intended focus to the target audience.
   

• Analyze designs to identify the focal point and discuss how emphasis was achieved.
• Experiment with various techniques to create emphasis, such as through typography, color contrast, and placement within a composition.
• Create a final project that applies emphasis strategically to highlight a key message or element, effectively directing the viewer’s attention.

• How does emphasis impact the effectiveness of visual communication?
• What techniques can be used to create emphasis in design, and how can they work together to establish hierarchy?
• How does the choice of emphasis techniques affect a viewer’s understanding of the design’s message?

• What is the purpose of emphasis in design, and how can it influence the viewer’s focus?
• How can contrast and color choices be used to create emphasis?
• In what ways do size, isolation, and positioning establish visual hierarchy and draw attention?
• How can I evaluate and refine the emphasis in my own designs to ensure the focus aligns with the design’s purpose?
   

• Paper and pencil, LMS course content, and Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop
   

• Emphasis
• Focal Point
• Contrast
• Hierarchy
• Isolation
• Dominance
• Subdominance
• Negative Space 
   

• Formative
• Summative
• Show and Tell discussion to extend the lecture
• Skill Building scaffolding assignment to teach/practice skills
• Project completion and presentation
• Artist statement and critique
• Collection and Curation of a Portfolio

National Core Arts Standards:

• NAT.STRD.VA:Cr2.2.IIIa Demonstrate understanding and importance of balancing freedom and responsibility in the use of images, materials, tools, time and equipment in the creation and circulation of creative work.
• NAT.STRD.VA:Cr2.2.IIa Demonstrate awareness of creating original and thoughtful work while searching individual voice.
• NAT.STR..VA:Cr2.2.Ia Demonstrate quality workmanship utilizing traditional and non-traditional materials and techniques in a safe environment, operating materials, tools, equipment and time in an appropriate manner.

PA State Standards for the Arts and Humanities:
PA.STRD.9.3.12.D Analyze and interpret works in the arts and humanities from different societies using culturally specific vocabulary of critical response.

• Balance is a design principle that ensures visual stability in a composition, making it appear well-organized and appealing.
• There are different types of balance—symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial,—each creating a different visual effect.
• Balance helps guide the viewer’s eye comfortably through the design, creating a sense of harmony that enhances readability and impact.

• Balance in design distributes visual weight across a composition, affecting how the viewer perceives harmony and stability.
• Various forms of balance can create different emotional impacts, and choosing the right type of balance depends on the purpose and intended feel of the design.
• Understanding balance empowers designers to create compositions that are aesthetically pleasing and effective in communicating their message.

• Analyze examples of balanced and unbalanced designs to understand how visual weight is distributed and its impact on viewer perception.
• Experiment with different types of balance, applying each in a composition to create unique effects.
• Create works that incorporate a specific type of balance, effectively using it to enhance the design’s purpose and readability.

• How does balance contribute to the overall harmony and effectiveness of a design?
• What are the different types of balance, and how do they impact the visual weight and mood of a composition?
• How can balance be used intentionally to direct the viewer’s experience and support a design’s purpose?
   

• What is the role of balance in creating visual stability within a design?
• How does symmetrical and asymmetrical balance affect the mood and emphasis of a composition?
• How can radial balance be applied in creative ways to achieve unique visual effects?
• How can I assess and adjust balance in my designs to enhance their clarity and appeal?

• Paper and pencil, LMS course content, and Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop
   

• Balance
• Symmetrical Balance
• Asymmetrical Balance
• Radial Balance
• Visual Weight
• Harmony
   

• Formative
• Summative
• Show and Tell discussion to extend the lecture
• Skill Building scaffolding assignment to teach/practice skills
• Project completion and presentation
• Artist statement and critique
• Collection and Curation of a Portfolio

National Core Arts Standards:

• NAT.STRD.VA:Cr2.2.IIIa Demonstrate understanding and importance of balancing freedom and responsibility in the use of images, materials, tools, time and equipment in the creation and circulation of creative work.
• NAT.STRD.VA:Cr2.2.IIa Demonstrate awareness of creating  original and thoughtful work while searching individual voice.
• NAT.STR..VA:Cr2.2.Ia Demonstrate quality workmanship utilizing traditional and non-traditional materials and techniques in a safe environment, operating materials, tools, equipment and time in an appropriate manner.

PA State Standards for the Arts and Humanities:

• PA.STRD.9.3.12.D Analyze and interpret works in the arts and humanities from different societies using culturally specific vocabulary of critical response.

• Rhythm in design refers to the repetition or pattern of elements that create a sense of flow and continuity.
• Movement guides the viewer's eye across a composition, leading them through the design and highlighting key areas.
• Rhythm and movement work together to create dynamic, engaging designs that feel alive and guide visual storytelling.

• Rhythm establishes a sense of order and pace in design, giving it structure and predictability that is pleasing to the eye.
• Movement provides a visual path for the viewer’s gaze ensuring they follow an intentional sequence in the design.
• Understanding and applying rhythm and movement enhance the viewer’s experience, allowing designers to direct focus and communicate hierarchy effectively.

• Analyze how rhythm and movement are used in professional design examples to create energy and guide the viewer’s eye.
• Experiment with different patterns, repetitions, and leading lines to establish rhythm and control movement in compositions.
• Create a final project that emphasizes rhythm and movement to lead the viewer through the design, conveying a dynamic narrative or experience.

• How do rhythm and movement work together to create visual flow and engagement in a design?
• What techniques can be used to establish rhythm and movement, and how do they affect the viewer’s perception of a composition?
• How can rhythm and movement be used to highlight important information and create a sense of continuity?

• What is rhythm in design, and how does this connect to rhythm in music? 
• How does movement guide the viewer’s eye and contribute to storytelling within a design?
• How can rhythm and movement be combined effectively to create dynamic, engaging compositions?
• How can I evaluate and refine rhythm and movement in my designs to enhance flow and viewer engagement?
   

• Paper and pencil, LMS course content, and Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop
   

• Rhythm 
• Movement 
• Repetition
• Pattern
• Implied Lines
• Dynamic Composition
   

• Formative
• Summative
• Show and Tell discussion to extend the lecture
• Skill Building scaffolding assignment to teach/practice skills
• Project completion and presentation
• Artist statement and critique
• Collection and Curation of a Portfolio

National Core Arts Standards:

• NAT.STRD.VA:Cr2.2.IIIa Demonstrate understanding and importance of balancing freedom and responsibility in the use of images, materials, tools, time and equipment in the creation and circulation of creative work.
• NAT.STRD.VA:Cr2.2.IIa Demonstrate awareness of creating  original and thoughtful work while searching individual voice.
• NAT.STR..VA:Cr2.2.Ia Demonstrate quality workmanship utilizing traditional and non-traditional materials and techniques in a safe environment, operating materials, tools, equipment and time in an appropriate manner.

PA State Standards for the Arts and Humanities:

• PA.STRD.9.3.12.D Analyze and interpret works in the arts and humanities from different societies using culturally specific vocabulary of critical response.

• Contrast is a design principle that highlights differences between elements, making certain areas stand out and enhancing visual interest.
• Contrast can be achieved through variations in color, size, shape, texture, and typography.
• Effective use of contrast guides the viewer’s attention, creates hierarchy, and strengthens the design’s message by emphasizing important information.

• Contrast in design helps to establish hierarchy and focus, allowing the viewer to understand the most important parts of a composition.
• Different types of contrast (color, size, shape, texture, and typographic contrast) each have unique effects on the viewer’s perception.
• Contrast can enhance both aesthetic appeal and functionality by improving readability and visual clarity.

• Analyze how contrast is used in various design examples to create emphasis and direct the viewer’s eye.
• Experiment with different types of contrast (e.g., color vs. grayscale, large vs. small text, smooth vs. textured elements) in compositions to see their effects.
• Create work that uses contrast strategically to draw attention to key elements, ensuring clarity and impact in the design’s message.

• How does contrast contribute to effective communication and visual hierarchy in a design?
• What different types of contrast can be used to make certain elements stand out, and how can they work together?
• How does the use of contrast affect a viewer’s focus and understanding of a design?
   

• What is contrast, and how does it affect emphasis and visual interest in a design?
• How can color contrast be used to highlight or separate elements?
• How do size and shape differences create hierarchy and guide the viewer’s attention?
• How can I evaluate and adjust contrast in my own designs to improve clarity and engagement?
   

• Paper and pencil, LMS course content, and Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop/InDesign
   

• Contrast
• Color Contrast
• Scale
• Texture
• Typography
• Hierarchy

• Formative
• Summative
• Show and Tell discussion to extend the lecture
• Skill Building scaffolding assignment to teach/practice skills
• Project completion and presentation
• Artist statement and critique
• Collection and Curation of a Portfolio

National Core Arts Standards:

• NAT.STRD.VA:Cr2.2.IIIa Demonstrate understanding and importance of balancing freedom and responsibility in the use of images, materials, tools, time and equipment in the creation and circulation of creative work.
• NAT.STRD.VA:Cr2.2.IIa Demonstrate awareness of creating  original and thoughtful work while searching individual voice.
• NAT.STR..VA:Cr2.2.Ia Demonstrate quality workmanship utilizing traditional and non-traditional materials and techniques in a safe environment, operating materials, tools, equipment and time in an appropriate manner.

PA State Standards for the Arts and Humanities:

• PA.STRD.9.3.12.D Analyze and interpret works in the arts and humanities from different societies using culturally specific vocabulary of critical response.

• Pattern is the repeated use of elements in a consistent way to create visual interest, rhythm, and unity in a composition.
• Patterns can be regular, irregular, or complex and can be applied to add texture, establish rhythm, or enhance a theme.
• Effective use of patterns can enrich a design, providing depth and reinforcing a design’s message or aesthetic.

• Patterns help unify a composition, creating visual harmony and rhythm while enhancing the viewer’s engagement with the design.
• Different types of patterns, such as geometric, organic, and abstract, serve varied purposes and can be applied creatively to add complexity.
• Patterns should be used intentionally, ensuring they align with the design’s purpose without overwhelming or distracting from the main message.

• Analyze patterns in various design examples to understand their purpose and effect on the viewer’s experience.
• Experiment with creating patterns using different shapes, colors, and arrangements to understand how pattern affects the overall design.
• Create a final project that incorporates a pattern thoughtfully, using it to add texture, rhythm, or unity that complements the design’s message.

• How does the use of patterns contribute to the visual interest and unity of a design?
• What are different types of patterns, and how can each impact a composition differently?
• How can patterns be used creatively to add depth and complexity to a design without detracting from its focus?

• What is the role of pattern in design, and how does repetition create visual rhythm?
• How can different types of patterns (e.g., geometric, organic) contribute to a design’s aesthetic?
• How does the placement and scale of a pattern affect its impact on a composition?
• How can I evaluate and refine patterns in my own designs to enhance unity and interest?
   

• Paper and pencil, LMS course content, and Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop
   

• Pattern
• Repetition
• Rhythm
• Geometric Pattern
• Organic Pattern
• Abstract Pattern
• Motif
• Texture
• Grid System
• Scale

• Formative
• Summative
• Show and Tell discussion to extend the lecture
• Skill Building scaffolding assignment to teach/practice skills
• Project completion and presentation
• Artist statement and critique
• Collection and Curation of a Portfolio