MACA 2150 - Advanced Digital Layout

Credit Hours: 4.00

Objectives:
Produce simple and complex documents using Adobe InDesign.
Demonstrate how to change application defaults.
Navigate through an electronic document.
Use the tools needed to place, create and modify graphics, images and text in an electronic document.

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to identify problems, approach them systematically, and explore solutions.

Objectives:
Employ the use of spot color (Pantone) or CMYK (4 color process).
Employ the use of a network and a server.
Demonstrate how to change application defaults.
Navigate through an electronic document.
Use the tools needed to place, create and modify graphics, images and text in an electronic document.

Outcome 3: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to create composite images electronically.

Objectives:
Demonstrate the basics of electronic image assembly.
Produce B/W and /or color images.
Electronically output composite images using B/W and color printers.
Employ the use of spot color (Pantone) or CMYK (4 color process).

• Communication: The graduate can communicate effectively for the intended purpose and audience.
• Critical Thinking: The graduate can make informed decisions after analyzing information or evidence related to the issue.
• Global Literacy: The graduate can analyze human behavior or experiences through cultural, social, political, or economic perspectives.
• Information Literacy: The graduate can responsibly use information gathered from a variety of formats in order to complete a task.
• Quantitative Reasoning: The graduate can apply quantitative methods or evidence to solve problems or make judgments.
• Scientific Literacy: The graduate can produce or interpret scientific information presented in a variety of formats.

• Introduction to InDesign and Layout Design
• Topics: Overview of InDesign as a layout tool, key concepts in layout design.
• Key Activities: Introduction to working with text and images in InDesign, exploring layout fundamentals.
• Assignment: Hands-on exercise using text and images to build a simple layout.

InDesign and Print Essentials

• Understanding Print Design and Offset Printing
• Topics: Offset and letterpress printing processes, image file formats for print, importance of grids in design.
• Key Activities: Designing an ad using grids and columns, exploring font selection for print materials.
• Assignment: Create an ad using InDesign’s grid and column tools.

Mastering Parent Pages for Cookbook Design

• Advanced Layout and Typography
• Topics: In-depth exploration of color spaces, color theory, and typography in graphic design.
• Key Activities: Design a cookbook using InDesign’s parent (master) pages to maintain consistency across pages.
• Assignment: Create a cookbook layout that includes proper typography, image placement, and grid systems.

Cookbook Process and Peer Review

• Review and Refinement
• Topics: Process book development, peer review methods for design assessment.
• Key Activities: Finalize the cookbook project, participate in peer reviews, and refine designs based on feedback.
• Assignment: Submit the process book detailing the steps of the cookbook design.

Visual Hierarchy in Poster and Cover Design

• Poster Design Fundamentals
• Topics: Hierarchy in poster design, typography, and visual weight.
• Key Activities: Research and plan a poster layout using InDesign to ensure a strong visual hierarchy.
• Assignment: Create a “Get Out the Vote” poster, applying principles of visual hierarchy and typography.

Poster Assessment and Peer Review

• Refinement and Evaluation
• Topics: In-depth peer feedback on poster projects, refinement based on review.
• Key Activities: Refine poster designs using peer feedback, finalize and submit the poster project.
• Assignment: Complete a peer review for the “Get Out the Vote” poster and finalize design adjustments.

Template Creation in InDesign

• Creating Templates for Consistency
• Topics: Importance of template design for consistency and efficiency in print design.
• Key Activities: Create a tri-fold brochure template, exploring layout structure and color stories.
• Assignment: Design and submit a tri-fold template with consistent branding elements.

Portfolio Template Creation

• Building a Personal Portfolio
• Topics: Using InDesign to create portfolio templates for print.
• Key Activities: Gather materials, research portfolio design, and plan layout using InDesign.
• Assignment: Develop a portfolio template and accompanying process book.

Package Design and Layout

• Designing Product Packaging
• Topics: Product package design essentials, dielines, and layout for packaging.
• Key Activities: Research product packaging and design a package layout, focusing on die-line structure and print readiness.
• Assignment: Create and submit a product package design with detailed dieline.

Final Project - Reverse Package Design

• Capstone Project and Peer Review
• Topics: Complete reverse package design project using InDesign, final process refinement.
• Key Activities: Complete a final package design project based on previously learned techniques, participate in peer review, and finalize the project for print.
• Assignment: Submit the reverse package design project and complete a final peer review.