GRA-60-3 Graphic Design in Practice
GRA-60-3 Graphic Design in Practice
- Course description
- Course CodeGRA-60-3
- Level of Study5.1
- Program of StudyGraphic Design
- Credits10
- Study Plan CoordinatorLibre van den Bergh
In Graphic Design in Practice, students apply and extend foundational skills in graphic design through practical, brief-led and client-style assignments. Working with design principles, typography, image editing, illustration and layout, they develop design solutions from concept to finished artwork for both print and digital media. Students practise adapting design across formats and platforms, adjusting layout, hierarchy and composition to suit different media requirements and audiences. Teaching emphasises technical quality, including image resolution, file formats and preparation of artwork for production, and introduces relevant digital tools and workflows, including basic use of AI-assisted tools where appropriate.
Throughout the course, students develop and refine their work through iteration, producing alternative versions and improving clarity and coherence in response to feedback and self-evaluation. They explore simple visual storytelling techniques such as sequence, emphasis and consistent visual choices to communicate messages clearly in brief-led projects. Students also learn how to present and curate their work for an entry-level portfolio, selecting and organising process material and final outcomes and explaining key design decisions. Ethical considerations related to the use of images, AI-generated content, copyright, authorship and responsible representation are integrated into practice, teamwork and structured feedback and critique sessions with peers.
The candidate
- has knowledge of how design principles and production methods can be applied to practical briefs and client-style graphic design assignments.
- has knowledge of image editing, illustration and layout techniques used in foundational graphic design tasks.
- has knowledge of typographic practice with a focus on hierarchy, readability and layout in entry-level design tasks.
- has knowledge of how graphic design can be adapted across print and digital media in cross-media projects.
- has insight into fundamental quality requirements for image resolution, file formats and outputs for print and digital media.
- has insight into how iteration, refinement and visual storytelling can contribute to effective graphic design outcomes in practical briefs.
- can update their knowledge by exploring new tools, features and workflows in image editing and layout software.
- has knowledge of fundamental principles for presenting and curating graphic design work, including selection, organisation and documentation of process and outcomes for an entry-level portfolio.
The candidate
- can apply knowledge of design principles, typography and layout to practical briefs and client-style graphic design assignments.
- masters use of relevant digital tools and techniques for image editing, illustration and layout production, including cropping, resizing, selections, adjustments and basic use of AI-assisted tools where appropriate.
- can apply knowledge to adapt design work for print and digital media by adjusting format, layout and typographic hierarchy to suit different media requirements.
- can apply knowledge to prepare and export design work according to given technical specifications, including image resolution, file formats and outputs for print and digital media.
- can apply knowledge to develop and refine design solutions through iteration by producing alternative versions and improving clarity and coherence in response to feedback and self-evaluation.
- can apply knowledge to use basic visual storytelling techniques to communicate a message clearly in practical briefs, for example through sequence, emphasis and consistent visual choices.
- can apply knowledge to present and curate graphic design work by selecting and organising process material and final outcomes for an entry-level portfolio, and explaining key design decisions.
The candidate
- understands key ethical principles that apply in graphic design practice at entry level, including appropriate use of images and AI-generated content, respect for copyright and authorship, and responsible representation of people and messages.
- has developed an ethical attitude in relation to how design choices and visual narratives can influence interpretation and affect different audiences in brief-led graphic design work.
- can carry out brief-led graphic design work by planning, producing and revising design solutions in response to requirements and feedback.
- can build relations with peers through teamwork, collaboration and the presentation of design work in structured feedback and critique sessions.
Digital Learning Resources
The learning management system (LMS) is the primary learning platform where students access most of their course materials. The content is presented in various formats, such as text, images, models, videos or podcasts. Each course follows a progression plan, designed to lead students through weekly modules at their own pace. Exercises and assignments (individual or in groups) are embedded throughout the courses to support continuous practice and assessment of the learning outcomes.
Campus Resources
In addition to the digital learning resources, campus students participate in physical learning activities led by teachers as part of the overall delivery.
Guidance
Guidance and feedback from teachers support students' learning journeys, and may be provided synchronously or asynchronously, individually or in groups, via text, video or in-person feedback.