Hello!
This site is designed for students taking COMD2300 (HD70) ‘Communications Design 1’ in the Communication Design department at the New York City College of Technology, of the City University
of New York
Students investigate the foundations of graphic design through
art direction, experimentation, and research to form the basis
for creative decisions in various design initiatives.
All class assignments, handouts, and related resources will be uploaded to Openlab. If you are a student in my class, please check our class website regularly. I’ll also alert you when I’ve added or changed content
COURSE DETAILS
Course Number: COMD 2300
Section: D036
Course Title: Communication Design 1
Place: P114
Days: Tuesdays and Fridays
Time: 11.30 to 2.00 pm
First Day: January 26, 2024
Course Description
This is a foundation course in advertising and graphic design. Students are challenged to combine foundation skills with conceptual thinking to develop creative solutions. Students develop the ability to communicate ideas visually through art direction, and verbally through copywriting. Project-based assignments from concept through digital output challenge students to consider the relationship between the product, its’ target audience and marketing objectives. Students learn the importance of conceptual thinking, professional execution and presentation of their ideas. Students may work in teams on the concept, design and development process.
ART SUPPLIES
Throughout the semester, you’ll be asked to work on several design projects that require traditional methods of conceptualization. These initiatives require several supplies.
Here is the list of supplies you’ll need—each has a link to a recommended source.
ABOUT ME
Name
Jason Falk (preferred pronouns He/His)
Titles
Educator. Creative Director. Career Coach.
Design Interests
Typography
Branding
Product development and design
Research
Design Thinking
Instagram
@thejasonfalk
@tankindustries
Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/falkjason/
Early career
Throughout my early career, before I owned a branding firm, I was a Toy Designer, Art
Director, and Sr. Creative Director. I also freelanced for many types of companies, in
many industries.
Currently
For the last 25 years, I’ve owned a boutique branding firm in Brooklyn
www.tankindustries.com
MY CONTACT
CUNY Email
jfalk@citytech.cuny.edu
Slack
Join here
Call me
Professor Falk or Professor
COURSE RESOURCES
Assets, Briefs, and Downloads
– All course assets will be posted to Openlab
– Sometimes, as a reminder, I’ll post assets to Slack. I do this as a courtesy—it’s not expected
– Please make a point of checking Openlab for new assets on a regular basis.
– I’ll alert you when I’ve added or changed content
Our weekly sessions
We’ll always meet in person in P114
Scheduling an office meeting
You can schedule 1:1, 15-minute sessions using my Calendly portal
BLACKBOARD
Grades
– Project grades will be uploaded to Blackboard
– I start grading after the completion of Project 1
– You can check for grades and assignments
Uploading
– Your projects should always be uploaded to Blackboard only as PDFs
– This includes thumbnails, sketches, research, drafts, and final designs
USING SLACK
Join here, to access our course Slack channel
– Please download the app to your smartphone, and all other devices
– Turn on notifications
– I will post important items, and ideas, to Slack
– You can communicate, for a quick reply
– You can ask me questions, throughout the week
– You can show me work, throughout the week
– You can ask fellow students for insight and feedback
BASIC ETIQUETTE
- It’s important that you establish weekly participation. This is part of being a professional designer.
- Please be on time for each session. Our sessions will start promptly at 11:30 am
- All assignments should be submitted on time
- Wear proper attire to class
- No profanity in the classroom
- If you have a question, politely raise your hand
- No talking to each other while I’m lecturing
- You don’t need to ask permission to be excused from the classroom. I.e, to use the bathroom or
take/make an important telephone call. However, I do ask that your timing be respectful to what is happening during a session
