Ivan Vargas’s Profile Student Toggle navigation

An in-depth introduction to communication design theory, this course examines theoretical perspectives of design practice within the larger discourse of design and visual culture. Communication models, the nature of representation, the dimensions of context, and semiotics are explored through critical readings in key documents from the early decades of the twentieth century to the present.

An in-depth introduction to communication design theory, this course examines theoretical perspectives of design practice within the larger discourse of design and visual culture. Communication models, the nature of representation, the dimensions of context, and semiotics are explored through critical readings in key documents from the early decades of the twentieth century to the present.

This openly available model course contains course information, learning outcomes, suggested weekly topics and projects, video resources, quizzes, and more. It may be cloned and adapted by any faculty member teaching this course.

This openly available model course contains course information, learning outcomes, suggested weekly topics and projects, video resources, quizzes, and more. It may be cloned and adapted by any faculty member teaching this course.

OER Open Education Resource Advanced typographic design principles. Typographic applications for web design, print and motion graphics are explored, as well as integration of design and production in the laboratory.

OER Open Education Resource Advanced typographic design principles. Typographic applications for web design, print and motion graphics are explored, as well as integration of design and production in the laboratory.

Students will develop a robust and unified visual identity for a cultural institution including a logo, brochure and ad campaign. We will explore the elements that make an identity appropriate, engaging and cohesive. Color palette, iconography and type selection will be discussed. Slide lectures, assigned readings, videos and class critiques will augment the design process. The final project will be presented in the form of a pdf booklet and will include evidence of process as well as applications. Process will consist of research, mind mapping and logo development sketches. Guidelines for logo usage will be developed.

Students will develop a robust and unified visual identity for a cultural institution including a logo, brochure and ad campaign. We will explore the elements that make an identity appropriate, engaging and cohesive. Color palette, iconography and type selection will be discussed. Slide lectures, assigned readings, videos and class critiques will augment the design process. The final project will be presented in the form of a pdf booklet and will include evidence of process as well as applications. Process will consist of research, mind mapping and logo development sketches. Guidelines for logo usage will be developed.

This is an introductory course designed to explore the basic tools, techniques and principles of drawing. Students will develop an understanding of the five basic perceptual skills of drawing: The Perception of Edges, The Perception of Spaces, The Perception of Relationships, The Perception of Light and Shadow, and The Perception of the Whole Form. This will be continued with an-depth study of classical drawing principles critical to achieving realism in drawing. Concepts such as Composition, Proportion and Perspective will be covered. Students will learn to further render forms through analysis of light and shadow and by utilizing the 5-value system.

This is an introductory course designed to explore the basic tools, techniques and principles of drawing. Students will develop an understanding of the five basic perceptual skills of drawing: The Perception of Edges, The Perception of Spaces, The Perception of Relationships, The Perception of Light and Shadow, and The Perception of the Whole Form. This will be continued with an-depth study of classical drawing principles critical to achieving realism in drawing. Concepts such as Composition, Proportion and Perspective will be covered. Students will learn to further render forms through analysis of light and shadow and by utilizing the 5-value system.