Zhiping Chen’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.

As online media dominates global communications, strong web design skills are valuable assets for any communications designer. This class establishes a solid foundation in essential web design techniques, covering the Document Object Model, contemporary web standards (HTML5 and CSS3), coding workflow, and site management/administration. Over the course of the semester, students will use new techniques to improve and add features to a series of iterative projects, culminating with a personal portfolio website.

As online media dominates global communications, strong web design skills are valuable assets for any communications designer. This class establishes a solid foundation in essential web design techniques, covering the Document Object Model, contemporary web standards (HTML5 and CSS3), coding workflow, and site management/administration. Over the course of the semester, students will use new techniques to improve and add features to a series of iterative projects, culminating with a personal portfolio website.

This course is designed to prepare the student for entry into the professional world of illustration. The development of a portfolio demonstrating a high level of skill and a personal style, as well as the ability to discuss the work in formal and conceptual terms, is the primary focus. Additionally, the student will be introduced to a variety of professional practices and develop a familiarity with the local, regional, and national scenes. The portfolio contents should demonstrate the student’s versatility and advanced skills while demonstrating consistency in presentation. This course is broken into 4-course goals: Portfolio Development, Professional Skills, Business Practices, and Authorship.

This course is designed to prepare the student for entry into the professional world of illustration. The development of a portfolio demonstrating a high level of skill and a personal style, as well as the ability to discuss the work in formal and conceptual terms, is the primary focus. Additionally, the student will be introduced to a variety of professional practices and develop a familiarity with the local, regional, and national scenes. The portfolio contents should demonstrate the student’s versatility and advanced skills while demonstrating consistency in presentation. This course is broken into 4-course goals: Portfolio Development, Professional Skills, Business Practices, and Authorship.

This course is a practical introduction to the field of illustration. Focus will be placed on process work and professional practices, presented within contemporary and historical context. Course includes projects and lectures in a variety of illustration genres including: advertising, book illustration, film, and editorial. A variety of materials will be introduced through lectures and demonstrations for use on assignments such as: pencil, pen and ink, brush, and digital illustration. Critical concepts such as: Conceptual Development, Working on Assignment, Composition, Contrast, Value, Point of View, and Color theory will be introduced.

This course is a practical introduction to the field of illustration. Focus will be placed on process work and professional practices, presented within contemporary and historical context. Course includes projects and lectures in a variety of illustration genres including: advertising, book illustration, film, and editorial. A variety of materials will be introduced through lectures and demonstrations for use on assignments such as: pencil, pen and ink, brush, and digital illustration. Critical concepts such as: Conceptual Development, Working on Assignment, Composition, Contrast, Value, Point of View, and Color theory will be introduced.