Course overview

Build a creative identity through advanced design.

Graphic Design 2 is a yearlong studio for students ready for greater independence, stronger technical control, and more ambitious original work.

Students move through the full design process—from concept and experimentation to critique, refinement, and final production—while expanding their skills in vector design, advanced image editing, photography, layout, multimedia, and visual communication.

Explore the course View full syllabus

40%

Classwork & demos

20%

Photographs & theory

40%

Projects & assessments

Friday

Weekly due date

The course year

Two semesters. One evolving portfolio.

Each semester develops a different part of the student’s creative practice while building toward polished, personally meaningful work.

Fall semester

Advanced Vector Design & Photography

Develop advanced photography, a cohesive photo portfolio, and greater control in Adobe Illustrator. Drawing tablets support original digital illustration and vector work.

Advanced composition, lighting, exposure, and camera techniques
Cohesive photography and Lightroom portfolio workflow
Original vector artwork in Adobe Illustrator
Pen Tool, Shape Builder, Pathfinder, layers, and typography
Drawing tablet techniques and digital illustration
Critique, revision, and professional presentation

Spring semester

InDesign, Layout & Independent Specialization

Study professional publication design while creating an individual learning plan in an approved area such as Blender, After Effects, advanced Illustrator, photography, or another digital medium.

Professional layouts in Adobe InDesign
Typography, hierarchy, spacing, and grid systems
Print and digital production preparation
An individual, self-directed learning plan
Specialization in 3D, motion, illustration, photography, or digital media
Portfolio curation, critique, and revision

Weekly studio routine

Independence first.
Feedback when it matters.

The weekly structure mirrors a professional creative studio: students manage projects and seek targeted support as they refine their work.

MON—WED

Independent production

Advance current projects, manage time, solve problems, and continue developing technical and creative skills.

THU—FRI

Tutorials & critique

Use individual tutorials, project feedback, technical help, assessment, and targeted instruction to demonstrate progress.

Yearlong project

Student Portfolio in Canva

Build one digital portfolio that reflects your strongest work, individual interests, and growing creative identity.

Students choose the photography and design work they want to develop, revise, and showcase. Process, presentation, and thoughtful curation matter alongside the finished pieces.

Studio expectations

Work like a designer.

Creative freedom depends on responsibility, respect, organized process, and original work.

Use studio time well

Stay focused, work independently, and move current projects forward.

Respect equipment

Handle cameras, tripods, tablets, and computers carefully. Ask before forcing or adjusting unfamiliar equipment.

Follow camera procedures

Use the correct settings, recharge batteries when directed, and keep all digital files organized.

Photograph responsibly

Ask permission before photographing people. Outdoor photography is a privilege; do not disrupt classes or enter private areas.

Submit original work

Submit only work you created and follow ethical image-use practices. Keep layered working files as evidence of process.

Respect shared storage

Never alter, submit, or take credit for another student’s files on shared computers, cards, or drives.

AI policy

Show your creative process.

Students must submit original work and be able to show that it was not created by AI. Keep layered Photoshop, Illustrator, and other working files as evidence.

Phone & headphone policy

Protect studio focus.

Phones go in the caddy at the start of class. No headphones during instruction; headphones may be used during independent lab time with permission.

Deadline policy

Friday means finished.

Work is due Friday of the assigned week and is not accepted after the following Friday. Effective use of lab time should make in-class completion possible.