Graphic Design 2

Description

Graphic Design Syllabus coming soon

This live, online, year-long course builds on the foundations developed in Graphic Design 1 and moves students into more advanced, professional-level design thinking and production. Students refine their visual communication skills through complex, concept-driven projects while gaining deeper mastery of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

Students who complete both semesters will earn 1.0 high school credit in Visual Arts/Fine Arts. Completion of Graphic Design 1 (or equivalent experience with instructor approval) is required for enrollment.

Graphic Design 2 is ideal for students who want to deepen their technical skills, strengthen their design portfolio, and explore graphic design as a potential college major or career path. Students work through increasingly sophisticated design challenges that require research, ideation, revision, critique, and professional presentation. Projects mirror the kinds of work completed by practicing designers and encourage students to think like creative professionals serving clients and audiences.

Designed for learners who already have a basic understanding of the Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator workspaces, this course helps students take their technical skills to the next level while infusing creativity, design thinking, and cross-platform connections into their work.

Students will explore how professional designers communicate ideas visually across multiple formats and audiences. Through guided demonstrations, critique, and project-based learning, students refine their design process while learning how branding, typography, layout, and visual systems work together to create cohesive and effective communication.

Projects serve as both creative exploration and portfolio development. Students may follow provided design prompts or adapt assignments to reflect their own interests/goals, allowing space for personal voice and artistic style while meeting professional design standards.

Beyond technical skills, students will learn to think more deeply and critically about the visual messages they encounter every day—and to design with greater intention and clarity themselves.

Projects are scaffolded and provide expanded opportunities for creative freedom and individualized artistic and learning goals. Students with varying levels of prior design experience will find the work both challenging and rewarding. Working towards personalized learning objectives with the guidance of instructors, some students will produce strong foundational pieces, while others will create advanced, portfolio-ready work suitable for college or career preparation.

Visual communication is an essential skill in today’s world. Students who complete this course will leave with greater confidence, stronger technical ability, and a more professional design mindset.

Students Crwill develop the following skills:

• How to think like a designer and solve visual communication problems.
• How to apply creativity across multiple platforms and formats.
• How to use typography, color, and layout intentionally.
• How to create cohesive branding and visual identity systems.
• How to move from concept to critique to polished final work.
• How to analyze visual media with greater discernment.
• How to present and explain their design decisions clearly and professionally.
• How to build a portfolio of meaningful, high-quality design work.

Course Structure

Each live class meeting includes:

• Review and critique of previous work
• Lecture/discussion of new concepts
• Technical demonstration of advanced tools and techniques
• Weekly homework (approximately 2-3 hours) will be posted in Canvas modules and often includes tutorial videos for additional support

Because skills build sequentially, students who miss class should review the recorded session before completing new assignments.

Who Should Enroll?

Recommended for 10th–12th grade students who have completed Graphic Design 1 or have prior design experience and a strong interest in digital art and visual communication.

Prerequisite: Strongly suggest Graphic Design 1, but may request admission if there is previous experience with all programs used in this course.

Required Materials

• Sketchbook or grid paper
• Mechanical pencils with erasers
• Ruler
• Black markers (fine-tip and brush-tip)
• Colored pencils
• Opaque white poster marker (recommended)

Technology Requirements

• Computer with high-speed internet
• Webcam and microphone for live Zoom sessions
• Ability to screenshare during critique
• Phone camera for photographing sketch work
• Second monitor (optional but highly recommended)

Software:

Using the student account for Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign requires a monthly subscription to Adobe’s “Creative Cloud” at roughly $30 per month (with a significant student discount).

Evaluation and Feedback

We will provide ongoing critique and feedback on weekly design projects and assignments. Opportunities to revise assignments for additional credit will be provided through the end of each semester. Class participation is 25% of the final grade. Students are encouraged to schedule individual meetings for additional help with conceptual, aesthetic, or technical challenges.

Communication

Parents and students can contact them via email (Heather: hbeades@aimacademy.online; Brett: bheades@aimacademy.online) and expect a response within 24 hours.