ARTS 352 Graphic Design Lab I: Building Visual Identities

This course provides an overview of branding for a variety of companies and organizations. Emphasis is placed on conceptual thinking, problem-solving, design development, critical analysis, and the preparation and presentation of portfolio-ready work.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Graphic design is communicating visually in an interesting and vital way. The successful graphic designer presents information in a manner that communicates meaning through a varied and expanding array of media, including print, web, and digital media. While principles of good design remain constant, technology and methodology develop at a constant, rapid pace. The student of design must therefore balance his or her development of the creative and theoretical with skills in utilizing the tools and technology of the trade. There will be an emphasis on developing a Christian worldview as applied to this discipline.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 250 words, demonstrate course-related knowledge, and be supported by biblical principles. In addition to the thread, the student will reply to at least 2 classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 100 words and be supported by biblical principles. The thread and each reply must incorporate at least 1 scholarly citation in current MLA format.

Visual Language Systems Assignments (3)

Logo, Pattern, & Visual Identity Assignment 

The student will develop a visual identity system for an approved client through research, ideation, and concept development. Through audience analysis, visual research, thumbnail sketching, and critique, the student will create original logo concepts and establish a foundation for a cohesive visual brand system. 

Logo, Pattern & Visual Identity Applications Assignment

The student will refine a selected logo concept and expand it into a cohesive visual identity system. Through iteration, testing, and critique, the student will develop typography, color, and pattern solutions that strengthen brand communication and recognition. 

Final Visual Identity System Application and Presentation Assignment 

In this project, the student will complete and present a finalized visual identity system through the application of branding elements in an appropriate design context. The student will evaluate how logo, typography, color, and pattern work together as a unified visual language while documenting revisions, feedback, and final design decisions.

Design Sprint Assignments (2)

Word + Image Rebus Assignment

The student will create an 11 × 17-inch rebus poster that combines words and imagery to communicate a visual message. Through thumbnail exploration and concept development, the student will apply visual language, composition, typography, and symbolic thinking to create a concise and engaging design solution. 

Homophone / Homograph Composition Assignment 

The student will create a 12 × 16-inch composition that communicates multiple meanings of a selected homophone or homograph. Using imagery, typography, and composition, the student will explore visual-verbal communication strategies while creating layered meaning through juxtaposition and visual thinking. 

Project Assignments (6)

The Object Poster Assignment 

The student will explore object-poster design through research, concept development, and visual experimentation. Drawing inspiration from historical and contemporary poster-design practices, the student will use semiotics, word studies, association mapping, and thumbnail sketching to develop multiple poster concepts for critique. 

The Final Object Poster Presentation Assignment 

The student will refine and complete an object poster based on critique and peer feedback. Through revision, testing, and production, the student will strengthen visual hierarchy, typography, composition, and craftsmanship while developing a final poster solution that communicates a clear message through image and text. 

Product Rebrand: Research, Positioning, & Visual Direction Assignment 

In this project, the student will research and reposition an existing consumer product for a focused target audience. Through competitor analysis, audience research, positioning development, and visual exploration, the student will establish the strategic and conceptual foundation for a multi-week branding project. 

Product Rebrand: Identity Development & Package System Assignment 

The student will transform a selected rebranding strategy into a cohesive visual identity and packaging system. Through logo refinement, typography and color development, package design, and prototype creation, the student will apply branding principles to create a coordinated product family.  

Product Rebrand: Final Presentation Assignment 

In this project, the student will finalize and present a complete product rebrand system. Through refinement, testing, application development, and presentation, the student will demonstrate how branding decisions can be applied consistently across packaging, supporting applications, and communication materials. 

Padlet Peer Share Assignment

In this peer-review activity, the student will share project work, participate in design discussions, and provide constructive feedback to classmates. The assignment encourages reflection, critical evaluation, and the use of professional design vocabulary while supporting the iterative design process. 

Quiz: Warm Up Survey

The quiz is an beginning-of-course-survey measuring growth in 12 subject-matter areas. This quiz is worth 15 points, contains 15 multiple choice questions and has unlimited time and number of attempts.

Quiz: End of Class Survey

The quiz is an end-of-course survey measuring growth in the same 12 areas assessed in the Quiz: Warm-up Survey. This quiz is worth 15 points, contains 15 multiple choice questions and has unlimited time and number of attempts.