Welcome to Graphic Design

Graphic Design is an introductory course where students will experience and produce artwork based on “real world” assignments.  Students will learn the connection between art and technology by developing ideas using their hands and creating designs using the computer.  Students will explore and create assignments using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.  Individual assignments as well as group dynamics are part of the course.  Assignments range from type design to layout and advertisements. Students will also be introduced to various graphic designers and careers.

GD Overview

Graphic Design Academy Track

Do you have a strong interest in Graphic Design?  Want to pursue Graphic Design as a College major?  Check out the sample schedule below and talk to Mr. Marcin and your guidance counselor about opportunities to enroll in a "Graphic Design and Digital Media Track."

 

Sample Student Schedule

Freshman Studio Art Intro to Marketing
Sophomore Graphic Design 1 Digital Photo 1
Junior Graphic Design 2 Open Studio (Full or Half year)
Senior AP Studio Art (Full Year) OR 2 Visual Art Electives

Please note: if you plan on taking AP Studio Art during your senior year, the prerequisite is Open Studio.  In addition, your schedule may allow for additional Visual Art Electives besides the ones listed in the sample schedule.

 

Visual Art Suggested Electives for the Graphic Design track

Drawing and Painting
Digital Photo 2
Printmaking
Advertising Agency
Art Appreciation
AP Art History

The art department offers a range of courses for you to explore.  Check out the Program of Studies for more information and course offerings.

Resources

Graphic Design = Visual Communication

Print advertisements, billboards, cereal boxes, etc. can not physically talk to you!  Your job as a graphic designer is to figure out how your design can communicate a message visually.

 

Successful Design

1.  Attracts Attention

2.  Communicates a Message

3.  Persuades an Audience

 

Design Process

1.  Research

2.  Thumbnails

3.  Roughs

4.  Comps

5.  Final

 

Elements used in Graphic Design

Contrast (size and color), Repetition, Alignment, Proximity, Overlapping, Figure/Ground (positive/negative space), Movement

 

Graphic Design Course Preview

UNIT 1.            INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHIC DESIGN

UNIT 2.            ELEMENTS & PRINCIPLES AND THE DESIGN PROCESS

UNIT 3.            TECHNOLOGY BASICS

UNIT 4.            INTRODUCTION TO ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR

UNIT 5.            TYPOGRAPHY AND DESIGN

UNIT 6.            INTRODUCTION TO ADOBE PHOTOSHOP

UNIT 7.            COMPOSITION AND LAYOUT DESIGN

Graphic Design Websites

A / B Day Activities

A & B Day - Senior "Office Hours"

Extra Help is available along with

Study Hall during Block 4 in Room 12.

Meet Your Teacher

WELCOME!
 
Mr. Marcin graduated from Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.  He joined the teaching staff at Arthur L. Johnson High School in the fall of 2003.  Mr. Marcin began teaching a variety of fine art courses and expanded his subject into combining art with technology.  He is the head Track coach and assistant Soccer coach.  In addition, he recently obtained his Masters in Education.  Mr. Marcin was named "2008 Star-Ledger NJ Coach of the Year" and was awarded "Teacher of the Year" for the Clark Public School District in 2009.
 

MISSION STATEMENT

It is my responsibility to provide my students with a safe learning environment, both physically and mentally.  My students are my first priority and I am committed to their success and well being.  My decisions will be guided by what is in the best interest of the students.  I will always be prepared and infuse humor and enthusiasm as I present developmentally appropriate lessons.  The learning process should be engaging, fostering creativity and critical thinking.  I will also be an advocate for the art program and keep communication open with the parents and community.  However, my ultimate goal is to provide my students with the necessary skills to succeed in life, while creating a memorable learning experience.

~Mr. Christopher Marcin, Teacher of Art and Design
 

Monday 11/20 "B Day" - Class Instructions

You are going to learn about 3 Selection Tools (Rectangle Marquee, Magic Wand, and Magnetic Lasso) in Adobe Photoshop.

Today, I want you to watch the "Magic Wand" tutorial found on our website (to the right).

 

After watching the video, follow the steps:

1.  Choose the Crusader image (found on the Photoshop Resources - under the "Student Resources" section). 

2.  Download and open the image in Photoshop CC 2017

3.  Duplicate the layer by right clicking on the background layer and selecting "duplicate layer."

4.  Poke the eye out of the background layer and select the layer background copy (the current layer you are working on should be highlighted light grey).

5.  Remove the white background using the magic wand tool (review the video tutorial).

6.  Insert a new background by copying a background image from Google.

7.  Rearrange the layers in the layer box by selecting a layer and dragging it up or down (Tip:  bringing the layer to the top = bring to front.  Dragging the layer to the bottom = send to back).

 

Once you watched the video and followed the steps with the crusader image.  Create a new 8.5 x 11 document (remember 150 resolution) and create your own using 2 images found on Google Images.   1) a cartoon character with a solid color background and 2) a fun background from google.  Have fun exploring Photoshop and the magic wand tool !

Magic Wand Tutorial

School & Class Calendar

View Monthly Calendar