graphic arts department
Department Head: Mrs. Renee Halevy
Thirteen intensive courses in graphic and web design with emphasis on advanced portfolio completion prepare students to enter the job market immediately. From corporate identity to advertising, newsletters to book covers, magazine layouts to packaging, promotional design to marketing collateral, websites to animated content, a graphic designer impacts the world on a daily basis. While it takes natural talent, success in the graphic design field also requires dedication, determination, and persistence.
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Major topics covered are Hebrew and English lettering using a wide variety of calligraphy materials, traditional style sculpting, spacing between letters; common and unique layout styles; illumination of the work, preparation of camera-ready copy of invitations, plaques, ketubot, family trees, awards and honoraria are among the topics covered in the course.
Major topics covered are putting color theory into practice; development of color throughout history; experimenting with color in period styles; light and shadow in portraiture; experimenting using gauche and acrylic; use of color in print media.
The goal of this course is mastery and synthesis of technical and creative skills in utilizing an industry-standard multimedia software application for presentation and web animations. Emphasis is placed on fostering independence in the learning process so that students can continue to upgrade their skills independently long after they have completed this course.
Major topics covered in the course are the mastery and synthesis of technical and creative skills in utilizing an industry-standard vector graphics illustration computer application. These skills are essential to produce digital illustrations and vector graphics on the computer. Emphasis is placed on fostering independence in the learning process so that students can continue to upgrade their skills independently long after they have completed this course.
Major topics covered in the course are the mastery and synthesis of technical and creative skills in utilizing an industry-standard digital image manipulation computer application. These skills are essential to create and manipulate pixel-based images on the computer. Emphasis is placed on fostering independence in the learning process so that students can continue to upgrade their skills independently long after they have completed this course.
Major topics covered in this course include overview of fine art photography masters and their photographic styles. Developing proficiency technical aspects of photographing with a digital camera and its accessories. Developing image editing skills for photographers utilizing a professional software application. Developing skills in seeking and developing creative compositions for successful photographs. Creating a portfolio of best photographs shot throughout the course.
Major topics covered are: an introduction to the art of drawing and illustration with regard to its practice, theory and appreciation, the fundamental principles of line, tone, texture, perspective and composition. The student will complete drawings using black and white media and will explore their effects and applications in their illustrations.
Major topics covered are: an introduction to the art of drawing and illustration with various types of color media, the fundamental principles of line, tone, texture, perspective and composition. The student will explore a wide range of colored mediums and investigate their effects and uses on the drawing.
Major topics covered in the course are: Preparing digital files for print, color spaces, image formats, file resolutions, different print processes, binding and finishing techniques, creating Postscript and PDF files, papermaking processes, printing substrates, ordering a print job, working with prepress bureaus and printers, and creating a PDF portfolio.
Major topics covered in this course include: The development and practical application of research, creative, and technical skills in visual communication according to client specifications, consumers’ needs, and practical constraints. Development of several workable solutions for each project. Professional production of final design. Emphasis will be placed upon creating a unique approach to the design while retaining the brand identity that the company has built for itself. Professionally, portfolio-oriented project designed in this course include a poster series, an advertising campaign, and a corporate identity package.
Major topics covered in this course include: Continued development and practical application of research, creative, and technical skills in visual communication according to client specifications, consumers’ needs, and practical constraints. Development of several advanced workable solutions for each project. Professional production of final design Emphasis will be placed upon creating a unique approach to the design while retaining the brand identity that the company has built for itself. Professionally, portfolio-oriented project designed in this course include a folder with three inserts and a series of three package designs for a commercial product.
Major topics covered are principles and techniques of website design and animation using current technologies and following contemporary trends. Students will design two websites: a website for an existing business or corporation and an animated portfolio website.
Major topics covered in this course are various techniques in painting with oil paints from proper care and usage of brushes to painting surfaces, paints and mediums and an introduction to a variety of painting techniques and styles. Students will produce a minimum of four paintings of different themes. Each assignment will explore a different painting technique and style.
Students will master computerized layout and its relevant applications i.e. Quark Xpress or Adobe InDesign along with advanced study and theory of publication layout and design. During this course, two projects including magazine spreads and a masthead and contents page will be completed. Methods of instruction include lecture and lab.
This initial design courses covers the principles of two-dimensional design, color theory, and an overview of the major art movements. Design elements and relationships will be analyzed and employed, fostering aesthetic appreciation and critical analysis skills. The historical, psychological and cultural aspects of color will be explored to help students develop appropriate design and color decisions.
This course focuses on learning to see text as more than basic communication tool. The course teaches students to examine the basic architecture of text: first on the level of each individual letter, then on font families, and then on how various combinations of font family, font attributes impact the solutions. Students will learn to select and integrate multiple typefaces in order to develop unique solutions appropriate to the market niche for each project. Projects are designed to help students build a portfolio which demonstrates proficiency in basic typographic design concepts.
This course concentrates on how typographic elements are utilized as a design tool to develop solutions which are easy to read, understand, and effectively communicate the needs of each project's/client's objectives. As students become more proficient in understanding typographic concerns, they will be expected to also further develop their proficiency with image integration, palette selection, and structural options. Projects are designed to help students build a portfolio reflective of a proficiency in how typographic elements can be utilized to achieve proprietary and aesthetic solutions to visual communication objectives.
Major topics covered in the course are the mastery and synthesis of technical and creative skills in utilizing an industry-standard: digital image manipulation computer application, digital illustration computer application, and web site building application to prepare web site comps and to build web sites. Emphasis is placed on fostering independence in the learning process so that students can continue to upgrade their skills independently long after they have completed this course.

