DES 260: Graphic Design Capstone and Portfolio Review
A portfolio project and portfolio review for Graphic Design majors
The Graphic Design Capstone and Portfolio Review class offers an opportunity to develop a multifaceted portfolio piece and hone your creative work into a polished presentation for future clients and employers. The Graphic Design Capstone Project provides a simulation of an extended client design project. Students will take a project from concept to final presentation. Students work closely with the department head, interpreting a project brief, developing design elements, and designing a logo, brochure, and package design. Students participate in Portfolio Review in weeks 9-15 of the semester. This provides students the opportunity to gather and develop a portfolio of work and present it to faculty and classmates for feedback.
Student work by Andrew Johnson. Visit the Student Gallery.
About This Course
Project-Based Learning
A multi-faceted portfolio project includes visual identity design, brochure design, package design, and design standards manual. Students will also assemble a high quality final portfolio of work for instructor review and peer feedback. Student work will be evaluated to assess the achievement of program outcomes defined for the Associate Degree in Graphic Design program.
What Skills Will I Develop?
Students in this course can expect to learn to:
- Research a design concept for a new product.
- Present relevant research sources along with a written analysis and explanation of how they contributed to your concept.
- Present the development of a design concept using sketches, tearsheets, mood boards, and any other methods of your choice to present design concepts.
- Prepare a distinctive color palette based on the principles of color harmony.
- Research and present appropriate typefaces and design typography to support the branding or communication goal of the client and project.
- Create an effective identity design for brochure and package design as well as other applications such as business cards, billboards, and Web sites.
- Create a four-page brochure and six-sided fold-up carton design for a package/product.
- Deliver a written presentation of an entire project that demonstrates critical thinking ability, professional project presentation skills, and the ability to develop/explain your creative process.
- Create a complete project that exhibits professional competence in print design genres including logo/branding design, brochure layout, and packaging.
- Assemble a portfolio of work, identifying and describe strengths and weaknesses in your work.
- Develop a plan for portfolio development and identify a desired career direction.
- Develop a professional summary of your design capabilities.
- Present a finalized portfolio of creative work.
What Software and Supplies Do I Need?
- Computer with Internet connection.
- Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign or equivalent programs.
- Experience in the above software.
Course Outline
Choosing a Client
Student will develop a solution based on a creative brief and present their research and concept for initial feedback.
Researching and Conceptualizing
Students prepare images, colors, and typography based on their concept and submit them for additional feedback.
Preparing the Design
Student present their final deliverables: a polished logo, brochure, and package design.
Portfolio Guidelines
Students are expected to create a portfolio that is useful to their future creative development, and to do so with attention to quality and detail. The final student portfolio will demonstrate professional presentation techniques and a written summary of the student's design capabilities.
Final Review
Student portfolios will be evaluated to assess the achievement of program outcomes defined for the Associate Degree in Graphic Design program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Do The Courses Work?
Our courses are project-based and instructor-led. In each course you’ll complete a series of lectures, projects, discussions, and critiques designed to stretch your creative skills. Weekly assignment deadlines keep you on track, and with no set-logins or Zoom meetings, you can build your studies around your schedule.
Who Are The Instructors?
Our courses are developed and taught by our industry-leading faculty of creative professionals. This means that you’ll learn in-demand skills, get feedback on your work, and build a portfolio of creative work. View our Student Gallery for featured student projects.
When Can I Start?
Classes start January, April, and August, and this course is completed in a 15-week term. This course is not available for individual enrollment; it can only be taken as part of a program.
Explore our Programs: Bachelor's Degree | Associate Degree | Undergraduate Certificate
How Do I Register?
This course is not available for individual enrollment; it can only be taken as part of a program. To register for a program, complete our program application.
Is Sessions College accredited?
Yes. Since 2001, Sessions College has been accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).