DEG 304: Special Topics I
Develop a multi-faceted project in support of your creative goals.
Professional designers apply design and communication principles, meet milestones, collaborate with clients, analyze, evaluate, and synthesize creative concepts, adhere to deadlines, and strive to exceed expectations. In this class, you will continue to advance the design strategy plan you developed in the DES 360 Design Systems and Planning course. In collaboration with your instructor, you will select or “spec out” and complete a multi-faceted project and/or set of projects that support your portfolio goals. In this course, your instructor will serve as your client, and your class grade will be based not only on the quality of your work but also on your ability to meet deadlines, synthesize design principles, and effectively present your work.
Visit the Student Gallery.
About This Course
Project-Based Learning
Students will undertake a multi-faceted design project during the course of the semester. Students can develop a portfolio project that meets their portfolio needs, engage in a passion project that is complementary to their portfolio, or select one of three trending design projects.
What Skills Will I Develop?
Students in this course can expect to learn to:
- Analyze, evaluate, and synthesize design industry trends and artistic styles when exploring and researching the work of graphic designers and other creatives.
- Professionally present research and creative concepts in alignment with the course content, creative brief, project criteria/expectations, and presentation guidelines.
- Actively and professionally participate in class discussions/meetings, constructively assess t
- Demonstrate effective and efficient use of your digital and traditional design and sketching skills, and other image making skills to create quality portfolio ready pieces.
- Effectively conceptualize, create, finalize, and present a multi-faceted design project based upon research, with consideration of the following (where applicable): industry trends, strategic marketing strategies, effective use of social media and other promotional venues, production planning with consideration for design principles such as composition, layout, color, and typography.
- Apply and demonstrate technically proficient digital illustration/image making/page layout skills utilizing appropriate software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
What Software and Supplies Do I Need?
- Computer with Internet connection.
- Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign CC.
Course Instructor(s)
The course is taught by the following instructor(s):
Dr. Meryl Epstein
Dr. Meryl P. Epstein is the Dean of Academic Affairs for Sessions College. Meryl has extensive experience in design, education, and leading academic teams and has served as Dean of Academic Affairs, Program Chair, Doctoral Development Faculty, Art Director, Graphic Design Manager, Faculty member, and Exhibiting Artist/Photographer.
Course Outline
What Direction to Pursue?
We will explore potential directions to consider when deciding what project to produce during this course. The course outlines options for developing a professional or personal creative project, or choosing one of three trending design projects.
Creativity: Your Super Power!
Developing creative ideas for projects is an important skill for any designer. We will discuss strategies for generating and developing a multi-faceted and creative project idea, including brainstorming and mind mapping.
Research: Your Secret Recipe.
We will explore how to flesh out your idea with client, competitor, and customer research, so that your project has depth and dimension.
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. College credit from this course can be applied to a range of Degree and Certificate programs at Sessions College. You can enroll in this course on an individual basis or as part of a program.
Explore our Programs: Bachelor's Degree | Associate Degree | Undergraduate Certificate
How Do I Register?
To register for a program, complete our program application. To register for this course on an individual basis, please contact our admissions team at admissions@sessions.edu. An Admissions Advisor will contact you to setup your enrollment.
| Course Tuition and Fees | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $300/credit |
| Registration Fee* | $200 |
| Total Course Price | $1100 |
Registration fees are nonrefundable after 5 days from enrollment.
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).