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Graphic Design Capstone and Portfolio Review course at Sessions College

Graphic Design Capstone and Portfolio Review

3 credits

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. The project is executed in three stages with feedback and discussion at each stage. Students are expected to discuss, present, and critique their work with a high level of professionalism, and implement research strategies that contribute to the overall finished project.

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. Students will learn to recognize strengths and weaknesses in their work, and feedback will help students identify specific works or subject areas that need improvement.

Final project work by Michelle Panta

Course At A Glance

Course Features

  • 100% online
  • Project-based
  • Instructor-led
  • Credit-bearing: 3 Credits
  • Classes start January, April, and August

Instructor(s)

The course is taught by the following instructor(s):

Course developed by: Joss Parsey and Dr. Meryl Epstein

Take this course as a standalone or as part of the following program(s):

Course Projects

    1. Choosing a Client

      Student will develop a solution based on a creative brief and present their research and concept for initial feedback.

    2. Researching and Conceptualizing

      Students prepare images, colors, and typography based on their concept and submit them for additional feedback.

    3. Preparing the Design

      Student present their final deliverables: a polished logo, brochure, and package design.

    4. 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.

    5. Final Review

      Student portfolios will be evaluated to assess the achievement of program outcomes defined for the Associate Degree in Graphic Design program.

Sample Student Work

Kyle Gilbreath work by Kyle Gilbreath

Course Outcomes

What Are The Course Projects?

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 Software or Supplies Do I Need?
  • Computer with Internet connection.
  • Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign or equivalent programs.
  • Experience in the above software.
What Will I Learn?

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.

Getting Started

Course Registration

  • Classes start January, April, and August
  • 3 Credit Course
  • Project-Based: Exercises, Discussions, and Critiques

Course Tuition and Fees
Tuition$510/credit
Registration Fee* $200
Total Course Price $1730

Registration fees are nonrefundable after 5 days from enrollment. All tuition includes a digital materials fee for course content.

Course Registration Form

To register for this course, use the form below to enter your information and desired start date. An Admissions Advisor will contact you to arrange payment and provide you with an Enrollment Agreement.

PD: Course Registration

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

What Are The Courses Like?

Our courses are project-based. In each course you’ll enjoy a series of lectures, projects, discussions, and critiques designed to stretch your creative skills, earning college credit for your completed course.

How Much Time Do I Need?

Classes start January, April, and August, and this course can be completed in a 15-week term. College credit from this course can be applied to a range of degree and certificate level programs at Sessions College.

Who Are The Instructors?

Our courses are developed and taught by our faculty of professional artists, designers, and photographers. This means that you’ll learn in-demand skills, get feedback on your work, and build a portfolio of creative work.

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).