Desktop Publishing
3 Credit Hours – 5 Weeks
by
Mrs. Nancy Pace-Miller
Pace-millern@evangel.edu
865-2815, ext. 8414
EVANGEL UNIVERSITY
Degree Completion Program
Overview and Welcome
Welcome to the Desktop Publishing course. This seminar combines both theory and
practical application. This seminar is a required course toward attainment of your degree
in Communication Studies.
This course is structured to focus your learning on the techniques and principles
of good design, giving you the opportunity to apply your learning to desktop publishing
projects.
Course Description
Learners demonstrate designing and editing skills essential for creating collateral
materials such as flyers, brochures, posters, page layouts, and other desktop publishing
projects. Specific attention is given to the principles of design, typography, paper and
ink, printing estimation and production delivery. Industry-standard software, primarily
the Adobe Suite, will be used for the projects that will become a part of the learner’s
future portfolio.
Course Objectives
The following performance objectives are provided as a focus for learning in the Desktop
Publishing module. You may wish to further refine or expand upon them for personal
growth or work responsibilities. If so, please discuss your personal needs with the
instructor prior to the first class meeting or on the first night of class.
Prior to and during session one, learners will:
1. Experience the historical perspective of Desktop Publishing.
2. Discuss the logistics of basic design.
3. Explore the software programs related to Desktop Publishing, specifically
InDesign.
4. Utilize the Communication Lab to practice using the software program.
5. Prepare a letterhead and business card as an in-class project.
Prior to and during session two, learners will:
1. Name and define the principles of good design.
2. Examine typography as an art element and communication tool.
3. Preview a historical documentary on printing and Desktop Publishing.
4. Identify art and its selection for the communication piece.
5. Examine different collateral materials, giving a broad understanding of design.
Prior to and during session three, learners will:
1.
Review the art form of typography and its uses in Desktop Publishing.
2. Analyze the affects and use of color.
3. Examine the use of art, including photography, illustration, and graphics.
4. Identify and recognize the design principle of the Gutenberg diagonal.
5. Review standard design tips.
6. Examine the creative aspects of developing a tri-fold brochure.
7. Brainstorm on newsletters.
Prior to and during session four, learners will:
1.
Discuss design principles in direct correlation to magazine design.
2. Review magazine terminology and how it can be used in various projects.
3. Analyze and explore logistic steps from “start to finish” a print job.
4. Determine learners design philosophy.
5. Take assessment
Prior to and during session five, learners will:
1. Share newsletters.
2. Practice your presentation skills.
3. Practice giving constructive criticism.
4. Celebrate creativity.
5. Review a film on Web Design.
6. Guest presents basics of Web Design
Required Text
William, R. (2004). The non-designers design book (2nd ed.). Berkeley: Peach Pit Press.
Botello, C. (2006). Adobe InDesign CS2 revealed, deluxe education edition. United
States: Thomson/Course Technology.
Grade Determination
There are 625 points possible for this course. The grades are based on a plus/minus
grading system. 100-94% = A; 93-90 = A-; 89-88 = B+; 87-84=B; 83-80 =B-; 7978=C+; 77-74=C; 73-70=C-; 69-68 =D+; 67-64=D; 63-60=D-; anything below 60% is
considered failing.
Grade Grid: Please use this grid to track your grades for this class. If you have any
questions regarding assignments, check your syllabus and/or contact your instructor.
Assignment
Week
*Visual Communicator Paper
*Principles of Design
Points
Possible
1
1
25 points
25 points
1
50 points
*A workable idea for tri-fold brochure
1
25 points
*Five type examples (Review syllabus)
*Five color examples (Review syllabus)
*Five art pieces (Review syllabus)
2
2
2
25 points
25 points
25 points
*Tri-fold Brochure Due
*Free places to get graphics on Web
*Assessment
3
3
3
50 points
25 points
100 points
*Rough layout for newsletter
*Handout for cohort members on findings
*Reading assignment (graphics books)
*Bring two newsletters (discuss)
4
4
4
4
25 points
25 points
25 points
25 points
*Organize and submit Sample File
*Oral Presentation
*Newsletter prototype
*Submit a rough idea for a Website
5
5
5
5
50 points
25 points
50 points
25 points
(No more than two pages; be concise)
*Sample File (Review syllabus for details)
(10 design pieces/design philosophy)
Total Points for class
625 points
Points
Earned
Assignments
The assignments for this module are designed to assist you in applying text theory to
an actual physical task found in the communication field. The practical nature of the
Evangel Degree Completion Program is designed for learners to apply what they learn to
a work situation. Accordingly, please be prepared to share assignments with your cohort
members during class time. During the next five weeks, you will be doing research,
discovering what your personal design philosophy is like, organizing and writing a
sample file portfolio, learning about the principles of design, making a prototype tri-fold
brochure and newsletter, and exploring a host of other activities.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
All written homework should be presented in a formal, professional manner. Work
should be well written, proofed, and edited. Please use the following format guidelines:
12-point font (preferably Times or New Times Roman), 1” margins, single-sided, and
double-spaced (exception of actual magazine). Minimal corrections can be made on your
paper, but please use a black pen for correcting. Always include appropriate headings to
your papers. Cover sheets are not necessary on these assignments. Make sure your name
is on every assignment.
Homework for each week should be placed in a pocket folder with your name
clearly indicated on the front of the folder. I will collect homework at some point
during class. You will need TWO pocket folders for rotation of homework
assignments.
Late assignments will earn no more than a grade of a “C” – 70%; probably, lower. Please
do not be late with your work. Deadlines are of top priority in this field. Please show
your professionalism by having your work completed on time.
Always be prepared to discuss the text information contained in the assigned
readings and any readings given as handouts. You may call or e-mail me with any
questions you may have while completing the assignments. Please do not call past
8 p.m. Also, please note that e-mail messages will be answered within 24 hours,
unless it’s a weekend or holiday.
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
Two pocket folders for homework submission and rotation.
One 1” three-ring binder.
Clear protector sheets (for three-ring notebook).
Notebook for notes.
A plethora of magazines to look through and to clip from. (Don’t use the library
resources for your sample file.)
Week 1 To be completed prior to and submitted on the first night of class.
READ
Williams, R., The Non-Designers Design Book – Pages 1-86
Botello, C., Adobe InDesign – Chapters 1-6 and Chapter 12
1.
As you are looking through your texts, you will see that design is a huge
concept in our world – not just in physical manipulation of a software package.
Design affects us everyday. Please think about this concept: I am a visual
communicator. What does that mean to you? See if you can find any research
on being a visual communicator. Write a one-page response paper on how
you interpret this. This assignment is worth 25 points.
2.
Please prepare a written report on the principles of design. This report is to
be no more than two pages—be precise and concise. What are they? How does
each principle work? How do they work together? What do you think the old
adage “form follows function” means? Are there other names for the principles
of design? Think through these principles carefully. These principles are your
foundation for the rest of this class. This assignment is worth 25 points.
3. In order to fully grasp the idea of being a visual communicator, you must study
graphic art and design. In order to fully grasp the idea of multi-page print
design, you must be a reader and reviewer of magazines, catalogs, newspapers,
newsletters, and other collateral materials. Professionals in this business are
constantly observing and asking, “How did they do that?”
You will need to start being a consumer of publications. For this class, you are
required to keep a sample file. I want this sample file to be more than file
cabinet clutter. I want it to be something that you put on a bookshelf and refer to
and add to after this class is long over. This is what I want you to do.
You are to buy a 1” three-ring binder and start putting together a sample
file. This first section of your file will be pieces reflecting your personal design
philosophy. We will talk more about your personal design philosophy later;
however, you do have one. When you find your “favorite” pieces, start thinking
through why you like these particular ones. You are to find 10 pieces of good
design that “speak” to you. Examine them. Why are you drawn to this type of
design (NOT CONTENT)? What makes them meaningful and soulful for you?
You are to neatly gather these pieces (They can come from magazines, direct mail
flyers, posters, and/or any design piece), putting them in a protector cover and
organizing them in your three-ring binder. I want one, in-depth paragraph
explaining why you like these pieces. Place your written document in a sheet
protector as well. This assignment is worth 50 points.
4. You are to prepare a written report, providing three workable ideas for a
tri-fold brochure and three workable ideas for a newsletter. Ask yourself
these questions: Is there an audience for this? Has this ever been done? Is
there a “want” for this kind of thing? What research can you give that would
support your ideas?
Your written report should be no more than one page. Title your paper.
Come to class prepared to discuss your ideas. This assignment is worth 25
points.
Week 2 To be completed prior to and submitted on the second night of class.
READ
Williams, R., The Non-Designers Design Book – Pages 87-178
Botello, C., Adobe InDesign – Chapters 1-6 and Chapter 12
1. Please make sure you have read your chapters in the Non-Designers Design
book. These elements of design are essential to your understanding of desktop
publishing and creation of any print production. Please pay careful attention to
the language (words) of this field. Be familiar with the terminology and what it
actually means.
2. After reading the chapters designated, you are to put your understanding to work.
For this assignment, you are to find and examine five type samples that are
representative of your design philosophy. Type has a distinct message just by
its sheer look. In less than a page but more than a paragraph, I want you to
explain how the type samples you’ve found work (or don’t work) for the printed
piece. Follow syllabus “Assignment” rules for paper submission. You are to
organize your examples in clear sheet protectors. Make a section in your threering binder for type samples. You will place your written review in the first sheet
protector, followed by your five examples. This assignment is worth 25 points.
3. After reading the chapters designated, you are to put your understanding to work.
For this assignment, you are to find and examine five color pieces that are
representative of your design philosophy. Color has a distinct message. In less
than a page but more than a paragraph, I want you to explain how the color in
your samples either works or doesn’t work for the printed piece. Follow syllabus
“Assignment” rules for paper submission. You are to organize your examples in
clear sheet protectors. Make a section in your three-ring binder for color samples.
You will place your written review in the first sheet protector, followed by your
five examples. This assignment is worth 25 points.
4. After reading the chapters designated, you are to put your understanding to
work. For this assignment, you are to find and examine five “art” pieces that
are representative of your design philosophy. Art definitely plays a huge role
in the creation of a printed piece or web design. In less than a page but more than
a paragraph, I want you to explain how the “art” in your samples either works or
doesn’t work for the printed piece. Follow syllabus “Assignment” rules for paper
submission. You are to organize your examples in clear sheet protectors. Make a
section in your three-ring binder for “art” samples. You will place your written
review in the first sheet protector, followed by your five examples. Find one
sample of each type of “art”: 1.) Photo 2.) Illustration
3.) Graphic image
4.) Clip art 5.) Type . The assignment is worth 25 points.
Keep practicing on InDesign. The lab should be open in the Television Studio and/or
Lab 315 in Trask Hall. Go in and practice using the software. I have some “older”
training materials of InDesign, but the basic core is the same. If you want to use the
training videos, you can check them out from me.
Please read your extra chapter readings on tri-fold brochures and newsletters.
Week 3 To be completed prior to and submitted on the third night of class.
READ
Williams, R., The Non-Designers Design Book – Finish the book, if you have not.
Botello, C., Adobe InDesign – Chapters 1-6 and Chapter 12
Extra reading chapters, given to you in class on week two.
1. After you have completed the reading for this week, you will need to start
thinking about your tri-fold brochure once again. You now know the principles of
good design and have a basic understanding on what you must do to produce a
prototype brochure.
Please reference your handouts for tri-fold brochures and newsletters. You will
need this information for making your layout for your brochure. This
assignment is worth 50 points.
2.
For your specific task assignment this week, you are to find three “free”
places to find photos, graphics, type, and/or other things that would be
helpful to you and your cohort members as they are laying out and designing
their newsletters.
After you find three “free” places, you will need to write a summary report,
stating what you found, where you found it, how others can access it, and
what its benefits are. You MUST make a copy of this report for your
homework folder as well as a copy for every member of your cohort. This
assignment is worth 25 points for finding the three places, writing the report, and
providing a copy to your cohort members.
3.
Prepare for assessment. Testing method is varied with short answer, multiple
choice, and other assessing techniques. Worth 100 points.
Week 4 To be completed prior to and submitted on the fourth night of class.
READ
Williams, R., The Non-Designers Design Book – Finish the book, if you have not.
Botello, C., Adobe InDesign – Chapters 1-6 and Chapter 12
1.
You are to go to the library or bookstore and review two different graphic arts
publications. Read the articles, look at the layouts, watch and synthesis what
professionals in the field of design are doing and reading. After viewing two
different publications – Communication Arts, How-To, Wired, Arts and
Entertainment, Advertising Age, and many more – I want you to write a one
page summary paper. What publications did you review? What articles
captured your attention? Why would this publication be good for desktop
publishers? One page only – summarize. Make sure that you put the name of the
publications you reviewed in the paper, including their dates and volume
numbers. The summary paper is worth 25 points.
2. You will need to finalize all your details for laying out your newsletter. (Note: I
want you to write the copy for the articles. I want to see a real newsletter. If
pictures need captions, then write them as well.) Have a thorough rough layout
completed. I want to spot check your newsletter. The rough is worth 25 points.
3. This week, in preparation of finalizing your newsletter. I want you to find two
good examples of newsletters and bring them to class with you. In class you will
discuss why you think these newsletters work and how possibly you could
improve them. Your participation and analysis will be worth 25 points.
Week 5 To be completed prior to and submitted on the fifth night of class.
READ
Extra reading: Designing Websites.
1. You are to finalize your sample file notebook. Please have all assignments
neatly organized according to their place (design philosophy examples, type,
color, and art). If you want to put additional samples in here (like your
newsletters), as you have found them, then feel free to do so. I just want it
finished out as a professional looking sample file that can be placed on your
bookshelf. This project is worth 50 points for the finalized notebook and
presentation of materials. (I still have materials from my publication graphics
class with Mrs. Shedd from 1983.) This is something that you will hopefully keep
and use. Your final sample book is worth 50 points.
2. Bring your finished Newsletter prototype. The newsletter is worth 50 points.
3. You will need to prepare a formal presentation, showing your newsletter.
Please discuss what motivated you to do this newsletter; why is it important; why
makes it different from others (if it has competition); who would be the audience;
suggest ways to promote the piece; suggest content for future issues; and, provide
demographics and psychographics for your newsletter. Does the newsletter need
to done in four-color? Would two-color work just as well? Could you launch this
newsletter on a Website? HINT. HINT. Presentation is worth 25 points.
4. We will watch a DVD on Designing Web sites, plus we will discuss Web design
and how Desktop axioms transfers to good Web development.
5. Please bring FOOD. Good creativity should be enjoyed with great food. Positive
participation points will be in your favor, if you participate.
6. A guest speaker will join us the last hour, talking about Web design. Prepare a
rough idea for a Web site. This rough idea is worth 25 points.