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visual literacy
Visual Literacy. Lesson plans, work files, presentations.

There’s a reason it’s said that a picture is worth a thousand words. 

Science suggests that the human brain responds to and processes images faster than any other type of data.

  • 32% of marketers say visual images are the most important form of content for their business, with blogging in second (27%). (Social Media Examiner)
  • When people hear information, they're likely to remember only 10% of that information three days later. However, if a relevant image is paired with that same information, people retained 65% of the information three days later. (Brain Rules)

HubSpot has collected some statistics that show how visual content is a powerful communication tool:

  • Content with relevant imagery gets 94% more views than content without images.
  • People remember information better when it’s paired with images (10% retention of audio information vs. 65% retention of audio + visual information after three days).
  • Visual content is 40 times more likely to be shared on social media.

Visual Literacy is the ability to communicate your ideas through visual elements.

We all have different personalities, experiences, ideas, and understanding of life. A designer's task is to convey his/her ideas by working with and manipulating the Elements of Art. These are our "visual tools".

If you understand how to use these tools to control how people see and interpret your design - then you are on a right path to be a great designer.

Warm-up Mind Exercises

Before you start using design to express your ideas and communicate thoughts, let's work on exercising your mind to be more flexible and creative. These are important "work-outs" for your brain that will help you to "loosen up", to think outside the box, and to choose unusual solutions to given problems.

breton method

Andre Breton method

geometric doodling

geometric doodling

semester I

unit 1: Digital Imaging

Learning Targets:

  • vector vs. bitmap
  • PS basics: advanced photo editing
  • AI basics: vectors, paths, shapes
  • AI - special effects
  • AI - extras (icons, image trace, 3D, etc.)

Digital Imaging

Photoshop intro

selection tools

selection tools

layers

layers basics

Matching shapes. Layers in Photoshop.

matching shapes

layer opacity

double exposure

Color emphasis. Layer saturation. Photoshop basics.

emphasis. layer saturation

Color balance and layer settings

layer colors

Remove background in Photoshop. Basic options.

remove backgrounds

Imagine this! Photoshop creative assignment. Basic layer techniques.

imagine this!

image size

contrast & levels

color

enhancing photos

fixing photos

fixing photos

PS final


intro to Illustrator

path

vector graphics

path

practice paths

gradients

gradients

pathfinder

pathfinder

type outlines

type properties & type outlines

name logo

Type tools & name logo

pencil in illustrator

pencil

toucan in illustrator

toucan drawing

image trace

image trace

IL final

unit 2: Visual Communication

Learning Targets:

  • pinciples of infographics: types and styles
  • data visualization: steps of working with information
  • choosing apropriate templates
  • basics of photography
  • photo editing basics
visual communication

visual communication

jack and jill

Jack & Jill

aesop fables

Aesop

symbols

Types of symbols

target audience

target audience

typography

cover redesign


photo analysis

edit photographs

documentary photography

documentary photography

use of photography

posters

unit 3: Layout

Learning Targets:

  • organizing space - layouts, alignment, grid layout
  • printed materials vs. screen view: color modes, typefaces
  • solving specific visual problems - defining the goal: what do we want to achieve?
  • intro to typography

grid & guides

newsletter

article (hierarchy)

recipe (flow)


typography

typography

my name is...

semester 2

unit 4: Elements & Principles of Design

Learning Targets:

  • what are the elements of design?
  • how each element affects design
  • finding balance in elements use
  • how to apply the design principles to solve a visual problem
  • what are the principles of design?

line moods

line: notebook page

map

line: map

road signs

shape:road signs

value scale

value: value scale

color wheel

color: cutout color wheel

color wheel

color: color wheel

color wheel

color schemes (interactive)

color schemes

color: color schemes

color scheme

color scheme

space

space: movement

textures and patterns

texture: designs

texture: typescape

typography

space: typography 1

typography

space: typography 2

infographics

about Infographics

typography

infographic



contrast

contrast: life or death

symbols

Visual Alphabet

buard game lesson

movement & projecty: board game

pushpins

push-pins

unit 5: Problem Solving

Learning Targets:

  • Gestalt principles
  • OpArt in design
  • creating symbols

Visual Perception

gestalt

gestalt

gestalt squares

gestalt squares

gestalt squares

4 black squares

name design

name logo

less is more

less is more

illusions

paper collage

collage

ink spot

ink spot

ink spot

clouds

Logo Design basics

business card design

business card

Less is More (InDesign)

typography

typography 3

typography

typography 4

typography

typography 5 (InDesign)

portrait typography

typography portrait

feelings

Feelings

sounds

sounds

Resume

visual diary

visual diary

extra assignments

powerpoint presentation

design layout (backgrounds)

powerpoint presentation

PowerPoint template

contact sheet in Photoshop

PS contact sheet

collage in PS

color schemes

Practice color scheme

color triptych

Color scheme triptych

resource:

visual basics

R. & J. Wilde
Visual Literacy
ISBN 0-8230-5620-1

syllabus

Prerequisites: none

Course available to: Freshmen,Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.

The course is designed for students interested in art and design.

rules

GRADING

1. All assignments must be completed on or before the due date.
2. Unfinished artwork is graded as such.
3. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to make up all work. You can sign out art supplies if needed.
4. If your project requires extra time to be completed, you have to make arrangements with me prior the due date. This is your responsibility.
5. Each project has a rubric with specific requirements and guidelines. Follow them.
6. Unless an assignment specifically requires copying, it will be interpreted in the same manner as plagiarism.
7. You are also graded for your in-class studio work.

CLASSROOM RULES

1. Food, drinks, candy, gum are not allowed in the Art rooms. A bottle of WATER is permitted in room 206 (only).
2. Cell phones are not allowed at any time. Phones should be turned off and put away.
3. Be in the room before the bell rings. Dropping your stuff and leaving does not qualify you as being on time.
4. Sit at your assigned seat unless I give you OK to move. That means you do not walk around the room during the class.
5. Talk quietly with students at your table. Do not talk during the instructional time.
6. Draw, paint, etc. on your artwork only!
7. Use materials from your tote-tray only... don't go into other people's trays.
8. You can bring your work home anytime. You are responsible for having it back next day.
9. If you must swear, please do it elsewhere... Thanks.
10. You are responsible for cleaning your work area and the tools that you used.
11. If you are in the Graphics lab, use the printers for the current ART assignments only!!!
12. Encourage your fellow classmates in a positive way... treat them fairly and nicely. This room should be a fun and comfortable place for everyone.