Graphics I II III

Instructor: Marcellus Stefaniak

School: Window Rock High School (Fort Defiance, AZ)
Sector: Communications Media Technologies
State-Approved Program CIP Code: 50.0409.00

This high school graphic design syllabus covers the basics of visual communication, digital art tools, and design projects. Students learn to use industry software, build a portfolio, and solve real-world problems using creative design skills aligned with state CTE standards.

Course Overview and Goals

Learn the Basics:Understand color, lines, shapes, and space.
Master Digital Tools: Learn beginner apps like Canva and Express, then advance to professional Adobe software.
Understand Design Rules: Study color, typography, contrast, and layout principles.
Real-World Projects: Create logos, social media graphics, posters, and branding packages.
Portfolio Development: Assemble a professional digital portfolio showcasing your best work.

Grading Breakdown

Studio Projects (40%): Major design assignments, branding packages, and portfolio pieces.
Skills Practice & Exercises (30%): Weekly software tutorials and mini-challenges in Canva and Adobe.
Quizzes & Critiques (20%): Tests on design terminology and active participation in class feedback sessions.
Professionalism & Participation (10%): Adherence to studio safety, time management, and daily workplace habits.

Software Learning Timeline

Weeks 1–6 (Intro to Design & Quick-Creation Tools): Focus on design principles using Canva and Adobe Express for fast layout creation.
Weeks 7–15 (Vector Graphics & Branding): Transition to professional tools using Adobe Illustrator for logos and icons.
Weeks 16–24 (Digital Imaging & Photo Editing): Master advanced photo manipulation and digital art using Adobe Photoshop.
Weeks 25–30 (Layout & Print Media): Combine text and imagery for multi-page documents using Adobe InDesign.
Weeks 31–36 (CapStone & Portfolio): Build a final digital portfolio using the Adobe Suite to showcase to clients or colleges.

Lab Rules and Safety

No Food or Drinks: Keep all snacks and liquids completely away from computers. Water must stay in a closed container.
Device Care: Treat computers, tablets, and cameras with respect. Report damaged hardware immediately.
Approved Sites Only: Use the internet only for design research and class projects. No gaming or streaming.
End-of-Class Cleanup: Log out of your account, push in your chair, and clean your workspace daily.

Classroom Policies

Attendance: Be in your seat and logged in before the bell rings. Unexcused absences lower your participation grade.
Late Work: Late assignments drop 10% for each day they are overdue. Work is not accepted after one week.
Make-up Work: You get one extra day to finish assignments for each day of an excused absence. Check the portal for missed work.
Academic Honesty: All designs must be your own work. Copying graphics, stealing art, or using unauthorized AI tools results in a zero.

Course Pathway Map

[SOPHOMORES] -------------------------------> [JUNIORS] ----------------------------------> [SENIORS]
Graphics 1: Foundations Graphics 2: Application Graphics 3: Mastery
• Tools: Canva / Express • Tools: Illustrator / Photoshop • Tools: Adobe Suite Integration
• Focus: Basic Layout & Rules • Focus: Logo Art & Editing • Focus: Clients, Portfolios & Exams
• Goal: Build Confidence • Goal: Work Like a Professional • Goal: Earn Industry Certifications

3-Year Graphic Design Breakdown by classes Graphics I, II, III

🎨 Graphics I: Sophomores (Foundations Level)

Core Focus: Basic design principles, introduction to layout software, and studio safety. This year is all about learning the rulebook and building absolute confidence.

📈 Grade-Level Grading Expectations

Completeness Over Perfection (50%): Grading emphasizes completing all required tutorials and basic formatting steps.
Technical Compliance (30%): Ability to export files correctly (e.g., saving a file as a .png vs. .pdf) and using basic tools correctly.
Studio Safety & Participation (20%): Master basic safety rules, such as zero food/drinks near equipment and following proper internet safety.

🏛️ Arizona CTE Standards Alignment

AZ.GRAPH.1.0 (Safety & Tools): Demonstrate safe operation of electronic design workstations and peripheral equipment.
AZ.GRAPH.2.0 (Design Elements): Apply fundamental elements of design (line, color, shape, texture, space) into simple canvas compositions.
Professional Skill Standard 4.0 (Professionalism): Establish consistent classroom workplace habits, prompt attendance, and basic time management.

🚀 Graphics II: Juniors (Application Level)

Core Focus: Transitioning to industry-standard Adobe desktop software, vector creation, advanced photo editing, and beginning client interaction.

📈 Grade-Level Grading Expectations

Technical Skill Accuracy (40%): Accurate use of advanced program workflows (e.g., using proper layer masks in Photoshop or the shape-builder tool in Illustrator).
Creative Problem Solving (30%): Moving away from basic templates to original layouts that solve a mock design prompt.
Peer Critiques & Design Theory (20%): Actively analyzing and speaking intelligently about work during group classroom critiques using proper design vocabulary.
File Management Compliance (10%): Strict folder organization and naming conventions appropriate for industry work.

🏛️ Arizona CTE Standards Alignment

AZ.GRAPH.3.0 (Production & Typography): Apply typography principles, including font hierarchy, tracking, and kerning.
AZ.GRAPH.5.0 (Digital Imaging & Vector Control): Capture, edit, and manipulate digital images to prepare them for multi-platform distribution.
Professional Skill Standard 1.0 & 3.0 (Communication & Innovation): Clearly explain the creative thinking behind a design to peers and accept constructive creative criticism.

🏆 Graphics III: Seniors (Mastery & Certification Level)

Core Focus: Independent client workflows, publishing multi-page projects, building an active digital portfolio, and earning industry credentials.

📈 Grade-Level Grading Expectations

Client & Portfolio Projects (40%): Designing professional, production-ready marketing assets meant for school or community clients.
Industry Certification Prep (30%): Success on GMetrix practice tests and completion of certification specific standard reviews.
Professionalism & Deadlines (20%): Zero tolerance for late production work without pre-arranged professional extensions.
Copyright & Ethical Compliance (10%): Flawless practice of copyright law, asset licensing, and strictly creative original work.

🏛️ Arizona CTE Standards Alignment

AZ.GRAPH.4.0 (Legal, Ethical, & Professional Practices): Analyze copyright laws, Fair Use guidelines, and ethical design standards.
AZ.GRAPH.6.0 (Portfolio & Career Readiness): Create and publish a multi-page professional graphic design portfolio tailored for employment or higher education.
Industry Credential Goal: Pass official Certiport Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) exams in Photoshop, Illustrator, or in Design.

Senior Industry Certifications

Seniors in this program have the opportunity to take official Certiport certification exams to earn industry-recognized Adobe Certified Professional credentials. Earning these validates your skill set for college and career readiness:

Visual Design using Adobe Photoshop
Graphic Design & Illustration using Adobe Illustrator
Print & Digital Media Publication using Adobe InDesign
Visual Design Specialist: Awarded automatically if you pass Photoshop and either Illustrator or InDesign.