ART 4526 Prepress Production Techniques
In Prepress Production Techniques, students explore studio techniques related to production problems in the graphic design profession. Topics include page layout, font and image file management, color, papers, printing techniques, finishing and binding methods. Students gain familiarity with production terms and commercial print processes. Assignments employ a series of projects designed to introduce students to traditional and contemporary prepress production techniques including typography, printing methods, and general specifications for print.
ART 4527 Applied Typography
In this course, students develop typographic skills through functional and aesthetic use of typography and its application within the digital environment. Students explore the history of typography and its relationship with graphic design and learn to recognize how typographic signals can support written information and influence meaning when standing alone or combined with imagery.
ART 4551 Graphic Design II
This course explores problems in design related to the professional graphic design field, methods of reproduction, exhibition techniques, and digital applications. Students gain an understanding of advanced methods in graphic design through the creation and development of brand identity. They learn how to research and write a brand strategy and brand identity brief, design and produce a brand identity, and design and produce brand elements across multiple formats and media.
ART 4553 Digital Imaging
This course focuses on digital imaging technology and its application in graphic design. There is an emphasis on digital imaging aesthetics, emerging technology, and preparing images for print and multimedia applications. Students explore techniques in digital vector and raster illustration and basic motion design. In addition, participants discuss digital imaging technology as it relates to client communication in graphic design.
ART 4541 Special Studies: Motion Design
This course is an introduction to methods and processes of creating motion graphics for broadcast and cinema. Students explore the relationship between still- and time-based design elements—such as type, image, composition, pacing, rhythm, sequencing, and sound—to create graphic communications. Students explore the variable of motion in a series of narrative graphic design projects that build in complexity over the course of the semester. They work in analog and digital formats, using valuable tools and software programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe After Effects to create motion graphics that complement their individual aesthetic.
The Dance by Jeremy Grassman from Richard B. Doubleday on Vimeo.
Kelly Kral in Less Than A Minute by Darin Tran from Richard B. Doubleday on Vimeo.
Sweet Tooth by Christina Chang from Richard B. Doubleday on Vimeo.
ART 2879 Figure Drawing II
This course offers continuing practice in life drawing. Studies from the live model focus on graphic representation, structure, and form.
ART 2996 Intermediate Photography
Intermediate Photography affords students the opportunity to refine and expand photographic skills to make meaningful photographs. The course introduces a variety of new techniques including the use of medium-format cameras, studio lighting, external flash, light meters, advanced black and white printing, color film exposure and processing, and additional presentation/display possibilities. An awareness of contemporary photography and photographic discourses will grow through reading assignments, visual presentations, group discussions, and group critiques. The projects for this course are more thematic to encourage the refinement of your individual artistic interests.
ART 2342 / ART 4341 Papermaking
In papermaking, students explore the inherent properties of paper as both a medium and a support for creative expression. Students learn to use traditional materials for papermaking, such as cotton and linen, and are also encouraged to experiment with recycled materials, various plants found in the Louisiana landscape, and fibers from around the world.
In ART 2342 Introduction to Papermaking, students learn how to make paper by hand, using various two- and three-dimensional forming techniques. The course presents the history and process of papermaking as well as specific European and Japanese methods.
ART 4341 Advanced Papermaking builds on skills from ART 2342, introducing further concepts and methodologies in papermaking. Emphasis is placed on finding a personal voice and using paper as a vehicle for creative expression. Students are expected to develop skills in making paper and to use equipment such as the Hollander beaters and vacuum table. A required proposal outlines students’ directed work in, on, and of paper through a focused approach to their research and creative goals.
ART 2381 / ART 4381 Book Arts
In Book Arts, students master bookbinding by hand techniques—including pamphlet, Japanese stab, accordion, Western case, and alternative structures—while honing skills in design and typography. Students practice traditional and experimental approaches to the book, creating innovative pairings of concept and structure. Along with technical demonstrations and studio work, students visit Hill Memorial Library, where they view and handle rare, historic, and fine press books as well as books designed by contemporary book artists from LSU’s Special Collections. Students from a diverse set of disciplines, including creative writing, are welcome to join book arts courses.
ART 2381 Book Arts introduces students to the arts of the book. Students learn basic hand bookbinding techniques, such as the pamphlet, Japanese stab, accordion, and Western case structures. An introduction to relief printing and letterpress is provided. Traditional and experimental approaches to the book are explored.
Students in ART 4381 Advanced Book Arts are challenged to develop an individual direction and personal vision for their work. In-depth critiques and scheduled demonstrations in specialized techniques help to foster a sense of purpose and a logical evolution of visual and written work. Students are required to write a proposal outlining their conceptual, technical, and research goals relevant to the concerns of the course; contemporary artists’ books; and the development of a scholarly practice within the field of book arts.
ART 2392 / ART 4391 Digital Printmaking
ART 2382 Digital Printmaking offers an overview of digital printmaking practices, blending technological innovations with traditional printing methods. Through a structured series of projects, students work in the digital environment using Photoshop, Lightroom, and Maya, as well as other digital platforms, to generate imagery for their prints. Students work on three individual projects—one each in screen print, photo-lithography, and digital inkjet output—in preparation for a culminating project employing each of the media and technologies introduced in the course.
In ART 4391 Advanced and Alternative Digital Printmaking, students pursue experimental work in various digital print media. Building on the knowledge, skills, and imagery developed in Digital Printmaking, this course focuses on personal explorations in digital media, platform, and print output. This course is best suited to the needs of advanced printmaking and digital art undergraduate students as well as graduate students from photography and graphic design. It may be incorporated into BFA or MFA thesis projects as a corollary to focused research and practice.
