PdF:VV1031 Basics of Graphic Design - Course Information

VV1031 Basics of Graphic Design

Extent and Intensity

0/3. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
In-person direct teaching

Teacher(s)

Mgr. et Mgr. Jana Nedomová, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)

Guaranteed by

Mgr. et Mgr. Jana Nedomová, Ph.D.
Department of Art and Creation – Faculty of Education
Contact Person: Mgr. et Mgr. Jana Nedomová, Ph.D.
Supplier department: Department of Art and Creation – Faculty of Education

Timetable of Seminar Groups

VV1031/01: each even Thursday 8:00–10:50 CM10 učebna, J. Nedomová

Prerequisites (in Czech)

!NOWANY( VV1032 Graphic Studio , VIb011 Graphic Design Studio , VIb012 Author Project - Graphic Design )

Course Enrolment Limitations

The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 15 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 12/15, only registered: 0/15

fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with

there are 10 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display

Abstract

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of graphic design in the context of creative work, visual communication, and working with various media and materials. Instruction is structured as a combination of studio work and discussion sessions designed to foster the development of individual visual thinking, conceptualization skills, and familiarity with the basic expressive tools of graphic design.

Emphasis is placed on finding one’s own creative approach, experimenting with both analog and digital techniques, and reflecting on the relationship between content, form, medium, and audience. Throughout the semester, students will work on specific assignments focused, for example, on typography, composition, working with images, structure, materials, visual communication, or the interplay between text and image.

The course reflects students’ diverse prior experiences and creates space for individual development. The course also includes interdisciplinary elements aimed at exploring how the principles of graphic design can be applied in education, in the creation of teaching materials, in the school environment, or in leading art activities.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• understand the basic principles of graphic design and visual communication,
• distinguish and consciously apply the basic elements of composition, typography, color, format, rhythm, and structure,
• work with various media and materials in graphic design,
• analyze sources of inspiration and translate them into their own original solutions,
• develop and formulate their own concept for an art or graphic design project,
• reflect on the relationship between the content of the message, the chosen medium, and the target audience,
• present and defend their own creative process and the resulting output,
• apply knowledge of graphic design when creating educational materials or planning art activities in a school setting,
• respond sensitively to the individual capabilities, experiences, and needs of different groups of students in the context of the didactic use of graphic tasks.

Key topics

1. Introduction to Graphic Design
• Graphic design as a means of visual communication,
• the relationship between content, form, and medium,
• the role of the designer’s approach and concept.
2. Composition and Visual Structure
• Basic principles of composition,
• working with format, contrast, rhythm, and hierarchy,
• the relationship between area, space, and visual tension.
3. Typography and Working with Text
• Type as both an image and a carrier of meaning,
• basic typographic principles,
• experimental work with text.
4. Image, Sign, and Visual Communication
• Symbol, metaphor, illustration, photography,
• the image’s potential to convey meaning,
• the relationship between text and image.
5. Material, Medium, and Experimentation
• analog and digital approaches,
• collage, printmaking, drawing, working with found materials,
• conveying meaning through material and technique.
6. Artistic Project and Presentation
• formulating one’s own assignment,
• developing an individual project,
• presentation, reflection, and discussion.

Approaches, practices, and methods used in teaching

Classes will be held in three-hour sessions once every two weeks. Each session will combine brief theoretical presentations, examples of inspirational sources, group discussion, hands-on work, ongoing consultations, and reflection.

In addition to group studio instruction, students are also expected to engage in individual work outside of class. Students will further develop individual assignments at home at their own pace, taking into account their experience, capabilities, and personal creative approach. Homework will include searching for sources of inspiration, experimenting with materials and media, developing concepts, documenting the process, and ongoing reflection on the emerging work.

The methods used will include: An important part of the instruction will be respecting the students’ varying levels of prior knowledge. Assignments will be formulated openly to allow for individual depth of exploration, the development of technical skills, and conceptual thinking.

• studio work,
• experimental and process-oriented creation,
• individual and group consultations,
• analysis and interpretation of visual works,
• working with references and sources of inspiration,
• reflective discussion of emerging outputs,
• presentation of one’s own work,
• modeling of didactic situations, and the translation of graphic tasks into an educational environment.

Method of verifying learning outcomes and course completion requirements

The course will conclude with a credit.

The requirements for receiving credit are as follows: The final project or portfolio will be evaluated based on: The scope and format of the final project will be determined individually according to the student’s experience, focus, and capabilities.

• active participation in class (at least 80%),
• ongoing completion of individual assignments,
• maintenance of simple documentation of the process (e.g., sketches, notes, photographic documentation, collection of sources of inspiration),
• ongoing reflection on one’s own work and participation in discussions,
• final presentation of a collection of individual outputs or a comprehensive project.

• ability to develop one’s own concept,
• appropriate use of the chosen medium and materials,
• degree of experimentation and originality,
• quality of visual execution,
• ability to reflect on and defend one’s own solution,
• ability to consider the potential educational use of the chosen topic or approach.

Alternate completion

In the event of a prolonged absence or specific academic needs, it is possible to complete the course in an alternative format following individual consultation with the instructor.

The alternative format may include: Even in this format, emphasis will be placed on individual development, a creative approach, the ability to reflect, and the integration of graphic design with teaching practice.

• independent completion of an expanded set of individual assignments,
• ongoing online consultations,
• guidance through the process in the form of a work portfolio,
• written reflection on sources of inspiration and one’s own approach,
• creation of a final project accompanied by documentation and a brief defense.

Language of instruction

Czech

Further Comments

Study Materials
The course can also be completed outside the examination period.
The course is taught each semester.

Listed among pre-requisites of other courses

• VV1032 Graphic Studio
  !NOWANY(VV1031,VIb011,VIb012)  

• Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  
• Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/ped/spring2026/VV1031