The courses required in this certificate provide the foundational skills needed to create effective Packaging Design solutions. Print and digital packaging require the designer to be versed in the manipulation of visual imagery, the use of typography as well as the principles and elements of design. Research and development of both the client and audience are also essential components in creating effective packaging solution concepts.
Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.| Course | Units | Typically Offered |
| 1st Semester | ||
| GDSN 150 - TypographyM | 3.0 | |
GDSN 150 - Typography (3.0 units) Advisory: READ 022 or appropriate placement; NART 285, ENGL 030 or ENLA 034 or appropriate placement This course is for the student interested in the history, theory and practice of Typography as it applies to graphic design, advertising and other areas of design and visual communication. Students will learn and practice hand-rendered and mechanical aspects of Typography and how Typography attracts, informs, educates, inspires and creates retaining impressions and modifies human actions and behavior. Through discussions, exercises, and projects, students will develop an understanding leading to the clearer interpretations of Typography and it's role in human history, communication, design and art. Activities include the history and principles of typography, letter structure, typeface selection, fundamentals of typesetting and introductory typographic layout. | ||
| GDSN 164 - Digital Illustration DesignM | 3.0 | |
GDSN 164 - Digital Illustration Design (3.0 units) Advisory:NART 285;READ 022 or appropriate placement; ENGL 030 or ENLA 034 or appropriate placement This introductory course is an introduction to Graphic Design and uses vector software (Adobe Illustrator) as the principal digital tool. Topics include the Principles and Elements of Design, typography, color, shape stroke, illustration techniques, page layout design, as well as introductory critical concepts and professional practices employed by Graphic Designers. This course includes exercises, projects and portfolio building with an emphasis on professional standards. This course is for the student interested in a degree or certificate in Graphic Design and those interested in 2-dimensional design and layout applications employed as tools by Graphic Designers. | ||
| Total Semester Units: | 6.0 | |
| 2nd Semester | ||
| GDSN 174 - Packaging DesignM | 3.0 | |
GDSN 174 - Packaging Design (3.0 units) Prerequisite: GDSN 164 This introductory course is for any student interested in Packaging Design. Students will use software applications employed as tools by Graphic Designers for two-dimensional and three-dimensional surfaces. This course is a project-driven exploration of Packaging Design which is defined as stylized functional design for carrying, protecting, or presenting a product. Topics include: the Principles and Elements of Design, current technical and creative methods and styles employed by Package Designers as well as well as sustainability, advanced critical concepts and professional practices. This course includes portfolio building with an emphasis on professional standards. | ||
| GDSN 178 - Digital Imaging DesignM | 3.0 | |
GDSN 178 - Digital Imaging Design (3.0 units) Advisory: NART 285; READ 043 or appropriate assessment; ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate assessment This introductory graphic design course uses bitmap software as the principal digital tool. Topics include the principles and elements of design, typography, color, photo/raster/bitmapped-based scanning, vector graphic integration, time-based design, image formats, optimization, re-touching, adjustments, compositing, blending, color, conceptual, narrative and time-based techniques, technical and creative methods and styles employed by graphic designers as well as well as introductory critical concepts and professional practices. This course includes exercises, projects, and portfolio building with an emphasis on professional standards. This course is for the student interested in obtaining a degree or certificate in graphic design, transfer, and those seeking to pursue a career in graphic design or related professions. | ||
| Total Semester Units: | 6.0 | |
| Total Units for Graphic Design - Packaging Design COA program | 12.0 | |
| AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor. |
| M | Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement |
| Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet. |
When developing a graphic design packaging design project, students will be able to demonstrate a fundamental understanding of basic elements of typography (e.g., fonts, leading, kerning and tracking, etc.).
When assigned a graphic design packaging design project, students will be able to research, conceptualize, render, and create a vector-based design solution.
When assigned a graphic design packaging design project, students will be able to use advanced tools and menus within a package software program to produce packaging design solutions.
When evaluating graphic design packaging design, students will be able to demonstrate through critiques, discussions, and coursework the principles and elements of design.
When creating a portfolio of graphic design packaging design work, students will apply professional awareness, and understand the physical preparation needed to enter the graphic design workspace.
Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.
Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601
Phone: (562) 692-0921
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