Graphic Design
About the Course
Students will not need any supplies for this elective.
Students will explore the foundations of graphic design and visual communication through hands-on projects using Adobe Illustrator. Designed for students with limited design experience, this course will introduce the tools and creative processes they’ll use to turn ideas into original digital artwork.
Through guided exercises, students will learn to draw with vector lines and work with color, typography, hierarchy, and composition. They’ll examine how design choices influence meaning and audience response, using research and analysis to inform their own work.
Students will develop both technical skills and creative problem-solving as they experiment, revise, and refine their designs. Along the way, they’ll build confidence using visual elements to communicate ideas with clarity and purpose.
What Students Will Create
Students will develop a finished portfolio project supported by exercises and visual studies. Their work will demonstrate their growing ability to combine typography, color, vector artwork, and composition into a cohesive visual design.
What Registration Will Include
This registration will cover one afternoon elective only. A morning intensive, a second afternoon elective, and housing will require separate registration.
Students will be able to take this elective on its own or combine it with other Summer@Cornish courses. No morning intensive will be required.
How Students Will Build Their Schedules
Full-Time Program
Students will register for a morning intensive and two afternoon electives, one from each schedule. Morning intensives will meet Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–noon, with a lunch break from noon–1 p.m.
One Afternoon Elective
Students will register for this course and attend on the days listed in its schedule. Afternoon electives will run from 1–4 p.m.
Afternoon Electives Only
Students who wish to attend every afternoon will choose two electives: one that will meet Monday/Wednesday/Friday and one that will meet Tuesday/Thursday.
Students will be able to pair this elective with the Digital Design Intensive + Portfolio Development or the Art & Design Intensive + Portfolio Development. They’ll also be able to combine it with another morning intensive to explore interests across disciplines.
Students will need to add each course to their cart separately.
Browse Summer@Cornish courses →
Housing Options
A residential option will be available to full-day students and will include supervised housing, evening and weekend activities, and extra studio time.
Students who plan to stay in housing will need to begin with the residential application before registering for courses. They’ll receive instructions for selecting a morning intensive and two afternoon electives as part of the residential package.
Learn about the residential program and how to apply →
Questions?
Students and families will be able to get help choosing courses and building a schedule by emailing cornishplus@seattleu.edu.
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