Course Description: This advanced CTE course builds on Graphic Design 1, deepening students' understanding of design theory, advanced software techniques, and professional applications. Students will engage in complex, project-based learning, simulating real-world client scenarios, and focusing on specialized areas like branding, publication design, or web graphics. Emphasis will be on refining a professional portfolio and preparing for additional Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) exams.

Prerequisite: Graphic Design 1 or instructor approval.

Target Certifications: Preparation for Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) in InDesign, and potentially advanced Photoshop/Illustrator or a specialty credential.

Overarching Themes: Professionalism, Branding, Publication Design, User Experience (UX), Advanced Problem-Solving, Portfolio Excellence.

CA CTE AME Alignment (Conceptual - Design, Visual, and Media Arts Pathway - advanced application):

• A1.0 Academics: Advanced application of academic skills (e.g., understanding market research, legal aspects of design).

• A2.0 Communications: Sophisticated presentation and client interaction skills.

• A3.0 Career Planning and Management: Deeper exploration of specific graphic design careers, internship prep.

• A4.0 Technology: Advanced proficiency and efficient workflow in industry software.

• A5.0 Problem Solving and Critical Thinking: Complex design challenges, user-centered design.

• A10.0 Technical Knowledge and Skills: Mastery of software and advanced design techniques.

• A11.0 Demonstration and Application: Creation of a professional-level portfolio and simulated real-world projects.

Unit Breakdown (Approx. 38 Weeks)

Unit 1: Branding & Identity Design (Approx. 9-10 Weeks)

• Focus: In-depth exploration of branding principles, brand strategy, and developing comprehensive visual identities.

• Key Concepts/Skills: Brand strategy, target audience analysis, brand voice, visual identity systems (logo, color palette, typography, imagery), brand guidelines. Advanced logo development.

• Software Focus: Primarily Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for asset creation.

• Projects: Develop a comprehensive brand identity for a provided or chosen client scenario, including logo, color palette, typography, and applications (e.g., stationery, signage, merchandise mockups). Create a brand style guide.

Unit 2: Publication & Editorial Design with Adobe InDesign (Approx. 9-10 Weeks)

• Focus: Mastering multi-page document layout and typography for print and digital publications. Preparing students for the ACP InDesign exam.

• Key Concepts/Skills: Grid systems, advanced typography (leading, kerning, tracking, hierarchies), master pages, styles (paragraph, character, object), long document management, pre-press preparation, interactive PDFs.

• Software Focus: Adobe InDesign (integration with Photoshop/Illustrator for placed graphics).

• Projects: Design a multi-page magazine spread, a small book cover and interior layout, a professional resume/CV and cover letter layout.

Unit 3: Web & Interactive Design Principles (Approx. 9-10 Weeks)

• Focus: Introduction to principles of web design, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI), and creating assets for digital platforms.

• Key Concepts/Skills: Responsive design, web typography, digital color (web-safe colors, hex codes), image optimization for web, basic UX principles (wireframing, user flow), UI elements (buttons, navigation), intro to web graphics (banners, social media), accessibility in design.

• Software Focus: Adobe Photoshop (mockups, image optimization), Adobe Illustrator (icons, scalable graphics). (Optional: Figma/Adobe XD for basic wireframing/prototyping).

• Projects: Design a mock-up for a responsive website homepage, create a series of social media campaign graphics, design a simple interactive infographic.

Unit 4: Portfolio Development & Professional Readiness (Approx. 9-10 Weeks)

• Focus: Curating a professional portfolio, mastering self-promotion, understanding business practices, and final certification preparation.

• Key Concepts/Skills: Portfolio refinement (quality over quantity), project descriptions, mock-ups, online portfolio platforms (Behance, Adobe Portfolio), networking basics, client relations, copyright, intellectual property, freelancing basics, interview skills. Intensive ACP exam review and practice.

• Software Focus: All Adobe Creative Cloud apps used throughout the course, portfolio platforms.

• Projects: Comprehensive digital portfolio website, professionally photographed/mocked-up portfolio pieces, "personal brand" design, mock client project with proposal and presentation, ACP exam attempts.