Contact Information:
Art & Design teacher: Rachel J. Minnich
Email: rminnich@octorara.org • Phone: 610-593-8254
Class Description (as found within the program of studies):
.5 Credit Gr. 9, 10, 11, 12
If you are creative, hardworking, and love the computer, but can’t draw really well (if you can that’s even better), then this course is for you. Students will learn the “tricks” behind making stuff that looks “cool”. Students will spend their time in our state-of-the-art design lab using programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign. Students will be introduced to typography, design concepts, industry standards, and a visual vocabulary.
Continue your study in graphic design with Illustration/Graphic Design II. This class is set up like the first semester course, and through a series of different projects, you will learn and expand your knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite. If you decide that this is the career field for you, sign up for the 3 credit CTP - Graphic Design & Illustration course the following year - earning your PA Skills Certificate and OSHA Certification.
What will your child learn in this class?
Typography . . . your children will cringe when they hear this word, but it’s really the basis for great graphic design. We will also cover layout, illustration, marketing, color theory and so much more. Students will work with programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign.
What your kids should tell you but probably won’t:
Project assignments, due dates & sample projects are posted up in their section of the room as well as being posted in Schoology. Most in-class projects will require a computer. Students that work slowly or are off-task may come in after school during scheduled help classes (usually 3-4 help classes/wk). Students may also come in during a study hall if their computer is available (help will be limited during this time). Poor grades may be changed to a higher score if students fix or redo their project. Poor, incomplete or missing work affects a student’s eligibility (sports). Students have until 1 week before the marking period ends to turn in missing or poorly done projects for a higher grade.
If VIRTUAL, the assignments will be modified so that students can work on their Chromebooks from home.
Supplies Needed:
REQUIRED: #2 Pencil, Chromebook
Graphic Design 1 & 2: Project Examples
Video - What is Graphic Design?
Graphic design, also known as communication design, is the art and practice of planning and projecting ideas and experiences with visual and textual content. The form of the communication can be physical or virtual, and may include images, words, or graphic forms.
Video - Definition of Portfolio:
An artist's portfolio is an edited collection of an artist's best artwork intended to showcase their style or method of work.
Rules & Expectations:
- Students are expected to be to class on time
- Students are not permitted to throw objects of any kind
- Students are not to touch, take or damage artwork or other property not belonging to them
- Students are not allowed to play games on their phones or at the computers
- NO cell phones are allowed
- NO FOOD, DRINK OR PERSONAL OBJECTS ARE ALLOWED AT THE COMPUTERS!
Other art room expectations:
- Upon entering the art room, students are to put all backpacks UNDER their assigned studio table; Books, purses, lunches, drinks should be left on the shelves by the classroom entrance.
- Polite, courteous behavior is expected in the art room towards your teacher, substitute, student-teacher or peers at all times. This means that:
- Students are not to interrupt anyone while they are talking
- Students are not to use indecent or profane language
- Students will pay attention and participate in lectures, critiques and group discussions
- Phones are AWAY at all times
- Students are to work the entire period – failure to do so can result in making up the time wasted.
- Students are not permitted to line up at the door at the end of class.
- Students are only permitted to clean up 5 minutes before the bell rings.
- Students are to push their chairs in when leaving.
- Students are not permitted in or through the teacher’s supply room.
- Students leaving this room for any reason will need to have the classroom pass - only 1 student is allowed out at a time.
- Students should submit their completed projects both physically & electronically.
- Students should be aware of the ESSENTIAL QUESTION for every project they are working on.
- ALL SCHOOL RULES AND POLICIES ARE SUPPORTED AND WILL BE ENFORCED IN THIS ART ROOM!
What is art for? Let’s watch this short video & find out what Philosopher Alain de Botton says his top five reasons for why art is such a vital force for humanity:
Now, trying to challenge yourself, let's see if you can tell what's art or not:
Student Art Opportunities:
Senior Art Shows: (grade 12) Each upper level senior art student (fine arts, photography, ceramics, graphic design, or studio art) will need to sign up with their teacher to be part of the group senior art show in the spring. Students will meet with all members of the art department for quarterly portfolio reviews. Seniors will be asked to keep a working portfolio of 8-15 pieces at Octorara High School throughout the school year. Portfolios will not only be reviewed by presenters from visiting art schools, but students pursuing art will have a chance at scholarship opportunities through the different competitions posted in the art wing.
Art School Visitions: Some of our visiting schools have been: Millersville, Kutztown, PCAD, DCCC, Moore, Tyler/Temple, UArts, Marywood, Antonelli, The Art Institute, Cecil, Delaware College of Art & Design, Arcadia, Hussian, MICA, Lebanon Valley College, Drexel, Wilson, Lock Haven, Thaddeus Stevens, Rowan, Full Sail, Penn State, PA Academy of the Fine Arts, LaSalle, Keystone College, Harcum. This year’s schedule: T.B.A.
National Art Honor Society (N.A.H.S.): (grades 9, 10, 11, 12) The NAHS strives to aid members in working toward the attainment of the highest standards in art areas, and to bring art education to the attention of the school and community. For students to achieve high standards, art programs must maintain a substantive focus by choosing art content that includes complex problem-solving and higher order thinking skills, and serious alignment of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development that results in student learning.
Need to start planning for college? Here are some websites to visit:
Questions, Comments, Need help? Please don't hesitate to contact me...
Mrs. Rachel J. Minnich • rminnich@octorara.org
Credits:
Rachel Minnich