Dr Ġorġ Mallia

Centre for Communication Technology, University of Malta

 

CST 3251 - Desktop Publishing 

Value: 6 ects

Pre-requisite: A basic computer literacy

Description: This unit is divided  in  two parts. The first part concentrates primarily on Desktop Publishing basics, whereas the second part concentrates more on graphic design. Both are a mixture of taught and hands-on sessions.

 

Introduction

Design for graphic production has been democratised with the advent of stylesheet programs for the personal computer.  The main platform for desktop publishing remains the Apple Macintosh, which is the industry standard in this activity, and the study-unit itself will be run on Macintosh I-Macs, though the software used is cross-platform and lessons learnt and work given can (with modifications) be carried out in a Windows-based environment. 

This unit is a module in two parts. Part 1 of this study-unit gives a hands-on approach to the use of common programs (such as Microsoft Word) for DTP purposes, and goes on to give a grounding in Adobe Indesign (version CS3) as a representative of the more important stylesheet programs.  Other programs common in graphic design will also be introduced. Part 2 is a graphics design taught study-unit (Graphics in Print) with a hands-on content, in the practical part working primarily with Adobe Photoshop, as well as introducing Adobe Illustrator.

Part 1 (Desktop Publishing)

(1)  An introduction to the basics of Desktop Publishing – including typography, basic layout, design essentials, approaches to full-page composition;

(2)  A hands-on introduction to DTP programs, including word processing programs (Word for Windows/Word for the Macintosh); and style-sheet programs (Adobe Indesign for Windows and the Macintosh).  Also, a very brief introduction to graphic manipulation programs (Adobe Photoshop for Windows and the Macintosh) and graphic design programs (Illustrator for Windows and the Macintosh).

The second part of the study-unit (second semester: Graphics in Print), is an introduction to graphic design and the software needed for it.

 

1. Introduction to the subject

a. An introduction to the concepts of pre-press; b. creating artwork for printing – design and techncial considerations (file formats, resolution, etc.)

2. Basics of layout

a. The dynamic or freestyle method; b. Concepts of design; c. Computer created illustration; d. image manipulation; e. publication production

3. Using Word for Windows and Macintosh to create simple desktop documents, working with: a. text; b. tables; c. graphics; d. text and picture boxes; e. screening; f. columns (etc.)

4. Using a graphics manipulation program (Adobe Photoshop) to prepare self-generated images, or images from other sources manipulated to fit the needs of a publication.

5. Using Adobe Indesign (for Windows and Macintosh):

a. setting up the page; b. basic commands (such as, i. importing text; ii. Text manipulation - flow, rotation, etc.; iii. graphics insertion - wrap and flow; iv. lining, boxing and screening; v. finishing); c. the use of the mouse/keyboard; d. designing pages in full composition (such as i. the book page; ii. the magazine page; iii. the newspaper page; iv. Others); e. utilities and shortcuts

6. Other areas in desktop publishing:

a. colour management;

b. a short introduction to some other applications related to the subject

 i. scanning;

ii. the use of other programs related to the area.

 

Part 2 (Graphics in Print)

1. The theoretical background deals with picture perception, rudimentary basics of graphics representation theory, graphic file formats, concepts behind the use of visuals within the printed page (colour/black and white/spot colour distinction noted), theory of graphic design and concepts pertaining to basic design of layout for different publications.

2. The applied part of the unit concerns the use of scanning software, and programs such as, for ex. Adobe PHOTOSHOP, Adobe ILLUSTRATOR, etc., often also as inserted in other software like Adobe INDESIGN. The students will be asked to attempt designs for logos, logotypes, book covers, posters, magazine page design, etc.

3. Analysing and creating for the different divisions of design: (a) Corporate Design, (b) Editorial Design, (c) Packaging, and (d) Advertising.

Bibliography

Bibliography note: Books on desktop publishing and the technical aspects of graphic design age quickly.  In the main, the following list provides a background to the general subject, rather than giving actual instruction in the programs used (with the exception of a few listed books). Other, more up to date books, will be recommended throughout the study-unit.

Part 1

Andrews, P. (2007). Adobe Photoshop CS3 A-Z. Oxford, UK:  Focal Press.

Bann, D. (1997). The New Print Production Handbook.  London:  Little, Brown & Company.

Siebert, L., & Ballard, L. (1992).  Making a Good Layout.  Cincinnati:  North Light Books.

Part 2

Arntson, A.E. (1998). Graphic Design Basics (3rd Ed.). Forth Worth: Harcourt Brace College Publishers.

Cheatham, F. R., Cheatham, J. H., & Owens, S. H. (1987). Design concepts and applications (2nd Ed.). London:  Prentice Hall.

Cohen, L.S., & Wendling, T. (1995).Professional Studio Techniques Design Essentials, 2nd edition.  California: Adobe Press.

Heller, S. & Chwast, S. (1988). Graphic Style: From Victorian to Post-Modern. London: Thames & Hudson.

Heller, S. & Pomeroy, K. (1997).  Design Literacy:  Understanding Graphic Design.  New York:  Allworth Press.

Hollis, R.  (1994).  Graphic Design:  A concise history. London: Thames and Hudson.

Kay, D.C., & Levine, J.R. (1992). Graphics File Formats. New York: Windcrest/McGraw-Hill.

Korger, H. (1992). Handbook of Type and Lettering. New York: Design Press.

Oakshott, G.  (1994).  Complete Guide to Desktop Publishing.  London:   Future Business Books.

O’Quinn, D., & LeClair, M. (1996). Digital Prepress Complete. Indiana: Haydn Books.

Pettersson, R. (1989).  Visuals for Information. New Jersey:  Educational Technology Publications.

Pipes, A. (1997). Production for Graphic Designers (2nd Ed.). Woodstock: The Overlook Press.

Shushan, R, & Wright, D.  (1994).  Desktop Publishing by Design. Washington:  Microsoft Press.

Silver, G. A.  (1981).  Graphic layout and design.  New York:  Van Nostrand Reinhold Company.

Swann, A.  (1990).  Layout Source Book.  Oxford:   Phaidon Press.

Swann, A. (1997).  The New Graphic Design School.  New York:  Van Nostrand Reinhold Company.

Swann, A. (1990). How to understand and use Design and Layout. Ohio: North Light Books.

 

Assessment method: Class attendance and active participation during the lectures - 20%,  3 creative assignments at different times during the unit - 30%,  2 projects, one at the end of each semester which will include the creative use of graphics and a knowledgeable and informed explanation of reasons behind the work - 50%

N.B. Students will be continuously assessed on the creative use of graphics, interactively within the class itself (continuous peer evaluation of work produced). Other work may be given throughout the study-unit which may be commented on and peer analysed but not marked, so proficiency in the different programs may be gained before the actual marking of assignments related to particular programs takes place.

Unit Lecturer: Dr Ġorġ Mallia (Tel. 2340 2427)

Workshop Projects - 18-01-2010

Last updated 19-01-2010 - 08.52

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