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QUESTIONS BY COURSES (Coming soon)

GRA 122 2D Design

GRA 133 Drawing I

GRA 136 Drawing as Design Process

GRA 208 Computer Illustration

GRA 211 Digital Imaging

GRA 215 Typography

GRA 227 Web Graphics

GRA 230 Graphic Design I

GRA 231 Graphic Design II

GRA 232 Portfolio Seminar

Why sketching is important?

General sketching exercises your hand-eye coordination. It is also valuable in aiding you to observe the world as an artist sees it

Thumbnail sketching to work out your concepts before sitting at the computer will not only save you from wasting time at the computer but you need to develope the skill of thinking-with-your-pencil.

in this business of design, ideas are what sells.
You need to develope your idea gneration skills and putting your thoughts down on paper quickly will make you a valuable asset to your employer.
Computer skills are an asset, but ideas/concepts are more important!

How do I achieve stronger concepts for my design projects?

There are many fine books on the subject listed here:

Thinkertoys: A Handbook of Creative-Thinking Techniques by Michael Michalko

Cracking Creativity: The Secrets of Creative Genius by Michael Michalko

Lateral Thinking: Creativity Step by Step
by Edward de Bono

Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono

Caffeine for the Creative Mind: 250 Exercises to Wake Up Your Brain by Stefan Mumaw and
Wendy Lee

A Whack on the Side of the Head: How You Can Be More Creative by Roger von Oech

Creative Whack Pack (a card game)
by Roger Von Oech

Creative Sparks: An Index of 150+ Concepts, Images and Exercises to Ignite Your Design Ingenuity by Jim Krause

Thinking Creatively by Robin Landa

OR Try some of the suggestions at the right.

What is a morgue or swipe file?

It's simply a collection of images or reference materials you save to a file cabinet, either paper
or digital.

Many artist and designers keep such files for ideas and to be inspired creatively but image they respond to strongly.