Welcome to Cross-Media Studio! This site will be an extension of our studio community where you can find assignments, project resources, readings, inspiration, etc.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This advanced senior-level course focuses on an investigation of the role of medium in the creation of visual narratives. Through a series of investigations and projects, students will explore how the choice of medium itself is an integral part of a design solution, and how to utilize each medium’s inherent strengths through the creation of multiple experiences across a diverse set of media. This course will provide students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding and experience working in static, time-based, and participatory design modalities.

INTRODUCTION
Graphic designers are required to understand the nuances of a very broad range of media. Designers need to understand the nature and inherent affordances of different media, and how to identify the most appropriate venue for a particular message to be communicated to a particular audience.

Narratives can be expressed in many forms. As designers, we are tasked with deciding how the story is told, choosing what to emphasize as the tellers of the story.

Denotative / Plot points, the basics, the story
Connotative / How the story is told (= visual narrative)

This course will include:
+ Collaborative exercises will center around analyzing media to better understand what each provides to the designer.

+ The introduction of a research praxis will assist each student in content development and strategic use of different media forms.

+ Course project which culminates with a multi-media solution.

+ During the last portion of the course, the Capstone theme will be introduced. Students will begin to research and conceive of the project that they will further develop in the Spring, and exhibit during the Senior Graphic Design Exhibition.

Core questions we will investigate:
+ What are the essential aspects of an experience?

+ What are the unique attributes of different media or venues, and how can their inherent strengths and affordances be utilized / exploited?

+ How does a designer shape elements / data / information to build a narrative?

+ What is the experience / narrative’s message?

+ And for whom?

Please read the full Syllabus at the link below, for a detailed description of the course, policies, and evaluation criteria: 
Syllabus

Google Drive

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Image: Lisa Strausfeld