Graphic Production
Welcome to Graphic Production 11/12!
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In this class, we will develop our skills in:
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graphic design
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using computer software to render our ideas
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apply our designs to tangible items, such as stickers
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This course is paced fairly quickly with a lot of assignments – try to stay up to date! There is ample time to complete all assignments IF you use your time wisely!
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Complete each assignment IN ORDER (ask for help if need be).
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Demos are usually done to keep up with the fastest students.
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ALL assignments are a required part of the course.​
Assessment
1. Theory - 15% - Assignments, dedicated sketchbook.
2. Practical Work - 70% - Projects
3. Social Responsibility 15% clean-up habits, accountability, student service
Graphic Production Units
Level 0
ALL Level 0 tasks MUST be completed by the end of Week 1.
Unit 1
Introduction to Graphic Design
ABOUT:
In this unit, you’ll learn how to use Adobe Illustrator, a powerful design program used by artists, designers, and businesses around the world. Illustrator works with vector graphics, which are images made from shapes and lines instead of pixels. This makes them perfect for projects that need to be resized or cut out—like stickers, signs, or t-shirt designs. You’ll explore basic tools and techniques while creating your own designs, and learn how vector graphics are important when using machines like vinyl cutters.
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HAND DRAWING:
Sketchbook – because creativity is a muscle.
Your sketchbook is an important tool for exploring ideas and building your creativity. You'll use it in class to brainstorm, plan, and develop your designs for different projects. Each week, you'll also complete a Sketchbook Challenge—a fun prompt where you sketch a new sticker idea. These challenges help you practice turning concepts into visuals and prepare you for future design work. Keep your sketchbook organized, and don’t be afraid to try new things!
Assignment 1: Sketchbook
Click here for the handout, which includes the P.R.E.P.A.R.E steps for your projects, and the weekly sketchbook challenge.
safety
Doodle Dictionary
We use many tools, machines, and substances in the Media Lab which could harm you if used improperly. Use the slides below to become acquainted with them, then complete the Doodle Dictionary assignment.
Assignment 2: Safety DD
Clipping Masks
About Me Tee
This assignment introduces you to some of the tools and techniques in Illustrator, such as Clipping Masks.
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A clipping mask is a powerful technique for putting a new spin on existing images. It turns a shape into an invisible cut-out area, like a window. Any image outside of the window won't show! You can use them to crop images in creative ways, add texture to text, or fit images neatly into custom shapes. It’s a simple but powerful tool for making your designs look clean and professional.
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Sticky Photo
Take what you learned about Clipping Masks in the previous assignment to create your own custom sticker from a photo. The goal is to remove your subject (yourself, a friend, your pet, etc.) from their background. This is much easier if you use Adobe Photoshop to isolate, then bring your file into Adobe Illustrator to stickerize.​​
Assignment 3: About Me Tee
Click here to get the Illustrator Template.
Make sure you DOWNLOAD it.
Click here to see the how-to video.
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WAGOL (What a Good One Looks Like)
Paths and the Pen tool
Vector graphics are made from lines and shapes, not pixels, so they can be resized without losing quality—perfect for logos, stickers, and anything you might cut with a vinyl machine. In Adobe Illustrator, the Pen Tool is one of the most important tools for creating vector art. It lets you draw smooth curves, sharp angles, and custom shapes with precision.
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Avoid using the Brush Tool—it may look like you're drawing and creating solid shapes, but it often creates messy paths that don’t work well for cutting or resizing. Stick with the Pen Tool and shape tools to keep your designs clean and machine-friendly.
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PRACTICE Using the Pen Tool
Play The Bézier Game to get used to how the Pen Tool works.
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Song Code Sticker
Time to make a sticker!
Your Mission is to recreate the Spotify Code for one of your favourite songs/albums/artists/playlists.
​Colour Blocking with the Pen Tool
Lets take your skills with the Pen tool to the next level.​
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Assignment 6: Colour Blocking
Filename = 06 Colour Blocked
You MUST create your cut-lines or you get a zero.
Unit 2
Typography
ABOUT:
Typography is the art of arranging letters and text in a way that makes writing look good and easy to read. It’s more than just choosing a font—it’s about size, spacing, style, and how text fits into your overall design. In this unit, you’ll explore how different type choices can change the mood or message of your work. You'll learn how to combine fonts, adjust spacing, and use text as a design element to make your projects more creative and effective.
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getting new fonts
A FONT is a set of letters, numbers, and symbols that all have the same style. It’s like the clothing your words wear—some fonts look fancy, some look fun, and some are easy to read. Fonts help show the mood or tone of your design. For example, a bold, sharp font might feel strong or serious, while a curvy, handwritten font might feel playful or personal. Choosing the right font is an important part of good design!
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Practice
You are expected to learn how to:
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Change your font
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Download and install new fonts
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Select fonts to support a specific meaning
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Adjust the size and spacing of text
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Convert your text into outlines
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Where to Get New Fonts:
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Adobe Fonts (remember to log in with STUDENT email)
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Just click the "Add Family" button and it will be available​
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Click download next to the font you want
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Open the .zip file
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​Double-click the Open Type File (or True Type if there is no OTF)
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Click Install
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Assignment 7: Fonts Matter
making text look great
​Book Quote
Goal: Learn how to arrange, resize, and style text in Adobe Illustrator.
What You Will Make: A small poster that shows the opening words from a book of your choice.
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We will visit the school library to help you find a book and select your quote.
Bob Ross and the Joy of Typography
​Goal: Apply what you have learned about text and clipping masks to format a nice looking document.
School Event Poster
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Goal: Apply what you have learned about document and poster design to create an ad for a school event.
Warp Motto
Time to make a sticker! AND A BUTTON
Follow the video below to make your own MOTTO sticker.
Keep it 6-words-or-less.​​
Unit 3
Graphic Design
ABOUT:
This unit will cover building more complex graphics using shapes and drawings.
Building with shapes
Creative Geometry
Learn how to use the Rotation and Alignment Tools to turn simple shapes into something far more fantastic!
AND A BUTTON
Flat Illustration
Learn to build objects using simple shapes.
For this assignment, you will be creating:
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One popsicle
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One fruit (or a carrot)
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a set of three weather-icons
AND BUTTON
Assignment 13: Flats
Filenames = 13a Popsicle
Filenames = 13b Fruit
Filenames = 13c Weather
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You MUST create your cut-lines or you get a zero.
advanced Graphic making
Digital Stencil
NOTE: You will be using PHOTOSHOP and Illustrator for this one!
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Your Task is to design a sticker celebrating something you enjoy by combining two images:
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a silhouette
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a drawing/collage to go inside it
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You can base your sticker on a thing or a place.​
Assignment 14: Digital Stencil
Filename = 14 Geometry
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You MUST create your cut-lines or you get a zero.
Get Medieval
In this assignment, you'll design a custom sticker inspired by the Medieval era—think knights, castles, mythical creatures, old-style lettering, etc.. This is a great chance to explore how art and design can reflect a specific theme or time period. You’ll practice what you have learned about sticker design and production to create a one that could be used in our school’s Medieval Market fundraiser. Your work might even be printed and sold to help support school events—so bring your best creativity and craftsmanship!
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WAGOLL (What a Good One Looks Like)
Sticker Sheet Project
For this project, you’ll choose a theme—like space, nature, food, or your favorite hobby—and design a set of six (6) unique stickers that all fit that theme. This is a chance to practice consistency in your style, colors, and design choices while using vector tools in Adobe Illustrator. You’ll learn how to create a collection of designs that work together as a set, just like real products you might see in a store. The goal is to build your creativity, design skills, and attention to detail—all while making something fun and personal!
Assignment 16: Sticker Sheet
Filename = 16 Sticker Sheet
You MUST create your cut-lines or you get a zero.
Unit 4
IRL Applications
ABOUT:
In this unit, you’ll bring your digital designs to life through hands-on projects. You’ll learn how to prepare artwork for real-world use, including stenciled signs, custom t-shirts, and product packaging. You’ll also take on a client commission, where you’ll design something based on someone else’s needs—just like a real graphic designer. This unit will help you build practical skills and understand how design works outside the screen.
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Break out the paint
​Traditional Stencil
In this project, you’ll create your own custom stencil using Adobe Illustrator and apply it to a surface like a sign, ornament, t-shirt, or glassware. You’ll learn how to design clean, cuttable graphics and turn your digital work into a real, handmade product. It’s a fun way to see how design can be used for personalized, practical creations. This project teaches you how digital design connects with real-world making, and gives you the skills to create one-of-a-kind items for gifts, decoration, or even small business ideas.
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WAGOLL (What a Good One Looks Like)
Assignment 17: Stencil
Click here for instructions.
Filename = 17 Stencil
T-Shirt Design Project
In this project, you’ll design and create your own custom t-shirt using a variety of hands-on techniques. Cotton shirts will be provided, and you’ll use Adobe Illustrator to create your design.
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Fall Classes can choose from:
– Cut heat-transfer vinyl
– Printed heat-transfer vinyl
– Vinyl stencils with fabric paint or marker "tie-dye"
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Spring Classes also have the option to try bleach painting with custom stencils.
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This project is a fun way to turn your digital artwork into wearable art while exploring different ways to apply design to fabric.
Assignment 18: T-Shirt
Click here for instructions.
Filename = 18 Tshirt
packaging design
​Pop Cans and Patterns Project
In this project, you’ll use your skills in graphic design and typography to create a custom label for a pop can. You’ll design a unique brand, choose colors and fonts, and learn how to make repeating patterns quickly and easily in Adobe Illustrator. This project shows how design is used in real-world packaging and helps you practice making eye-catching visuals that tell a story—even on something as small as a can!
Assignment 19: Pop Cans
Click here for the Pop Can Template files.
Filenames = 19a Food
Filenames = 19b Pattern.jpg
Filenames = 19b Pattern working file
Filenames = 19c Pop.jpg
Client work
– Real Client. Real Design. Real Impact.
In this project, you’ll act as a real graphic designer by completing a design commission for an actual client—like a teacher, friend, or school group. You’ll communicate with your client, understand their needs, and create a final product based on their feedback. This is a chance to apply your skills in a real-world setting, practice professionalism, and create something meaningful for someone else.
Assignment 20: Client
Click here for instructions.
Filename = 20 Client
Unit 5
Passion Project
ABOUT:
You've made it to the end! Its time to reflect and show off the skills you have learned this semester.
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Learning Passport
First, you’ll make a Learning Passport—a mini zine that showcases your favorite projects and what you’ve learned along the way.
Assignment 21: Passport
Click here for instructions.
Click here for the Illustrator File Template.
Filename = 21 Passport
Final Project
Explore any creative idea of your choice (as long as it’s school appropriate). This is your chance to show off your skills, follow your interests, and finish the course with something you’re proud of!
Assignment 22: Final
Click here for instructions.
Filename = 22 Final