Typography in Graphic Design Practice (Online)

Course description

Explore type anatomy, classification, hierarchy, and meaning through creative projects that combine historical study with contemporary design practice. Weekly assignments emphasize how letterforms convey tone and structure while developing skills in layout, composition, and visual hierarchy. From analyzing classic typefaces to creating expressive typographic compositions, learn to use type as both image and message. This course encourages experimentation, craftsmanship, and conceptual thinking across print and digital media. By the end, students demonstrate their understanding of typographic principles through a final project that applies clarity, hierarchy, and creative intent. / Students will have access to the Adobe Creative Suite throughout the course.

This course can be taken towards the Graphic Design Certificate.

Open to students ages 18 and above. Review complete policies, including class cancellation policies, before completing your registration.

Class meeting details

This online course is asynchronous. There are no set class meeting times. Instead, the course is project-based, with 2 to 3 deadlines per week, and students can choose a time and place that works best for them to complete the work. Course activities may include readings, video demonstrations and tutorials, online discussions, projects, and critiques.
The instructor will have weekly virtual office hours via Zoom to answer questions and provide individualized feedback and guidance.

Prerequisites

Graphic Design 1 or equivalent experience. Beginner/intermediate experience with Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop is required.

Required supplies

Supplies

• pen or pencil
• notebook or sketchbook
• USB drive or cloud storage option for saving work

Software
Adobe Creative Cloud (provided by MCAD).

Hardware
A computer capable of running Adobe Creative Cloud software, with internet access, a camera or scanner to capture and upload work.

Required textbooks
Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, and Students (3rd Edition, Revised and Expanded)

Recommended textbooks
The Elements of Typographic Style by Robert Bringhurst

Class resources

This class uses Adobe Creative Cloud and Canvas, MCAD’s learning management system. Please see the link for more information.

Class savings

Register on or before January 19 and save $25.
Register for more than one class at a time and receive $25 off each additional class (same-day registrations only).
Additional savings. Are you eligible?

Questions

Contact MCAD Continuing Education at continuing_education@mcad.edu or call 612.874.3765.