Graphic Design Capstone
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Course Introduction

 

Core Standards of the Course

STRAND 1
CLIENT RELATIONS - Students will apply service skills when working with an outside client (industry partner or school program) to produce quality, creative projects.

Standard 1
Demonstrate a professional demeanor, attitude, and language when working with outside clients.

Standard 2
Utilize the creative process to present and communicate original ideas to an outside client.

1. Collect project information from client (synthesize client needs with student creative skills)
   
2. Ongoing client follow-up (sketches, revisions/refinements, final)
   

Standard 3
Connect industry knowledge and terminology to an outside client's needs.

1. Visual communication strategies (elements, principles, typography, etc.)
   
2. Manage client's expectations (limitations, logistics, etc.)
   
3. Legal practices (AI, copyright, usage rights, etc.)
   

Performance Skills
Based on school resources, complete a creative project with quality service for an outside client (industry partner or school program).

STRAND 2
PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT - Students will produce and present an original portfolio, showcasing a collection of their strongest creative work.

Standard 1
Develop, curate, and design a polished portfolio, demonstrating creative knowledge, skill, and experience.

1. Original (avoid copyright or AI generated imagery)
   
2. Client case studies (specific project design processes)
   
3. Cohesive and professional (presentation, style, technique, subject, etc.)
   
4. Applicable to desired career/educational goals.
   

Standard 2
Analyze student creative work and apply feedback.

1. Self-reflections
   
2. Skill evaluations
   

Performance Skills
Produce and present an original portfolio, showcasing a collection of the student's strongest creative work.

STRAND 3
INDUSTRY PREPARATION - Students will develop strategies for a successful career in the graphic design industry.

Standard 1
Research requirements and qualifications to enter a relevant industry or educational program.

1. Skillsets
   
2. Certifications
   
3. Applications (job, trade school, college, etc.)
   

Standard 2
Create an effective resume.

1. Skills and marketable attributes
   
2. Related web presence links
   
3. Relevant certifications
   

Standard 3
Apply effective techniques while in a job interview.

1. Anticipate potential questions, concerns, or reservations
   
2. Research the industry & organization
   
3. Appropriate dress and body language
   
4. Bring copies of resume
   
5. Ask relevant questions
   
6. Send a follow-up thank you
   

Standard 4
Design effective marketing strategies for self-promotion.

1. Web Presence (Social Media Strategies and Content Creation)
   
2. Competitive edge and advantages
   
3. Branding (vision & mission)
   

Standard 5
Research best industry practices for success.

1. Payments (fees and rates)
   
2. Contracts (reproduction/copyrights, deliverables, expectations)
   
3. Managing, mediating, and resolving client conflict
   

Performance Skills

1. Create an effective resume.
   
2. Complete a job interview (mock or real).
   
3. Create marketing strategies for self-promotion.
   
4. Generate a job cost estimation/invoice or contract
   

STRAND 4
CTSOs & WORKPLACE SKILLS - Students will be encouraged to participate in a relevant CTSO through the demonstration of graphic design workplace and career readiness skills. These standards will not appear on state skill certification exams, but should be taught throughout the duration of the course.

Standard 1
Students will display personal skills related to the essential values, personality traits, and personal characteristics for success in design and life.

1. Integrity - demonstrate honesty and personal responsibility for actions in the creative process.
   
2. Work ethic - demonstrate tenacity, hard work, excellence, punctuality, meet deadlines; and be self- directed when completing tasks in the design setting.
   
3. Professionalism - demonstrate maturity, self-confidence; and a positive image when working with teammates or clients on design jobs/projects.
   
4. Responsibility - demonstrate dependability, consistency, and personal well-being when safely completing design tasks.
   
5. Adaptability/Flexibility - Foster creativity, new ideas, and resilience when working to solve problems in design tasks.
   
6. Self-motivated - demonstrate a willingness to learn, independence, initiative, and a positive attitude when approaching new information
   

Standard 2
Students will display workplace skills related to the essential attitudes and abilities for success in the design industry.

1. Communication - Demonstrates skills in listening and speaking; communicates professionally with teammates, supervisors, and customers in relation to design.
   
2. Decision making - Analyzes key facts, data, and situations to employ reasoning skills for completing design tasks.
   
3. Teamwork - Builds trusting relationships, works cooperatively with others and utilizes individual strengths of team members when completing design tasks.
   
4. Planning, organizing, and management - Designs, prepares, and implements creative tasks within a desired timeframe; Sets priorities and responds to changing priorities.
   
5. Leadership - Builds positive relationships and mitigates conflict.
   

Standard 3
Students will display technical skills that are grounded in design that deliver essential knowledge and competencies for success in the industry.

1. Computer and technology literacy
   
2. Job specific skills
   
3. Safety and health
   
4. Service orientation - responds to internal and external customers; demonstrates focus and presence; attends to personal matters away from the classroom.
   
5. Professional development - demonstrates openness to learn, grow, and change in the design industry.
   

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http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Kristina  Yamada and see the CTE/Arts, Entertainment & Design website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - THALEA  LONGHURST.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.