Description:

This course will provide the fundamentals of preparing art for reproduction. Traditional camera-ready art techniques and digital prepress production methods will be emphasized. This course is typically offered in the fall semester only. 6 hrs. lecture and studio/wk.

Associated Costs: These are additional (out-of-pocket) expense considerations that students should expect in addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks. $200 to $400.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Define the stages of production and describe why designers need to understand production methods.
2. Develop throughout the course of the class the essential professional vocabulary.
3. Define and explain the traditional printing processes.
4. Describe the impact of the digital processes and the future trends in the printing industry.
5. Identify and demonstrate the use of basic proofreader's marks, perform copyfitting and copy markup using points and picas, generate digital typesetting, and prepare files for output.
6. Produce mechanicals for line and halftone reproduction from traditional and digital formats.
7. Demonstrate the stages of preparing art for production using traditional and electronic tools and materials.
8. Assemble production techniques required for one- and two-color printing and compare and contrast traditional camera ready art techniques to digital prepress.
9. Describe the uses for imposition, binding, folds, paper, inks, bleeds, and demonstrate color separation for spot or match color.
10. Estimate costing and time to complete activities, research how to execute techniques for a specific tasks, and determine the sequencing of activities that need to be accomplished in order to complete a project.
11. Select the appropriate traditional and/or digital tools and software applications necessary to satisfy established project specifications.
12. Demonstrate preparation of all aspects of mechanical art from rough copy to the finished piece for a variety of production jobs including spot color.
13. Demonstrate the ability to be an effective member of a team through team problem solving activities.
14. Recognize and demonstrate productive attitudes and work habits in the studio/lab.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Introduction to Graphic Production
   A. Define the stages of production.
   B. Trace the designers role in understanding production methods.
   C. Employ essential professional vocabulary.
      1. Traditional
      2. Digital

II. History of Printing
   A. Trace the traditional printing processes.
   B. Explain the impact of digital processes on the print industry.
   C. Be aware of the future trends that will impact the print industry.

III. Copy Preparation
   A. Employ traditional and digital type production systems including:
      1. Type measurements systems using points and picas
      2. Traditional and digital body copy indication
      3. Copy mark-up/character counting and copy fitting
      4. Digital typesetting
      5. Preparing files for output to an image setter

IV. Preparing Art for Production at All Stages
   A. Research and assemble basic materials for the project.
   B. Develop layout(s).
   C. Utilize copyfitting, appropriate measurements and correct markup.
   D. Generate typography.
   E. Describe consultation with art director, client and printer as
needed.
   F. Generate the mechanical (final art for printing).
   G. Employ electronic prepress techniques.
      1. Spot color trapping and separation
      2. Two color process trapping and separation

V. Production Considerations
   A. Demonstrate general procedures.
      1. Imposition
      2. Binding
      3. Folds
      4. Paper
      5. Inks
      6. Bleeds
   B. Demonstrate color separation for spot or match color.
      
VI. Production Preparation and Printing a Job
   A. Complete costing of the job.
   B. Develop time estimating practices.
   C. Employ sequencing the project.
   D. Employ appropriate tools.
   E. Employ appropriate materials.
   F. Employ appropriate equipment.
   G. Employ appropriate processes.
   H. Employ appropriate techniques.

VII. Attitudes and Work Habits
   A. Identify and develop positive attitudes toward tasks and fellow
employees appropriate for the workplace, including giving and accepting
criticism and praise.
   B. Identify and develop productive work habits, including attending to
detail, completing tasks, maintaining the work setting and recording
data.
   C. Identify and develop collaborative/teamwork skills, including
solving problems in groups, building consensus and responding to
supervision.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Minimum of four projects                  50 - 70% of grade
One examination and/or one written report 20 - 30% of grade
Studio performance                        10 - 15% of grade
Total                                       100%

Grades for projects will be based on project objectives and competencies
evaluated in class critiques, evaluation forms and individual
conferences.

Studio performance grade is based on the student's attendance record,
degree of productivity, ability to work independently and level of
participation in class critiques. 

Grade scale: 
      4.0  = A 
      3.75 = A-    
      3.25 = B+
      3.0  = B
      2.75 = B-   
      2.25 = C+
      2.0  = C
      1.75 = C-
      1.25 = D+
      1.0  = D
below 1.0  = F

Semester Grade: total grade averaged to A, B, C, D or F.

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.