Words aren't just shapes.

The mini-course explores the role of written narrative in the creative process. Students explore techniques and strategies for developing written messaging and how it is integrated into compositional design to convey the message, elicit emotions, and inform an audience. Through case studies, lectures, and hands-on studio work, students will learn how to conceive and execute narratives using wit, humor, unexpected narrative juxtapositions, and emotive communication approaches.

Course Mantra:

“You cannot bore people into buying your product”

- David Ogilvy

Graphic design, advertising, and web development aren’t just about arranging some fonts, photos, and filler text. Designers aren’t arrangers, they’re creators. The ultimate alchemists, they mix imagery and words to grab attention and make people feel something. It’s not a straight-line process, either.

It’s about thinking sideways, flipping the script, and tossing in a few unexpected curveballs to say things in ways no one saw coming. When designers really dig into the subject matter and get what makes the audience tick, they turn the usual into the extraordinary. The result? Work that breaks from the ordinary, hits home, sticks with you, and solves the client’s needs.

This course is about what we all learn from each other.

Students’ input, questions, and ideas are not just welcome; they are essential to making this class tick. Think of it as a creative lab where everyone contributes to the mix.

This course is designed to mimic real-life scenarios, with assignments, deadlines, and processes that mirror what students will encounter in the professional world. The goal is to ensure students are not just prepared but confident when taking that first step into the workforce. Questions should be asked. Ideas should be shared. Brainstorming outside of class is encouraged. Collaboration is key.

During class time, we will dive into studio work, absorb knowledge through lectures, spark discussions, and give and receive critiques. This is a space where ideas thrive on open exchange. Students should speak up, respectfully, of course, just as they would in any professional, collaborative environment.

A significant portion of students’ time in class will be hands-on studio work, and students will also spend about 4 ± hours per week on this course outside of class. If students find themselves buried under more work than expected, they can email or speak with Jay Nesbitt. Sometimes assignments need tweaking, and student feedback helps us adjust. After all, this course is for students, so let’s make it work for them.

Class Syllabus