How to receive an "A" on an assignment

1.) Project results meet or exceed the objective of the assignment
2.) Project/assignment must be completed and turned in on time
3.) Project/assignment exhibits strong consistent critical thinking developed thorough research. 4.) A number of different ideas considered and evaluated before arriving at a final solution. 
5.) I have observed an attitude of enthusiastic trial-and-error development and collaborative attitude with the art director (i.e.: me) throughout the duration of the project, both inside and outside of class.
6.) Perceived amount of time spent on the project inside and outside of class
7.) High level of craftsmanship, in conception, production, printing, and presentation

Policy for late projects/assignments

Projects are due promptly at the beginning of class on their due date. Any project NOT turned in at the beginning of class [within 15 minutes] will no longer be eligbile to receive an “A” and can only earn a “B” at best. Projects, even if late, must be turned in on the same day they are due. No projects will be accepted after the end of the day on the due date and an “0” will be given for that assignment. 

There are no "re-do"s allowed.

How project/assignment grades are tabulated

The grades that make up your "Project/Assignment" grades in the formula for your final grade are handled as follows:

Each assignment will be graded on specific criteria of learning outcomes for that particular project. 

In general, assignment grades are based on an evaluation of :

20 pts.: research & development [evidence of enthusiastic seeking out of new information related to the project] 

20 pts.: process [evidence of extensive investigation, enthusiastic trial-and-error, exploration documented in required Notebook and Sketchbook for each project)

40 pts.: design quality/concept [overall design direction & layout]

20 pts.: execution [craftsmanship & presentation]

Please note: 
Research and Process and Development add up to 40% of your final grade! This is because if you have these in place, the 40 pts. for design quality will almost always follow. (i.e.: good research and process = good design quality.)

Procedure: Following the format of the Sample Grading Sheet link posted on this blog, you will be given a grading sheet specifically designed to evaluate your performance on a given project/assignment. The criteria for each project/assignment will vary depending on the desired learning outcomes. You will be given a copy of this Grading Sheet when your projects are returned to you, so you will have a copy of it and I will retain a copy of it as well as a computer file. After all class projects are graded, the grades for that project will be released and you will be able to access your grades on an ongoing basis through CourseDen. At the end of the semester, all grades will be tallied and given the correct proportional weight in your final grade and entered in CourseDen.

How final grades in graphic design classes are tabulated

Assignment/Project Grades =70%

Research Assignments=10%
Final Exam (cumulative test given at the end of the semester) =10%

Consistent Daily Performance-10%

In some graphic design classes, this formula may vary slightly.

Your behavior and success in graphic design classes

professional behavior:

Think of this class as if I am your employer and I have hired you to do some great design work for me. You should therefore behave in a professional manner and be prepared for your “client meeting” with me in every way each time I see you. Clients expect you to arrive at meetings on time and fully prepared so you do not waste their time [or yours.] Time is money and it should be treated that way during this class.

every day in class I expect from you:

• preparedness (arriving on time having clearly devoted significant time to outside-of-class work and with the correct materials on hand to work during class) 

• assignments that are announced to be due and 

• a great work ethic and professional behavior during class  (i.e.: how well/enthusiastically  you apply yourself during class to the assigned task) 

For example, if you have been asked to bring in 5 sketches and you arrive to class with only 4, you will have created a very negative impression on your client [me].  Also, if you have been asked to work on a project during class and do not approach this task seriously and in a professional manner, your reputation with me begins to erode. These impressions add up over time and affect your credibility [i.e.: I don't trust you anymore. Said in another way, I won't trust that your goals for the outcome of the class, and my goals for your learning match up anymore]. Your overall work habits, classroom participation, attendance, professional attitude and willingness to accept constructive criticism will be taken into consideration when assigning your final grade for the course. This impression, bad or good, can potentially override the numerical calculations of your final grade at the end of the semester.

consistent work inside and outside class:

Regardless of specific assignments, you will ALWAYS be expected to arrive to EACH class with work that demonstrates significant progress since the last class meeting. You must be self-motivated and resourceful; don’t not wait on me to tell you everything. There is a direct relationship between the amount of time you put in, the work you do and the quality of your final projects, thus your final grade will be strongly affected by the quantity and quality of your homework. On days when you do not have specific instructions for homework, simply keep in mind  the above. Your ultimate success on any given project or this class as a whole depends on a consistent, enthusiastic work ethic, and not being self-motivated will ultimately work against you.