- Basha High
- Welcome
| Position: | CTE Graphic Design I, II, III | |
| Room: | F107 | |
| Phone: | (480) 224-2243 | |
| Email: | Wallace-Ross |
Welcome to the graphic design program at Basha High School. Students will be working in a computer lab equipped with advanced computer hardware and software; the same tools being used at professional design agencies. Our goal is to equip students with the essential tools needed to excel in a professional environment.
My Education and Professional Background
While working as a graphic designer for print production, I earned my BFA in Media Arts from the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. Later going back to pursue a Masters in Fine Arts Education and teacher certification, I began teaching art in New York and New Jersey. My career continued to evolve after relocating to Arizona with my family I began working for a non profit called The Artyard Project, that helps artists develop their skills and business acumen. The Artyard Project confirmed my commitment and better trained me to work as a Career &Technical Education specialist.
My Educational Philosophy
The educational philosophy I teach is one that was taught to me in design school. Begin with the end in mind making as many positive causes toward your goals and you create your own current and currency. The only thing that beats a failure is a try. The only true failure is in not trying. Students are encouraged to embark on the journey to develop their own creative voice and integrity.
| Email E. Penny Wallace-Ross
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Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to Graphic Design, and a new school year 2020-21!
A special “welcome back” to my returning Graphic Design students. My name is Ethel “Penny” Wallace-Ross and I am your student’s teacher this year. I hope everyone had a restful summer and are ready to support as your students grapple with the ever-changing landscape of education this fall.
Just wanted to take this opportunity to say hello and let you know that I have been preparing all summer to ensure the success of your student in graphic design class.
I am excited to use a variety of online resources to help create a high level of participation and engagement for learning the Arizona standards in graphic design.
What does it take to succeed in graphic design class?
As with everything, having the correct attitude is important. Even though becoming a graphic designer may not be the “End Game” goal; students who have the attitude of wanting to learn to become the best graphic designer are able to unlock their full creative potential. Students with an aspiring graphic designer attitude are more motivated to challenge and win over design obstacles. A winning attitude affects every aspect of a student’s life. Please encourage your student to have the best attitude for learning graphic design.
What will your student learn in Graphic Design class this year?
- We will spend 55-65% of our time on the creative process including brainstorming, thumbnail sketches, rough draft drawing, research, and ideation.
- We will spend 15-25% of our time on industry standard technology skills such as Adobe CC, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and other parallel online platforms.
- We will spend 10-15% of our time on communications skills such as learning graphic design vocabulary to be able to verbally explain their design intention. Learning the skills required to writing a comprehensive design brief is also included in the curriculum.
- We will spend 5-10% of our time on practices and ethics such as career exploration, copyright law and marketing demographics.
By the end of the year students will have a portfolio of 15-25 pieces of their design work and be prepared to take Graphic Design .
Please feel free to email me, if you have questions or concerns. I typically respond within 48 hours. Please check-out our BHS graphic design website from time to time and expect the syllabus and course outline in an upcoming communication. I’m excited to be able to write on the slate of your child’s design education. Looking forward to meeting you and my students!
The links are included below.
Wallace-Ross' Graphic Design Class
Sincerely,
Ethel Penny Wallace-Ross
CTE Graphic Design Instructor
Basha High School F107
Basha High Newspaper Club Advisor
SkillsUSA Club Sponsor
Black Student Union Club Sponsor
Chandler Online Academy Instructor
wallaceross.ethel@cusd80.com
(480) 224-2243
