Roger Williams University

DSGN 430: Special Topics in Graphic Design – Package Design

Fall 2025
Credits: 3
Room: GHH G12
Schedule: Tuesday–Thursday, 10:00 – 11:50 AM
Office Hours: Tue/Thu 9:30–10:00 AM / 2:00–2:30 PM (in person or Zoom); additional appointments by request
Office: GHH 325 & Zoom
Instructor: Erik Kowalski
Email: ekowalski@rwu.edu
Cell: 508.965.6642
Preferred Contact: Please use Bridges email (response within 24 hours M–F).

---

Course Description

This special topics course in graphic design focuses on package and 3D design. Students will learn principles of designing for three-dimensional objects and signage, develop 3D mockups in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, and prepare deliverables for both print and screen applications. The emphasis is on innovation, craftsmanship, and conceptual strength, culminating in a portfolio-ready final project.

Prerequisites: None, or permission of instructor.

Course Learning Objectives

• Understand fundamental principles of package and 3D design
• Create 3D mockups in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign
• Apply design principles to packaging and signage projects
• Prepare deliverables for both print and digital applications
• Demonstrate conceptual development through research, sketching, and iteration
• Present professional-quality final projects suitable for portfolio inclusion

Course Structure

This is a studio course meeting twice per week. Sessions will include lectures, demonstrations, studio work, small-group discussions, critiques, and final presentations. Students should expect 8–12 hours of outside work per week on research, sketching, mockups, and project execution.

Students are expected to:

• Push toward innovative, conceptual solutions
• Generate multiple ideas and refine through critique
• Take responsibility for consistent progress and professional presentation

Schedule of Class Meetings

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory. Three unexcused absences lower your grade one letter; six result in automatic failure. Chronic lateness or leaving early counts as absences. Only instructor-approved absences are excused.

Participation

Active engagement in studio work, critiques, and discussions is required. Professional conduct and constructive feedback are expected.

Assignments

• Deadlines are absolute; submit on time even if incomplete
• Work submitted on time may be revised during the final three weeks
• All work for critique is due at the start of class
• Plagiarism is prohibited and will be treated as an academic integrity violation
• Notify the instructor if religious observances conflict with class or deadlines

Grading

Projects are evaluated on process, research, originality, craftsmanship, and final presentation.

RWU Grading Scale:
A: 93–100 | A-: 90–92.9
B+: 87–89.9 | B: 83–86.9 | B-: 80–82.9
C+: 77–79.9 | C: 73–76.9 | C-: 70–72.9
D+: 67–69.9 | D: 63–66.9 | D-: 60–62.9
F: <60

Academic Integrity & Intellectual Property

RWU policies apply: Academic Standards. Course materials are the instructor’s intellectual property and may not be shared without permission.

Required Materials

• Laptop with Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
• Sketchbook with removable pages
• Cutting mat (12 × 18 in), scissors, ruler/scale (metal)
• X-Acto knife and blades
• Rubber cement, pickup square, double-stick tape
• Permanent black markers (assorted sizes)
• Paper portfolio (medium size)
• Epson matte paper (13 × 19 and 8 × 10)

Student Accessibility Services

RWU provides accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Contact SAS at sas@rwu.edu or 401-254-3841. Located on the first floor of the University Library, open Mon–Fri, 8:00–5:00.

Tutoring Opportunities

The Tutoring Center (Math, Science, Writing, Language, SECCM, Architecture, Business) is on the 2nd floor of the Main Library. Walk-ins welcome. WritingHelp (email tutoring) is also available. Hours: Mon–Thu 9–8, Fri 9–3, Sun 5–8. More info: rwu.edu/go/tutoring.

Title IX Policies

RWU prohibits sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence. Contact Title IX Coordinator Jennifer Stanley (jstanley@rwu.edu). Confidential resources: Counseling Center (401-254-3124), Health Services (401-254-3156).

Chosen Name Policy

RWU allows students to use a chosen name. Update via RogerCentral. For questions, contact Henley Ballou, Assistant Director of Queer & Trans Initiatives (hballou@rwu.edu).

Intercultural Center & QTRAC

The Intercultural Center and QTRAC support diverse student identities, including LGBTQIA+. Contact Michael R. Walsh, Director of Student DEIB (mwalsh@rwu.edu).

Mental Health & Wellness

Resources: Office of Student & Family Assistance (401-254-3042); Counseling Center (401-254-3124); Public Safety (401-254-3333). For immediate help call/text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.

Spiritual Life

RWU respects religious observances. Notify the instructor in advance for accommodations.

Emergency Procedures

RWU Alert notifies students in emergencies. Fire alarms: proceed outside. Outdoor sirens: proceed inside. Emergency contacts: 401-254-HELP (4357), Public Safety 401-254-3611, Health Services 401-254-3156, Facilities 401-254-3136, Counseling Center 401-254-3124. Call 911 in life-threatening emergencies.

COVID-19 Protocols

Mask wearing (N95/KN95) is recommended indoors. RWU may reinstate mask requirements. Students are supported if they choose to mask.

Final Note

This syllabus is a contract between instructor and students. Success requires consistent attendance, participation, and commitment to design exploration and craftsmanship.