A central goal of this course is to build critical thinking and creative judgment in an era of “Superficial Intelligence,” where AI can generate polished results that mask shallow understanding. AI can accelerate parts of the workflow, but it cannot replace decision-making, intent, taste, or problem-solving.
This is a studio-style class where design fundamentals, CTE skills, and project-based learning intersect with industry-grade creative tools, including closed-system AI tools used in professional workflows. Students will work in environments such as Adobe Creative Cloud and selected Google creative tools. The tools matter, but the focus is learning how to think, plan, iterate, and communicate visually with control and responsibility.
Students are expected to remain intellectually in control of their work. AI is treated as a tool, not a shortcut.
We begin with short orientation projects to learn core tools, file management, and class routines. The year then moves through multi-week projects (typically 4–10 weeks, sometimes longer). Each project increases in complexity as skills grow.
Every project is documented inside the Creative Portfolio using the Project Pipeline: