GRCO 100: Introduction to Graphic Communication

Introduction to Graphic Communication is the entry point to UMGC's graphic design sequence — the roles, responsibilities, and hands-on skills of the profession.

What GRCO 100 covers

(Access to Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator required.) An introduction to graphic communication and the various roles and responsibilities of the profession.

The aim is to demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary for graphic communication professionals. Design theories and content are explored through hands-on projects. Topics include industry standards, portfolios, and research and assessment practices.

Typical GRCO 100 assignments

Expect a hands-on design project requiring you to apply a specific design theory and meet a named industry standard, using Photoshop and/or Illustrator.

Key topics in GRCO 100

• Roles and responsibilities in graphic communication
• Design theory through hands-on projects
• Industry standards
• Portfolio and assessment practices

Writing tips for GRCO 100

Follow the assignment instructions and rubric line by line

UMGC assignments for GRCO 100 are graded against a specific rubric or grading criteria your instructor provides — every requirement has to be visibly addressed. Skipping a requirement because it seems minor is one of the most common reasons a strong submission loses points.

Document your design decisions, not just the finished piece

Graphic Communication courses like GRCO 100 typically grade the reasoning behind a design — why a typeface, layout, or color choice was made — not just the polished final deliverable. A brief design rationale is usually expected even when the assignment doesn't spell it out.

Meet current industry standards, not outdated conventions

GRCO 100 is graded against current industry practice for its specific medium (print, digital, motion) — techniques or formats that were standard a decade ago may no longer meet the rubric's expectations.

Why students seek help with GRCO 100

Students sometimes produce a visually polished project without connecting it to the specific design theory or industry standard GRCO 100 requires naming — the rubric typically wants that conceptual grounding shown, not the finished piece alone.

How GradeEssays helps with GRCO 100

Share your GRCO 100 assignment and rubric, and your writer will help you build the written rationale connecting your design choices to the required theory or standard.

Prerequisites and course context

GRCO 100 has no prerequisites, requires access to Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and is itself the required prerequisite for GRCO 230 (alongside ARTT 120, Design I: Arrangement and Color).

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