Graphic Design

The Graphic Design program offers a diverse educational experience in all phases of visual communication including; web design, illustration, logo design, identity systems, posters, packaging, publications, animation and many media applications. The program exposes the student to a thorough scope of the design industry standard software, as well as preparing students to create and run their own freelance businesses. A strong combination of theory and hands-on application gives students a variety of valuable, as well as very employable, learning experiences.

Students completing the program will be well-versed in the industry standards and will have a variety of employment options. The designer for digital media includes jobs with publishers, game and video organizations, and various businesses where branding, marketing and advertising materials are needed. Web design development is a multi-faceted specialty with a growing demand. Animation options include gaming industry, video marketing and web advertising, as well as motion components embedded in websites.

Technical Requirements

In order to be successful in the Graphic Design program a student must: 

  • have command of the English language;
  • have a high school diploma or equivalent;
  • be able to complete requirements for college level classes;
  • be able to understand and follow both written and oral instructions;
  • have sufficient vision to make fine visual discriminations, and for reading instructions and course materials;
  • have reading comprehension skills sufficient to read and comprehend service literature;
  • have communication skills sufficient to prepare required reports;
  • have basic understanding of common computer operating systems and procedures;
  • have good understanding of measurement systems;
  • have the ability to work with others;
  • have a good eye for detail/attitude toward quality.

Students who complete the program will:

  • demonstrate an understanding of the theory and processes associated with the Graphic Design profession;
  • understand and use appropriately the technical vocabulary associated with the Graphic Design profession;
  • demonstrate the ability to apply critical thinking skills to successfully problem solve customer needs;
  • produce a body of work that serves as a professional portfolio.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

GRA120L: Design Software Essentials

In Design Software Essentials, students cover the necessary functions of Photoshop and Illustrator. These are the two major 2D image creation and editing software. These programs form the foundation of digital imaging in both print screen and video graphics. Students will learn through several lab assignments that cover pixel manipulation, composing, adjusting, and resizing in Photoshop. In Illustrator, students will learn how to properly and efficiently manipulate vectors; how to create and use color properly, and finally how to efficiently output vector images for screen or print. Concepts learned in this course carry over into animation, motion graphics, 3D design, and more.

GRA125L: Foundations of Design

This course covers the major principles and elements of design, which form the basis for visual communications by introducing students to creative processes in which designers use to create work. Students will explore the formal qualities of design through projects centering around the visual use of Line, Shape, Value, Color, Form, Texture, Space, and Composition.

GRA134L: Typography and Layout Design

This course is designed to introduce students to the basics of Typography, Lettering, and Layout Design as it relates to various design environments, from signage to long-form text. Students will study the various classifications of type, as well as type anatomy, and the historical and cultural context of font design. Students will solve visual design and layout problems using Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.

GRA136L: Digital Illustration

In this course students will create work exploring the diverse field of illustration — from editorial, to visual development, to comics. Students become acquainted with the Digital Painting Program, Procreate for the iPad, as leveraged by illustrators in the industry

GRA138L: History of Design and Illustration

This course will explore the history of visual communication with a focus on illustration and design. Students will examine styles and techniques from both Western and non-Western traditions, and the emergence of new design technologies throughout history. This course will encourage a thoughtful, critical analysis with regards to social responsibility within the arts, and issues relating to representation and equity within the modern Design and Illustration worlds.

GRA228L: Motion Graphics

This course introduces the fundamental principles of expression through movement in time, sequential composition editing, and image sequence and as well as sound integration, editing and story structure using current digital software. Students explore the techniques and software to incorporate illustrations and graphics into moving animated designs in both 2D and 3D using Blender, Photoshop, and other current software for gaming designs. Students develop sketches for a series of short projects to apply basic animation principles.

GRA230L: Front End Website Design

This course will explore Web Design theory as it relates to User Experience (UX). Students will design visually appealing websites while prioritizing functionality and accessibility via visual hierarchy and page layout. Students will use Figma and other web-design services to consider how type, color, and overall structure of a web page guides the user in the intuitive navigation of a website.

GRA231L: Branding and Identity

This course will cover the theory and practice of creating brand identity design products. Students will explore branding and identity as it’s represented within a visual system, which would include iconography, typography, pattern, color, and so on. Students will explore the components of a strong visual identity via the creation of design projects such as logos, print ads, stationery, business cards, etc.

GRA266L: Independent Study

Students in an independent study option will engage in learning about a topic of special interest and/or need. A written report on the topic of the independent study is required.

GRA271L: Screen Process Printing

This course introduces the student to commercial screen-printing techniques. Areas of emphasis include types of frames, terminology, fabric selection, photo mechanical stencil preparation, fabric stretching techniques, screen printing inks, squeegee selection, and substrates. Projects are selected and designed by each student and must be printed on predetermined substrates. Classroom theory will be supported by lab demonstrations.

GRA280L: Graphic Design Capstone

This course is intended to provide the vehicle for students to show overall competency and skills in Graphic Design Technologies, which have been a part of their degree program. Under supervision of a faculty advisor, the student will select an appropriate project, plan, and perform the necessary tasks, and present the results. It is expected the student will create a professional portfolio with the objective of obtaining either a professional position in the field, or admission into a 4-year institution.