
Graphic Design and Photography
About Our Program
The focus of the Graphic Design and Photography curriculum is to create a balance between design and technology. The program begins with a foundation in design, drawing and art appreciation and starts to integrate technology during the first semester.
Design principles, creative thinking, and problem-solving techniques, give the student a strong foundation for entry into the work force, and for advanced study at other colleges and universities. Students work in a state-of-the-art digital arts center for hands-on computer training.
Both Graphic Design and Photography students create projects using electronic media, typographic design, photojournalism, advertising, illustration, photography, and color management.
Faculty and Offices
Seantel Sanders, Chair, Photography (OE-184A, ext. 3682)
James Van Arsdale, Chair, Graphic Design (A-174A, ext. 3671)
Jeff Hatfield, Lab Technician (OE-184B ext. 2280)
David Kafer, Lab Technician (OE-184C ext. 3069)
Carola Smith, Dean (BC-216, ext. 8749)
Graphic Design Concentration
With strong foundation courses in design, typography, and creative problem-solving, students create designs from concept to final printed piece or electronic image. The understanding of production and pre-press processes are an integral part of the concentration. The curriculum is based on the belief that the graphic designer is a visual and verbal communicator who is able to develop creative solutions for a variety of design and communication problems. Students execute their work in a state-of-the-art Digital Arts Center.
Graphic Design Certificate
The Graphic Design Certificate provides the student with a thorough understanding of the design process, from concept to printed piece or electronic image. Concept development, creativity, interactivity and pre-press processes are introduced and become an integral part of the Certificate. Students execute their work in a state-of-the-art Digital Arts Center.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Graphic Design
- Apply design principles to both print and screen layouts.
- Demonstrate proficiency using industry-standard software to produce graphic design layouts that are print-ready digital files.
- Define professional terminology for the graphic design and print industry.
- Demonstrate a sense of aesthetics for design and typography in the visual communication field.
- Identify and apply their creative abilities to communicate ideas with confidence.
- Demonstrate effective evaluation techniques, such as critiquing, to test and revise ideas and designs.
- Develop professional quality design concepts and layouts.
Photography
- Demonstrate fundamentals of 35mm traditional and digital camera operations.
- Demonstrate skills in scanning, digital printing and archival printing technologies.
- Demonstrate digital image editing and special manipulation effects.
- Demonstrate composition and conceptual development.
- Demonstrate acceptable photographic methods in studio photography.
- Demonstrate advanced lighting techniques.
- Demonstrate the ability to create a professional portfolio of work that projects lasting appeal and has high visual impact.
- Demonstrate color management basics.
Career Opportunities
Art Director
Photographer
In-house Graphic Designer
Freelance Graphic Designer
Illustrator / Graphic Artist
Brand Designer
Information and Visualization Designer
Publication Designer
Advising
In addition to the college counselor for the Performing, Visual & Media Arts and the Career Center, the Graphic Design chairperson advises students who are planning a career in Graphic Design.