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

1. Apply design principles to both print and screen layouts.
2. Demonstrate proficiency using industry-standard software to produce graphic design layouts that are print-ready digital files.
3. Define professional terminology for the graphic design and print industry.
4. Demonstrate a sense of aesthetics for design and typography in the visual communication field.
5. Identify and apply their creative abilities to communicate ideas with confidence.
6. Demonstrate effective evaluation techniques, such as critiquing, to test and revise ideas and designs.
7. Develop professional quality design concepts and layouts.

Photography

1. Demonstrate fundamentals of 35mm traditional and digital camera operations.
2. Demonstrate skills in scanning, digital printing and archival printing technologies.
3. Demonstrate digital image editing and special manipulation effects.
4. Demonstrate composition and conceptual development.
5. Demonstrate acceptable photographic methods in studio photography.
6. Demonstrate advanced lighting techniques.
7. Demonstrate the ability to create a professional portfolio of work that projects lasting appeal and has high visual impact.
8. Demonstrate color management basics.

Career Opportunities

Art Director
In-house Graphic Designer
Freelance Graphic Designer
Information and Visualization Designer
Production Coordinator
Publication Designer
Illustrator

Advising

In addition to the college counselor for the School of Media Arts and the Career Center, the Graphic Design chairperson advises students who are planning a career in Graphic Design.