Logos, brochures, clothing and fabric design, social media advertisements, billboards, vehicle wraps, and package design that fills every grocery store in the world – graphic design is all around us.

Students are introduced to the following concepts, apps and skills:

• Digital Imaging: layout design, photo editing, logo creation, and UI design
• Illustration: basic digital and traditional drawing and painting
• Color theory, design fundamentals, typography, and photography
• Industry standard Adobe apps, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD, and Animate

Students learn to brainstorm and think creatively, demonstrate safe practices, effectively present ideas, communicate with clients, and estimate production costs. Printing and post-press techniques are learned in an actual print shop setting. Exit skills such as resume and cover letter writing, job/college interviewing and networking are vital to each graduate. Upon completion of this class, each student will create self promotion materials including a business card and an online portfolio containing digital files of his or her work to have as marketing tools. The GACTC Graphic Design class is designed to prepare students to successfully transition into an entry level job or college.

Former students have gone on to successful careers such as graphic designers, illustrators, animators, and art directors.

• Have basic artistic ability (drawing/designing)
• Possess an ability to distinguish colors
• Be able to master measurement requirements particular to this program
• Focus on computer tasks for long periods of time

For information on this occupation’s description, required knowledge, job tasks and related job titles, state/national wages and employment trends, visit the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s site for this career field.