Graphic and Digital Design Certificate

Graphic Design certificate - introduces a broad base of visual communication concepts and tools. An intensive core class and five electives make up the year's program that includes fundamentals of typography, design, layout and digital skills. The certificate provides essential skills needed to produce graphics for print, advertising and other media.

Requirements

Basic Core
or
Color Theory, Graphic Design, Digital Graphics w/Illustrator
and
Digital Imaging w/Photoshop

Plus two (2) digital elective courses
Plus two (2) graphic design elective courses

Note: Core classes are offered only in the Fall and Spring. Color Theory class is listed in the Fine Art and Foundation section of this catalog.

Graphic/Digital Design Basic Core

This basic course introduces students to a broad base of visual communication concepts and tools. Students learn fundamentals of typography, design, layout and digital skills. Taught by two instructors, the program begins with basic design and type exercises reinforced each week in the digital portion of class using Photoshop and Illustrator. This course provides an essential introduction to the design skills needed to produce graphics for print, advertising, corporate identity and other media.

Color Theory

Discover the dynamic interaction of color and its implications for designers and artists. Study ideas of space and how color solves spatial problems. Look at color harmony, how color interacts, as well as qualities and possible combinations. Students may elect to take this course along with Typography and Digital Design with QuarkXPress in place of the Graphic Design Basic Core.

Typography

Graphic design is the art of communicating visually. This basic course introduces students to a broad base of visual communication concepts and tools. Students learn fundamentals of typography, design, layout and digital skills. Students may elect to take this course along with Color Theory and Digital Design with QuarkXPress in place of the Graphic Design Basic Core.

Digital design with Quarkexpress

Gain a working knowledge of QuarkXPress, the leading page layout and typesetting program used by all major print and graphic design studios. Learn how to employ the tools and features of this powerful program. Students may elect to take this course along with Typography and Digital Design with QuarkXPress in place of the Graphic Design Basic Core.

Digital Imaging with Photoshop

Gain a working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, the industry standard software used for print, web pages, animation, presentation, video production and enhancement of traditional and digital photography.

Digital Graphics with Illustrator

Draw and design with Adobe Illustrator, the standard vector-based illustration and graphic design program. Learn to draw, delineate and design electronically.

Graphic Design

What makes the difference between an ordinary image and a powerful and effective design? Learn design fundamentals and the basics of visual thinking, concept development, typography, composition and color.

Two Elective Courses

Elective coursework is available covering a variety of graphic design topics.