This course introduces students to the workflow of graphic design, from the initial conceptualization of a project to the printed piece. Attention to customer needs, development of presentation materials, and cost estimates are discussed. Students will become familiar with graphic design, job titles and duties. Stress management and time management are incorporated into the course. Legal and ethical issues, as well as those involving copyrights and trademarks, are discussed.

All college students, regardless of their college major, need to be able to make reasonable decisions about fiscal, environmental, and health issues that require quantitative reasoning skills. An activity based approach is used to explore numerical relationships, graphs, proportional relationships, algebraic reasoning, and problem solving using linear, exponential and other mathematical models. Students will develop conceptual and procedural tools that support the use of key mathematical concepts in a variety of contexts.

This course examines the basic concepts of graphic design page layout and focuses on the principles, equipment, software, and workflow used in the design and publishing process. Students will integrate basic marketing principles in their design strategies and will apply graphic design concepts to produce page layout projects. In so doing, they will understand the primary components of design and publishing; research, strategy, input, composition, project development, and output. Digital prepress fundamentals used in preparing graphic design artwork for printing and publishing will be studied.

This course offers tips on presentation design and the use of multimedia in the graphic design field. Students will learn how to create slides, overheads, and on-screen presentations. Transition effects and the use of sound and video will be incorporated into on-screen presentations. Students will create an interactive portfolio and at least one presentation for class demonstration.

Students will use GUI software to design, test, publish, and edit web pages that apply basic visual principles and communication strategies.

This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research, and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.

This course guides students through an organized experimentation of traditional art media to create images that convey specific messages to viewers. A variety of media is used including: watercolor, acrylic, oil pastel, inks, dyes, collage, and computers. Good composition, visual organization, development of creative thinking and visual problem will be emphasized. This course will include a study of perspective, light, shade, and color theory. Current illustration and color trends will be explored.

This course explores the use of digital photography, desktop scanning and photo manipulation software in the creation of photo compositions and support materials for graphic design.

Students will use Vector Illustration software for technical drawing, composition and implementation of created art into print, web and social media. Students will incorporate traditional drawing skills and scanning methods into their digital illustration and drawings. Composition, digital color specification and current graphic design trends will be emphasized.

Students will study typography, color, and layout. Studies include symmetrical and asymmetrical compositions, grid method systems, designing with type, image, and the graphic functions of typography. Students will develop an understanding of the basic design principles, including space, line, form, color, and the use of letterforms and design contrasts to convey a visual message. Students will be introduced to target markets and designing for an audience.