Students in this program will learn introductory knowledge of studio safety and basic Design and Visual communications projects.  Some of the projects the students will be expected to complete include; creating an advertisement and creating two pieces of artwork for a children’s book.  They will also be exposed to basic photography and Photoshop techniques.

Students begin to develop their artistic talents by completing a number of assignments using both freehand drawing and computer based programs such as InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. Students will learn how to operate shop cameras, Canon 60D, in a manual setting.

Students will develop a variety of art and design skills in their sophomore year.  Sketchbooks will be issued with specific quarterly assignments to promote critical visual problem solving skills.  Students study color theory through the use of watercolor, gouache, pastels, and prism color pencils and markers. Typography and practical implementation of design theory, as well as digital and reflective illustrations allows the Design students to work on a variety of graphic design projects and train on up-to-date, industry relevant-software.  Students are introduced to preparing, maintaining, critiquing and editing their own professional artist portfolio. Students learn about exposure and become more familiar with a properly exposed image in Photography studies. Students learn the basics of Flash animation including, Tweens and Frame by frame. Students get an introduction to the use of our HP 3600 Indigo Press.

This course is the first of three related courses needed to complete the Design and Visual Communications competences and graduate with a certificate in the field.  Students will be introduced to topics including but not limited to color theory, photography, digital art, desktop publishing, web design, animation, typography and painting. Students learn at an introductory level the use of our HP 3600 Indigo Press.

Students perform Ad Agency-based assignments such as: Corporate ID New Image Design Presentations, Product Ad Campaigns, TV Ad campaign / story boarding, Product Design presentations, and animated promotional Ads.  Comprehensive layout presentations and critical critiques are conducted as an important and real process tool to promote inventive, exciting work. Digital photography and studio strobe lighting, along with, Photoshop, Illustrator and Flash animation Computer Programs are used by the art students to produce finished comprehensive presentations. Working hands-on with our HP 3600 Indigo Press, creating posters, flyers, bound books, and brochures.

This course is the second of three related courses needed to complete the Design and Visual Communications competences and graduate with a certificate in the field.  Students will continue their study of the following topics: color theory, photography, and digital art, desktop publishing, web design, animation, typography and painting. Students get much more experience with professional equipment such as Cintiq’s, Studio Lighting with Strobes, Working with HP 3600 Indigo Press.

Critical study in specific focus areas for portfolio refinement and final review is a requirement.  Students experience National Art Portfolio Day. College visits are scheduled and financial aid information is disseminated.  Seniors write a college letter-of-intent-essay and design and produce a two-fold promotional mailer. A resume, cover letter, and job search / interview strategy plan will be developed in the senior year. Students learn at an advanced level photography techniques such as high-speed photography. Students work on advanced levels of Video Production, Flash animation, Fine Art and advanced presentation skills. Students work with the HP 3600 Indigo Press with operation and maintenance of the press. Students do live work for clients in and out of school.

This course is the third of three related courses needed to complete the Design and Visual Communications competences and graduate with a certificate in the field.  Students will become proficient in the following topics: color theory, photography, and digital art, desktop publishing, web design, animation, typography and painting.