Graphic and Visual Design

The Graphics and Visual Design program

is a Chapter 74 approved, competency-based program certified by Print Ed and is aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Education Vocational Technical Education Frameworks–Arts & Communications Service Cluster. Graphics and Visual Design prepares students for the visual design field using state-of-the-art digital imaging, illustration, and page layout software and equipment. Students learn to apply their creativity to real-life or simulated projects. Print ED is a national accreditation program based on industry standards for graphic communications courses of study at the secondary and post-secondary levels and is a component of the Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation (GAERF®). Students are assessed on industry-standard competencies developed by Print ED.

This program introduces students to the theory and practical aspects of the design and commercial printing industry and allows students to explore and develop their artistic and technical skills through the creation and presentation of graphic and multi-media projects. Students are introduced to the Graphics and Visual Design field with an emphasis on design through production in a hands-on approach. Students gain competencies in traditional and computer-based layout, design, typesetting; copy preparation, composition, and printing press operations and by developing prototypes. Students enhance their skills using software programs such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Students learn electronic plate making, 2-color press operations, finishing and binding, and paper cutting. Students maintain an electronic folder and presentation portfolio and will work on projects such as ads, logos, multi-page documents, four-color publications, posters, packaging, and photographing products to market. Students strengthen their skills in visual design by concept development, creating corporate identities, branding and packaging, as well as designing self-promos. Students will also learn to create animated GIF advertisements. In addition, students are exposed to digital photography, silk screening, and sign-making technology, and production/application practices.

Course Objectives

Using industry standards, students will learn the following competencies:

Integrate academics through project-based learning
Create a portfolio
Recognize career pathway opportunities
Interact safely in a shop environment
Incorporate the use of industry standard technology and software
Read, understand, and communicate in the language of the field
Organize and research information
Develop a professional appearance, exemplary work ethic and superior communication skills
Demonstrate customer service & sales skills and process method of sales transaction
Use resources for research & problem solving
Troubleshoot, diagnose, analyze, and present data related to the field

Certifications/Licenses:

ACA Adobe InDesign
ACA Adobe Illustrator
ACA Adobe Photoshop
OSHA 10-Hour General Industry

Looking toward the future:

Everyone is exposed to the communications industry through newspapers, books, calendars, catalogs, Apps, and the web. The graphic design and production industry continues to undergo technological changes as computers and technologies alter the manner in which work is performed. There is a demand for talented employees in the visual design field because of the rapidly expanding market for Web-based information and expansion of the video entertainment market, including television, movies, video, and made-for-Internet outlets. Visual designers with website design and animation experience will especially be needed as demand for design projects increase for interactive media—Web sites, video games, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), along with new and emerging technology. Demand for visual designers also will increase as advertising firms create print and web marketing and promotional materials for a growing number of products and services.

Students successfully completing the Graphics and Visual Design program have the option of securing gainful employment, continuing formal studies at the post-secondary level, or pursuing a combination of both.

Post-Secondary Options:

Art Institute of Boston
Bay Path College
Boston University’s Center for Digital Imaging Arts
College of Imagining Arts & Sciences @ Rochester Institute of Technology

Fitchburg State College
Franklin Pierce College
Gibbs College
Holyoke Community College
Lyndon State College
Massachusetts College of Art

Rivier College
Rhode Island College
Springfield College
Springfield Technical Community College
University of Massachusetts
Westfield State University

Career Opportunities:

Entry-level Jobs – High School Diploma – On-the-Job Training

Bindery & Finishing Technician
Compositor & Typesetter
Computer to Plate Operator
Graphic Designer

Jr. Web Designer
Multimedia Artist
Photographer and Publishing
Pre-Media /Pre-Press Technician

Sign Painter & Letterer
Signage Systems Technician
Silk Screen Printer
Video Technician

Skilled Jobs – Technical/Community College/Associates Degree or Certificate

Commercial Artist
Computer Graphics
Computer Illustrator
Customer Service Representative
Design and Layout Specialist
Desktop Publisher
Display Artist/Manager

Electronic/Mechanical Technician
Electronic Publisher
Estimator/Scheduler
Graphic Designer
Graphic Illustrator
Imaging Specialist
Layout Production Artist
Marketer

Offset Press Operator
Photo Repair/Color Corrector
Plate Maker
Print Production Artist
Print Production Manager
Video Compositor
Web Designer

Professional Careers – BA/MA Degree/Graduate Studies

2D and/or 3D Animator/Modeler
Account Executive
Advertising Agent
Agency Account Representative

Art Director
Commercial Artist
Digital Film Producer
Interactive Media Designer
Multi-Media Authoring

Production Artist
Technical Illustrator
Textile Designer
Typographer

Instructors