Graphic Arts & Design

Unleash your inner creativity with the Graphic Arts & Design (GAD) program at Frontier Community College.  The program offers a one-year certificate as well as a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree.

Graphic design is a form of visual communication used to solve problems or convey a message to a specific audience.  Designers utilize images and text to communicate through a variety of media methods, such as direct mail, digital advertising, and social media. As a graphic designer, you are a “visual wizard” that ensures any graphic or product provides a lasting impact to the consumer.

POWERFUL, EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

While enrolled in the program, students will not only learn the concepts and functions of graphic design but also apply their knowledge to visual work.  Students will create a variety of media projects while working daily with the Adobe Creative Cloud programs, including Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro, and Animate.

From the start of the program, students will learn and master the 7-step design process that is essential in creating every media project.  Instructors will challenge students to develop skill in branding, strategic marketing, and design while simultaneously developing their individualistic, creative eye.  Class sizes are small, allowing the student to receive one-on-one support through the duration of the program.

GAD students will enroll in a wide variety of design-oriented classes to receive a well-rounded education.  In addition to graphic design classes, the program also includes Digital Photography, Intro to Videography, Drawing, and Computer Animation classes.  Students can then develop additional creative skills that will help them prepare for a Bachelor’s Degree and/or career.

Throughout their time in the program, students will create a solid portfolio to showcase completed media projects.  This portfolio will not only demonstrate their creative talents, but also be essential in preparing for a career in graphic design.

The GAD program also requires students to complete a 150-hour internship prior to graduation.  Students can work with a business of their choice, or FCC can provide assistance in locating a qualifying internship.  Internships provide real-world, hands-on experience, and students will develop professional skills working with clients in a business environment.

EXPRESS YOUR TALENT

Over the course of two years, degree-seeking students will learn and receive the necessary training to launch their own career should they choose to do so.  Individuals can find careers in advertising, marketing, publishing, and product development.  Many designers also choose to work independently as a freelance graphic designer or consultant.

Graduates can also transfer to a 4-year university to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design or another creative field.  FCC has an articulation agreement with the University of Southern Indiana (Evansville, IN) that allows the graduate to seamlessly transfer into the Graphic Design program.  For more information, please contact FCC at 618-842-3711.

Overall, the Graphic Arts & Design program provides students with a strong skill set that will be useful for a variety of career opportunities.

INTERESTED?

To join the Graphic Arts & Design program, or for more information, please call FCC at 618-842-3711.