Graphic Design

AAS-T, Certificate

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The Graphic Design and Illustration Program is our two-year multimedia program, which combines both traditional and computer-based knowledge and skills necessary to become employed in the graphic design and illustration field.

The program is a concentrated two-year program of design and skill development resulting in a competitive portfolio. Instructors with industry experience lead students in consecutive integrated tracks of design for print and the web, conceptual problem solving, typography and illustration. Classes are organized in collegial work groups that mirror the professional studio environment. Design theory and practice, along with production using current computer software prepares graduates for a graphic design career in print and electronic media.

Career Opportunities

Students completing the Graphic Design and Illustration Program will be prepared for entry-level positions:

  1. In an advertising agency producing layouts and presentations, preparing comprehensives for production, developing and maintaining web and multimedia presentations, and assisting designers and art directors.
  2. In retail, corporate, and in-house art departments, preparing presentations, small design projects, developing illustrations for print and online media, developing and maintaining web and multimedia presentations, assisting art directors and preparing comprehensive for production.
  3. In newspaper, magazine and book publishing environments, doing typesetting, design on small projects, assisting designers and art directors and preparing art and files for production.
  4. In design studios assisting graphic designers in creating corporate logos, annual reports, packaging, developing and maintaining web and multimedia presentations, and layouts for presentation and production.
  5. Doing freelance design, illustration and/or multimedia development for a variety of clients including advertising agencies, design firms, corporations, broadcast media, printing companies and other area businesses.

Information Sessions

Information sessions are conducted each quarter so students interested in this program can meet faculty and learn more about the program. Please call 206 587-3830 for a schedule of information sessions for this program.

Entrance Requirements

  • COMPASS test demonstrating eligibility for ENG 101 and MAT 081.
  • Approval of submitted portfolio (Contact Division Office for details).
  • Entry into this program is for fall quarter only.

How To Get Started

  • Complete the Standard Procedure for Admission to the College
  • After completing the above test(s), you must take your results or copy of your college transcript to the Communications and Design Division counselor in room BE 3176, to determine eligibility to enter the program. Please call 206 587-3830 for an appointment.
    Counselor: Dale Zeretzke, DZeretzke@sccd.ctc.edu

Estimated Training Costs

Curriculum

1'st QuarterCr
DES 101 DRAWING I 3
Provides the fundamentals and principles of drawing, especially as applied to graphic design. Emphasis on spatial perception, composition, accuracy and the ability to develop an idea or visual story with drawings.
DES 109 GRAPHIC DESIGN BUSINESS PRACTICES 2
Explore the business fundamentals of graphic design and illustration. Intro to professional issues, ethical standards, pricing, salaries, business management and contractual arrangements.. Explore opportunities in the industry, both staff and freelance, using exercises, informational interviews and guest speakers.
DES 110 HISTORY OF GRAPHIC DESIGN 2
Examines the evolution of graphic design, including pivotal individuals from two historical points of view: relationships within their time, and relationships preceding and following their time.
DES 131 GRAPHIC DESIGN I 3
Intro to the social context and process of graphic design.
DES 145 GRAPHIC PRODUCTION I 3
Learn the Macintosh operating system, and basic hardware and software issues as they pertain to graphic production. Develop proficiency with illustration and page layout applications in support of Graphic Design I.
IMC 197
2'nd QuarterCr
DES 102 DRAWING II 3
Draw the human figure from live models. Use various media and techniques to create form with line and tone. Emphasis on drawing accurate, dynamic and expressive representations of the human figure using elements of design in good composition.
DES 121 TYPOGRAPHY I 3
Intro to the recognition and practice of the elements of typographic style.
DES 132 GRAPHIC DESIGN II 3
Intro to layout and advertising design. Practice the design process and principles of perceptions studied in Graphic Design I.
DES 146 GRAPHIC PRODUCTION II 3
Study terminology and practical procedures used in various kinds of graphic production, including computer illustrations, design and digital prepress.
IMC 298 INTEGRATED MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS II 7
Project-based three-quarter course. Includes the design and production of a magazine, and provides beginning students with design and business principles, writing, computational and teamwork skills. For students in the disciplines of Apparel Design & Services, Graphic Design & Illustration, Commercial Photography, and Publishing Arts.
3'rd QuarterCr
DES 103 DRAWING III 3
Conceptualize and illustrate using fundamental drawing skills and principles, including spatial perception, composition and figure drawing. Plan illustrations to fit within the context of a typographic design and layout.
DES 122 TYOPGRAPHY II 3
Gain greater skill in recognition and practice of the elements of typographic style, successfully completing specific graphic design projects in which typography is major. Emphasis on combination of typography and image, as well as the correct and skillful use of typographic functions in page layout software.
DES 133 GRAPHIC DESIGN III 3
Apply concepts from Graphic Design I and II to three-dimensional graphic design.
DES 147 GRAPHIC PRODUCTION III 3
Learn digital manipulation for quality output including scanning, various color modes, resolution, calibration, file formats, selection tools, image composing, color correction, curves vs. levels, masks and layers, filters, Photo CD, UCR and GCR.
IMC 299 INTEGRATED MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS III 6
Project-based three-quarter course. Includes the design and production of a magazine, and provides beginning students with design and business principles, writing, computational and teamwork skills. For students in the disciplines of Apparel Design & Services, Graphic Design & Illustration, Commercial Photography, and Publishing Arts.
4'th QuarterCr
DES 123 TYPOGRAPHY III 3
Practice typographic design and art direction. Emphasis on creating and meeting typographic design criteria based on client and context, as well as mastery of all necessary typographic elements in page layout software.
DES 197 * WORK EXPERIENCE/ADV. ART 5
Earn work experience credit in Graphic Design and Illustration.
DES 231 GRAPHIC DESIGN IV 4
Emphasize expressive, creative and conceptual problem-solving in graphic design and continue to develop research skills.
DES 232 GRAPHIC DESIGN V 4
Emphasize conceptual approaches to information design, charts and graphs, and the design of text-heavy documents such as annual reports.
DES 241 ILLUSTRATION I 3
Intro to illustration media and techniques of various media through examinations of the work and process of contemporary illustrators.
DES 251 MULTIMEDIA I 3
Intro to the practice of web page design as a graphic designer.
5'th QuarterCr
DES 197 * WORK EXPERIENCE/ADV. ART 5
Earn work experience credit in Graphic Design and Illustration.
DES 233 GRAPHIC DESIGN VI 4
Design a complete visual identity program for a greater Seattle restaurant.
DES 242 ILLUSTRATION II 3
Explore humor in illustration in various media and examine the work and process of contemporary illustrators.
DES 243 ILLUSTRATION III 3
Explore the use of the human figure in illustration in various media and examine the work and process of artists as illustrators.
DES 252 MULTIMEDIA II 3
Intro to and practice of two-dimensional animation from the graphic design perspective.
DES 260 PORTFOLIO PREP 3
Develop, design and prepare a portfolio that represents the student's individual creativity and demonstrates skills for seeking employment in the Graphic Design and Illustration field.
6'th QuarterCr
DES 197 * WORK EXPERIENCE/ADV. ART 5
Earn work experience credit in Graphic Design and Illustration.
DES 234 GRAPHIC DESIGN VII 4
Design and produce a corporate identity system including trademark or logotype and applied graphics to a mix of visual business applications.
DES 235 GRAPHIC DESIGN VIII 4
Create a self-promotional piece or series in a review of portfolio work conducted by professionals from outside the program. Study basic concepts of exhibit design, and design and install the program final portfolio exhibit.
DES 244 ILLUSTRATION IV 3
Explore illustration through digital media including vectors and bitmap programs.
DES 245 ILLUSTRATION V 3
Explore scientific illustration through various media.
DES 253 MULTIMEDIA III 3
Further develop skills learned in Multimedia I & II in an independent project of the student's choosing.
Total Credits = 115

* (Credits are accumulated during the 2-year program)

Related Instruction Course 12 credits

Related instruction courses are those offered in areas related to the student's major area of study. For this program, related-instruction courses would be chosen from the following:

  • Courses in other visual arts programs
  • Courses in business-related areas
  • Courses in the arts or liberal studies
  • Other courses approved by the Dean, Communications and Design Division

For Further Information:

Graphic Design Program
Business, Information Technology & Creative Arts Division
Seattle Central Community College
1701 Broadway, Room BE3176
Seattle, WA 98122
PHONE: (206) 587-3830
FAX: (206) 516-3130