[ Course Work ]

The program begins with classes that teach the traditional graphic design and illustration methods. Students become familiar with traditional formal design and drawing materials, processes, vocabulary, and techniques, as well as the newest design styles. Class time is spent viewing samples of work created by the latest award-winning contemporary designers and illustrators. Students are taught to develop a high standard in their design, drawing, layout, typography, color application and presentation skills. Assignments are executed with conceptual and creative thought processes. Students learn how to organize their time and meet deadlines. Through these methods and processes, skills are developed, talents are refined and confidence is gained.

Students are assigned challenging projects similar to those they would encounter in the "real world". Once objectives have been articulated, the design process begins. Decision regarding concepts, imagery, size, format, color, medium, type, paper, and printing are made. Projects include illustrations, cartoons, posters, symbols, logos, greeting cards, business cards, stationery, menus, invitations, labels, brochures, booklets, packages, identity packets, and books, to name a few. Each student ends his or her program of study with a wide variety of graphic designs and illustrations to select from in order to create a portfolio of work he or she can be proud of.

Digital classes are offered to provide students with beginning hands-on training in our Macintosh Computer Lab. Students have the opportunity to learn Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe In-Design, Dreamweaver and Flash.

Each semester students go on class field trips to graphic design studios in the East Bay and San Francisco. These trips offer students the opportunity to visit different working atmospheres and to hear many designers and illustrators show and talk about the projects they are currently working on.