Graphic Design Certificate and Degree Program

Visual and Performing Arts
Art: Graphic Design
Living in an information-seeking society, we are surrounded by words and pictures. It is the task of the graphic designer to research, analyze, organize and make artistic order out of chaos. Graphic design students must learn to speak a global visual language and develop an awareness of the meanings and power of symbols and words. The products and services they design and promote will make a social and ecological impact. An emphasis is placed on using design to make a difference through social and humanitarian projects and practices.
Program Emphasis
Early emphasis is on the design process, form, color and typography. The elements and principles of design are applied to projects which include packaging, magazine production, and design and production of posters, logos and brochures. Guided by instructors who are working design professionals, students learn to design for the real world. They make decisions about issues of concept, format, imagery, type, printing and methodology. Computer and traditional methods are used to solve graphic problems. The program culminates in a professional portfolio which can be used to continue studies to a four-year university or obtain employment. The portfolio is critiqued by practicing design advisors and alumni.

Faculty Office Telephone
Candice Lopez AH402A  619-388-3560 calopez@sdccd.edu

Career Options
Some careers in graphic design-related work require education beyond the associate degree. This list is not all-inclusive: advertising designer, art director, environmental graphic designer, graphic designer, type designer, illustrator, and magazine/editorial designer, multimedia designer, web page designer.

Certificate of Achievement: Visual and Performing Arts, Graphic Design
Students are provided with skills for entry-level employment in the graphic design field while also developing a portfolio in graphic design for jobs and/or specific university admission requirements.
*NOTE Take all beginning level classes first, followed by intermediate and advanced as the classes build on skills learned in previous courses.
BEGINNING LEVEL
ARTG 100 Basic Graphic Design
ARTG 106 Typography
ARTG 125 Digital Media
ARTG 118 Graphic Design History
ARTG 174A Book Arts or ARTG 120 Illustration

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
ARTG 124 Page Layout
ARTG 133 Identity and Packaging
ARTG 206 Typography 2

ADVANCED LEVEL
ARTG 148A Portfolio A[Fall only]
ARTG 148B Portfolio B [Spring only]

Associate Degree: Visual and Performing Arts, Graphic Design
The Associate Degree includes the same courses listed above plus one elective. Additional general education and graduation requirements for the associate degree are listed in the catalog.

SUGGESTED ELECTIVES
ARTG 144 Web Page Design
ARTG 148C Portfolio Building
ARTG 225 Advanced Digital Media/Mobile Experience Design