Associate of Digital Arts - Design & Graphic Technology (101117)

Creative design professionals combine artistic abilities with technical knowledge to create designs used in print and electronic media. During their studies, students will create, maintain and present a professional portfolio showcasing their finest work. As a graduate of the Design and Graphic Technology program, they are positioned for a variety of careers including graphic designer, advertising specialist, digital print technician, publication designer, public relations professional, pre-press technician and web graphic designer.

A graduate of this program will have the potential for employment in the following areas: • Desktop Publisher: produces professional publications using electronic publishing software, scans graphic images, places text and graphics files onto the page, and operates output devices. • Graphic Designer: develops advertising concepts and prepares art for the final presentations. • Advertising Assistant: works with the ad director or store manager to plan and prepare advertising for print, radio, and TV use. • Commercial Art Worker: prepares artwork and copy to be used in label production, package design, printed materials; prepares process separations; preflights electronic files; manages color control; and manages fonts. • Digital Print Technician: prepares computer files for variable data printing or produce print on demand applications. • Layout Designer: designs basic plans for print advertising, passes on work to a commercial artist or copywriter, and is responsible for final electronic files. • Printing Support Worker/Customer Service Representative: handles electronic and pre-press operations, making color separations, electronic scanning, image editing, and color proofing. • Public Relations Assistant: assists in public relations activities helping to produce brochures, press releases, displays, and newsletters; organizes and prepares materials for use in presentations. • Pre-Press Technician: prepares computer documents for printing; trapping, font usage, picture usage, color management, clipping paths, and placing high and low resolution graphics into document.

Website Designer: builds graphic elements for functional websites. Program Outcomes: • Apply the principles of design to develop strategic marketing and communication products and services. • Demonstrate proficiency in the use of design software, tools and technology. • Implement creative solutions from concept through completion using a formal process. • Apply effective legal and ethical business practices and project management skills. • Communicate artwork rationale in formal and informal settings.