VISUAL COMMUNICATION (AAS)

The curriculum is rooted in a strong foundation of basic drawing and design skills, with classroom exercises providing a practical and theoretical experience. Students develop strong skills and technical knowledge using various software programs (based in the Adobe Creative Suite, which includes Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop) and experience with digital cameras, downloading images, scanning, printers, and digital prepress considerations. Courses also develop skills for working in a team-based environment and communication skills with supervisors, clients, writers, and other marketing and advertising professionals.

Students will learn basic skills applicable to career possibilities in graphic design, editorial design, production artist, illustration, photography and photo retouching, web design, digital prepress, etc.

Upon completing the AAS degree, students will submit a work portfolio for final approval by the faculty. Internship possibilities are available and have led to part-time and full-time employment for many alumni.

Students who complete this program will be able to:

Basic drawing and design skills with a strong understanding of design principles and colour theory, as applied to a variety of design-related careers, such as graphic design, web design, illustration, photography, display design, etc.

Strong skills and technical knowledge in several Adobe Creative Suite programs, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom, and Animate. Understanding of technical requirements for a variety of applications, such as digital prepress and print, photography and photo retouching, web publishing, and digital applications.

Ability to work in a team environment exploring various avenues to a project while remaining flexible and open to concepts and applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Strong visual and verbal communication skills to convey design concepts to clients, supervisors, writers, printers, and other marketing and advertising professionals.

Understanding and experience using a variety of equipment such as inkjet and laser printers, scanners, stylus tablets, digital cameras, and studio lighting.

Digital and print portfolio demonstrating experience in designing print ads, brochures, logos and identity systems, information graphics, editorial publications, web graphics, posters, packaging design, etc.