Visual Arts Technologies is a three-year program focusing on advertising design and pre-press skills that are extremely marketable in this high-tech world. The curriculum includes hands-on as well as digital skills . Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign are the programs of choice. Both PC and Mac experience is encouraged.

Students begin with the basics: drawing, painting and typography; design elements, principles, and color theory are added as the student progresses. Such classes as cartooning, figure drawing, pre-animation character creation, mechanical drawing, and perspective give the individual a more rounded education in the field of design.. Students produce pre-press designs such as business cards, letterheads, logos, brochures, flyers, menus, signs, calendars, and various other printed pieces. Students are instructed on bindery practices and techniques and are familiar with various applications such as silk screen printing and relief printing. They are also trained to work at a frame shop, learning the skills of measuring and matting artwork.

A good work ethic is developed by high expectations of attendance, conduct, punctuality, dress and overall professionalism. Exit skills such as resume and cover letter writing, job/college interviewing, and portfolio building are vital to each graduate. Upon completion of this class, each student will have compiled a digital file of his or her work to have as a self-marketing tool.

Students may seek entry-level employment as a graphic designer, pre- or post-press employment in a print shop or a career as a free-lance designer. Many graduates articulate into classes at local two-year and four-year secondary schools. Some of our graduates are presently employed as graphic designers, instructors and animators.

If the student decides to become certified with PrintEd Certification, even more doors of opportunity are opened for employment into the graphics world. Visual Arts Technologies is a training ground for many art-related skills. Gaining these many skills needed in the world of graphic design is a valuable asset in the ever-changing marketplace.

Occupational Profile: For information on this occupation’s description, required knowledge, job tasks and related job titles, state and national wages, and employment trends, visit the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s site for this career field at:      http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/27-1024.00