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Graphic Design

Industry Sector: Arts, Media, and Entertainment
Pathway: Multimedia Production

Program Description

The Graphic Design CTE program prepares students for creative careers by teaching industry-standard tools and design principles through real-world, project-based learning. Students begin with Adobe Illustrator and foundational design concepts such as layout, typography, and creative problem-solving. They advance to Adobe Photoshop and explore photo manipulation, visual storytelling, and client-centered design processes. The capstone course, offered through dual enrollment with Sierra College, emphasizes digital design mastery, career readiness, and portfolio development through client-based projects and professional critique.

Sequence of Classes

Intro Course - Graphic Design 1 

(UC/CSU 'G' Elective)

Graphic Design 1 introduces students to the fundamental concepts of effective graphic communication with an emphasis on Adobe Illustrator as a primary design tool. Students will participate in the full design process, including brainstorming, conceptualizing, communicating with the client, pre-press production, and collaborative critiquing. Students will explore the fundamentals of graphic design theory, layout design, typography, and the career potential within the design field. Emphasis is on giving students real world experiences in creative problem-solving in the design 

Concentrator Course - Graphic Design 2  

(UC/CSU 'G' Elective)

This course, the second course in a three-course series, introduces students to the fundamental concepts of effective graphic communication with an emphasis on Adobe Photoshop as a primary design tool. Students will participate in the full design process, including brainstorming, conceptualizing, communicating with the client, pre-press production, and collaborative critiquing. Students will explore the fundamentals of graphic design theory and the career potential within the design field. Emphasis is on giving students real world experiences in creative problem-solving in the design environment through both drawing and photo manipulation within the Photoshop environment.

Capstone Course - Dual Enrollment Graphic Design 3

Sierra College: AAD 70: Intro to Digital Design

This CTE Graphic Design Program of Study capstone course provides students with an in-depth understanding of digital design tools, processes, and systems common to careers in graphic arts and digital production. Strong emphasis is given to the development of proactive visual judgment. Specific focus will be on the process of design from initial client interview to final client-ready project. Specific focus will be on design and Gestalt principles, integration of text and image, and intentional visual decisions for the purposes of communication in a two-dimensional environment. And finally, special emphasis will be given to career exploration and planning, understanding a day in the life of a creative and what it takes to become a successful graphic designer.

Program Outcomes

  • Hands-on experience using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create original, client-focused graphic design work.
  • A strong foundation in visual communication, layout, typography, and design theory.
  • Exposure to real-world design processes and career exploration in the graphic arts industry.

Program Accomplishments

  • Dual enrollment with Sierra College for college credit and advanced digital design training.
  • Opportunities to complete real-world client projects from concept to final product.
  • Emphasis on portfolio development, visual judgment, and preparation for creative industry careers.