Graphic Design (AS)
AS
Some of today's most dynamic industries are based on graphic design. The fields of publishing, television, and graphic design offer great opportunities for trained visual communicators, especially designers and artists.
Design studios require the talents of many professionals. Art directors work with writers to develop original concepts, supervising a creative process that relies on the expertise of layout artists, productions artists, illustrators, photographers, and printers. In the field of publishing, art directors and designers work with editors and journalists to design and produce magazines, books, and newspapers.
Graphic designers create a vast range of visual communications including corporate identity programs, consumer package designs, annual reports, exhibit materials, direct mail, brochures, and multimedia presentations. The television industry now employs hundreds of trained visual artists who use conventional and computer technology to create television commercials, sophisticated titling, and graphics.
The Art Institute of California - Sacramento is the first step toward a career in commercial graphics. Initially, students develop the basic skills in design, and are trained in creative problem solving and the ability to offer client solutions. Students learn the skills and techniques of computer graphics, electronic imaging, and production while focusing on color and composition, visual expression, print production, and basic art direction skills. Tools include scanners, digital cameras, and computer-based hardware and software.
Total Credit Hours: 112
All courses are 11 weeks in length. The Graphic Design Associate of Science degree program is seven quarters in length. Completion of the program in seven quarters is dependent upon whether the student successfully attempts 15-16 quarter credits per quarter.
BS
Corporate identity programs, collateral materials, product packaging, video graphics, signs, and exhibits - all of these are created by graphic designers to communicate effectively with consumers. Graphic designers are visual communicators who combine color, composition, typography, and illustration in creative, innovative ways to inform, motivate, sell, educate, or entertain. All Graphic Design students begin with foundation classes in color, design, drawing, and computer skills. The Bachelor of Science degree program builds on program competencies and skills learned in the Associate of Applied Science degree program and provides additional training in conceptual thinking, creativity, problem solving, market research, digital production, project management, art direction, business practices, and supervisory skills. Students learn to work on both MAC and PC computer platforms with industry-related software for print and digital design and production. Most of the Graphic Design faculty has experience in the industry. Guest designers, artists, and industry leaders host classroom workshops and provide lectures and critiques to demonstrate an inside view of industry trends and philosophies.
Total Credit Hours: 192
All courses are 11 weeks in length. The Graphic Design Bachelor of Science degree program is twelve quarters in length. Completion of the program in twelve quarters is dependent upon whether the student successfully attempts 15-16 quarter credits per quarter.