2009 - 2010 Catalog - The Art Institutes

WHAT IS GRAPHIC DESIGN?
Advertisements, brochures, corporate identity systems,
product packaging, video graphics, computer imaging, signs,
exhibits – all 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, and entertain.
GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDENTS
All graphic design students begin with foundation classes in
color, design, drawing, and computer skills. The Bachelor of
Science program builds on these skills with additional training
in conceptual thinking, creativity, problem solving, market
research, digital production, project management, art direction,
business practices, and supervisory skills.
PROGRAM MISSION
The mission of the Graphic Design program is to provide a
focus on conceptual thinking while developing graphic design
technical and creative skills, including an introduction
to the theory and practice of print and web design production,
electronic publishing, graphic imagery, and sales promotion.
Graduates are prepared to grow their careers from
entry-level positions in the graphic design field through the
practice of lifelong learning. Graduating students will be
prepared to find entry-level positions as production artists,
graphic designers, assistant designers, assist art directors,
paste-up artists, production coordinators, and computer
artists.
24
GRAPHIC
DESIGN
Bachelor of Science
12 Quarters
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Demonstrate and apply competencies in industry-specific
computer software programs within the context of producing
concrete projects. This includes technical aspects of
prepress, output, and quality reproduction, as well as web
design.
Analyze and incorporate aesthetics and formal concepts of
layout and design. This includes spatial relationships; communication
legibility and effectiveness; interrelationships
among imagery and text; balance; typography; and color
theory.
Demonstrate design concepts and relate these to historical
and contemporary trends and social context by producing
successful visual solutions to assigned problems.
Model the interdependence of content and visual expression
and be able to evaluate and critique their ideas. Graduates
must be able to verbally articulate the vision behind their
creative work and explain and promote their solutions.
Demonstrate professional presentation; articulation of knowledge
of graphic design and visual problem solving; and mastery
of industry standards, professional practices and ethics.
GRADUATES ARE PREPARED
Armed with a portfolio assembled in their classes, graduates
of the graphic design program are trained in the creative and
production skills. Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level
positions in increasingly technical and competitive industry.
The length of the program is twelve (12), eleven (11) week
quarters.