Graphic designers plan, analyze and create visual solutions to communications problems. They use color, type, illustration, photography, animation, and layout techniques to communicate a message, whether it is in print or digital media.
Our graphic design program lets your talent flourish giving you a solid and broad art background, including design foundations, drawing, color theory, photography, printmaking, design software, web design, typography, and other graphic design courses.
Our Associate in Applied Science degree gives you ready access to jobs in the graphic design field. Graphic designers with a broad liberal arts education and experience in marketing and business management will be best suited for positions developing communication strategies.
To qualify to enter the graphic design program and to be able to enroll in *GDES160 - Graphic Design I (or any subsequent GDES class), students must successfully complete GDES110 - Digital Design Applications (with a C or higher) and meeting 70% or above in the Technical Skills Assessment.
The competency testing will include use of the industry software tools [Adobe Illustrator (40%), Adobe Photoshop (10%), Adobe InDesign (50%)] as covered in GDES110 - Digital Design Applications I.
Testing sessions will begin just before open enrollment and will continue with a couple dates before the current semester ends.
[These dates will be posted on our website, in the MCC-Penn Valley hallways, distributed to district-wide GDES faculty, and emailed to all GDES110 & GDES150 students.]
The skills test must be completed/passed before the semester you plan to enroll in GDES160 (offered only in the Spring). Students can take the skills assessment ONCE per semester.
If a student requires ADA accommodations, they must present a form from the ACCESS office that outlines the needed accommodations at least 2 days prior to their testing date. If accommodations cannot be made within reason or in time, another testing date will have to be chosen.
When students register for one of the testing dates and pass the skills assessment, they will be notified by MCC email and their name will be forwarded to the advising office and the humanities division.
A student must then contact the program coordinator, to be enrolled in GDES160.
Creating a folder with correct directory structure within it (files and folders inside it in the proper location)
Naming files and folders correctly/according to instruction
Photoshop
Illustrator
InDesign
Proofread your typing for errors
Work under deadline with controlled content and layout instructions
You'll find graphic designers working at advertising agencies, design firms, publications, printing companies, marketing firms, in-house corporate and organizational agencies, television stations and as freelancers.
Visit Occupational Information Network (O*NET) to view salary information and employment outlook.
All general education credits will transfer to most colleges, and most ART and GDES courses transfer to a four-year degree. Check with the program coordinator before starting the program to make sure your transfer will be as smooth as possible.
Graphic designers are visual communicators who develop graphics and layouts for:
promotion,
advertising,
editorial content,
catalogs,
brochures,
direct mail pieces,
branding and identity,
fonts,
billboards,
posters,
music covers,
product packaging,
reports,
television graphics,
interactive and Web,
and much more.
Most of the work is computer generated but also includes traditional art materials and methods.
Apply to MCC today!