Our world is designed. Graphic designers have had a hand in the look of virtually
everything you see that is not a part of the natural world: signs, logos, products,
websites, product packaging, album covers, publications. The list is endless. Even
a soup can shows the work of a designer.
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.
...gets you ready...
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.
Program admission
Follow these steps to apply to the program
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Follow the steps to apply to MCC.
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Take the recommended first semester courses (especially GDES110-Digital Design Applications)
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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.
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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.]
Skills testing
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.
More information
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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.
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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
- Changing image color modes from RGB to CMYK
- Changing image file format and name to EPS
Illustrator
- Creating a new document in CMYK color mode
- Use template file (deleting it later) to draw graphic symbols
- Use Layers to organize content
- Create Colors/Swatches and apply Stroke and Fill colors
- Using the Shape tools
- Using Pathfinder panel (Unite, Divide, etc.)
- Using Compound Path
- Saving as a PDF format
InDesign
- Creating the document with correct page size, column guides, gutter width, margins, and bleed area according to instructions
- Setting vertical and horizontal Guides
- Placing text from an external file
- Using the Type tool and Character and Paragraph panels - setting font, size, color, leading, kerning, horizontal scale
- Using the Control panel for objects - location/positioning, sizing, paragraph spacing, bulleted list or numbered list (Option-click to alter styles)
- Applying Fill and Stroke colors
- Placing images and adjusting container/object sizes and position
- Paragraph spacing using Space After or Space Before
- Using Tabs panel to set tab alignment markers and leaders
- Using the Effects (fx) panel to change opacity and set blending modes
- Applying Fill and Stroke colors
- Typing text according to instructions, without typos
- Using the Text Wrap panel - what gets wrapped and offset
- Using Pen tool to modify the shape of a frame
- Using Text Frame Options panel
- Save as Package
Proofread your typing for errorsWork under deadline with controlled content and layout instructions
Careers
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.
Average career growth for graphic designers.
Visit Occupational Information Network (O*NET) to view salary information, employment outlook and personal characteristics needed for speech and theater careers.
Transfer made simple
Whatever your transfer destination, we'll work to make sure your credits move easily. That's why we're experts at it. We've worked out specific transfer agreements with many four-year colleges and universities.
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.
Frequently asked questions
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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.
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As a full-time student, you can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in graphic design in just two years. The program is also open to part-time students so that you can work around your job schedule.
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Classes are held in the Carter Art Center using the latest technologies in hardware and software. You'll experience a hands-on and interactive learning environment that is both supportive and challenging. We keep classes small so that you can receive personal instruction. Our faculty have professional graphic design backgrounds bringing a wide range of knowledge and expertise.
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You'll enjoy the convenience of flexible class times and nearby location. You'll get dedicated instructors with industry expertise and excellent student services - all at an affordable cost.