Graphic Design: Design & Illustration, AS (GRPH-AS-DIL)

The purpose of the Graphic Design Associate Degree program is:

To provide a graphic design terminal or transfer program in the area of graphic design, digital media, computer graphics and advertising;

• to offer a degree program for those considering an entry-level position in related graphic design fields; and
• to provide greater technical knowledge and awareness of the creative visual arts to the community. The program is structured to equip students with a sound foundation in technical skills, graphic design concepts, aesthetics, terminology and vocabulary, and to provide an awareness of the application of acquired technical knowledge. Computer use will be an integral part of the program.

Design & Illustration Option:

Illustration is a parallel field to Graphic Design and many designers are also illustrators. This option provides students with project-based, hands-on and digital classes in Illustration, drawing and painting to lay the foundation for transfer or career opportunities in Illustrating for design. It provides Graphic Design students an Illustration track to a 4-year transfer degree and/or career in illustration, with an emphasis on design.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of all Graphic Design degree program requirements, graduates will:

• Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of graphic design as a form of communication and art.
• Develop an ability to use design processes and principles to create visual products that convey a specific message to a targeted audience.
• Integrate creative thinking skills and strategies and use problem-solving techniques across a wide range of media.
• Communicate an understanding of how creative processes and skills are integrated with printing and other reproduction processes found in the graphic design field.
• Demonstrate knowledge of new technologies such as computer graphics that continue to evolve into important production tools.
• Identify the varied career paths within the graphics industry including, but not limited to, art direction, illustration, project design, production art, graphic design and media direction.
• Develop a portfolio of work reflecting knowledge, techniques, and creativity gained during the student’s course of study.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in the application of the Principles of Design, Elements of Art, Visual Literacy and as an option, gain industry experience through internship.

Design & Illustration Learning Outcomes:

In addition to the Graphic Design A.S. program learning outcomes students will:

• Become competent in a variety of artistic and digital media. Develop the ability to identify, analyze, and solve design problems.
• Obtain an understanding of the aesthetics of illustration and of the history and current state of design. Become proficient in the selection and use of relevant technologies and computer software in illustration. Ability to use available software and non-digital processes to sketch, model, and produce an illustration.
• Design and develop an illustration from sketch to mockup to finished process.
• Become proficient in presenting work as well as discussing and constructively critiquing the work of others.

The Graphic Design A.S. transfers to 4-year State Universities and private 4-year Art Schools in-state such as the Hartford Art School, and out of state, Mass College of Art, Springfield College, SCAD. Students may enroll in art and graphic design courses full- or part-time. There are no requirements or prerequisites (other than individual course prerequisites) for students wishing to take courses part-time or as electives for other programs. Graphic design/fine arts faculty members are available for consultation with students who wish to enroll in the program and, thereafter, for course selection and transfer information.