Graphic Design Skills Guide
Recommended High School Level Background Courses
- *General Math
- *Sociology
- Photography
- *Composition
- *Psychology
- Keyboarding
- Creative Writing
- Art
* Courses available in the Academic Achievement Center or High School Completion Center
Basic Skills in the Program and on the Job
Reading
In most courses, textbooks are used primarily as references, with tests based on a combination of text, lecture, discussion, and handouts. The approximate reading level of first-semester texts is eleventh to twelfth grade. Considerable reading is required both in the program and on the job. In addition to reading graphic design trade publications, graphic designers must do research for client projects. This work may involve consulting graphics texts and reading trade publications in the client's field, which could range from commercial horticulture to plumbing. They must read and understand customer copy in order to illustrate its content. They must also keep current on advertising trends by reading general newspapers and magazines. Because they will use a variety of computer programs, they can expect to consult software manuals frequently.
View more information on reading skills in the Graphic Design program.
Language
Strong verbal skills are a must in this program. Although no speech course is required, students do considerable group work and prepare oral presentations to clients, activities which carry over into the work place. Students may choose to take either Communication Skills (COM 703) or Composition I (ENG 105) to fulfill their writing requirement. In the program, they will also write reports, keep logs of their internship activities, and prepare cover letters, resumés, and follow-up letters. Creative writing is used in copywriting to accompany illustrations. In addition to copywriting, graphic designers in the work place can expect to write memos and business letters. Correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation are essential for all such work.
View more information on language skills in the Graphic Design program.
Math
Students may choose either Applied Math (MAT 772) or Business Math (BUS 112) to fulfill their degree requirement. The latter is recommended because it will be helpful for students who go into business for themselves. In their program courses, students must be able to measure accurately for layouts. They must use fractions, decimals, and per cents when copyfitting and creating thumbnails. Additional math-related activities on the job might include creating graphs based on a set of figures. Artists may deal with clients in a variety of fields; they should be able to understand the math connected to each advertising assignment.
View more information on math skills in the Graphic Design program.
Learning
Graphic designers use sequencing to develop projects and to write instructions to printers. They use their observational skills to analyze advertisements and problem-solving skills to develop copy and graphics appropriate to the product and audience. Creative thinking and strong organizational skills are the hallmarks of success in this field.
View more information on learning skills in the Graphic Design program.
Computer
Computers are used extensively in the program and on the job. Students should enter the program with basic keyboarding skills, which are a prerequisite for the desktop publishing course. In addition to learning two desktop programs, students are taught to use several graphics programs for creating and manipulating illustrations. They may also choose to take a CAD course, which introduces them to three-dimensional graphics.
View more information on computer skills in the Graphic Design program.
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