Art: Graphic Design
Living in an information-seeking society, we are surrounded by words and pictures. It is the task of the graphic designer to research, analyze, organize and make artistic order out of chaos. Graphic design students must learn to speak a global visual language and develop an awareness of the meanings and power of symbols and words. The products and services they design and promote will make a social and ecological impact. An emphasis is placed on using design to make a difference through social and humanitarian projects and practices.
Program Emphasis
Early emphasis is on the design process, form, color and typography. The elements and principles of design are applied to projects which include packaging, magazine production, and design and production of posters, logos and brochures. Guided by instructors who are working design professionals, students learn to design for the real world. They make decisions about issues of concept, format, imagery, type, printing and methodology. Computer and traditional methods are used to solve graphic problems. The program culminates in a professional portfolio which can be used to continue studies to a four-year university or obtain employment. The portfolio is critiqued by practicing design advisors and alumni.
Faculty Office and Contact Email
Candice Lopez T-310A calopez@sdccd.edu
Andrea Singer T-309A asinger@sdccd.edu
Career Options
Some careers in graphic design-related work require education beyond the associate degree. This list is not all-inclusive: advertising designer, art director, environmental graphic designer, graphic designer, type designer, illustrator, and magazine/editorial designer, multimedia designer, web page designer.
Academic Programs
Major requirements for an emphasis in graphic design for the certificate and associate degree require completion of the courses listed below. Additional general education and graduation requirements for the associate degree are listed in the catalog. The associate degree requires a minimum of 60 units.
Certificate of Achievement: Visual and Performing Arts, Graphic Design
Students are provided with skills for entry-level employment in the graphic design field while also developing a portfolio in graphic design for jobs and/or specific university admission requirements.
*NOTETake all beginning level classes first, followed by intermediate and advanced as the classes build on skills learned in previous courses.
BEGINNING LEVEL
ARTG 100, Basic Graphic Design
ARTG 106, Typography
ARTG 125, Digital Media
ARTG 118, Graphic Design History
ART G 174A, Book Arts or ART G 120, Illustration
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
ARTG 124, Intermediate Graphic Design I :Page Layout
ARTG 133, Intermediate Graphic Design II: Identity Systems and Packaging
ARTG 206, Advanced Typography
ADVANCED LEVEL
ARTG 148A, Portfolio A [Fall only]
ARTG 148B, Portfolio B [Spring only]

SUGGESTED ELECTIVES
ARTG 144, Web Page Design
ARTG 148C, Portfolio Building
ARTG 174B, Book Arts II

Associate in Arts Degree: Visual and Performing Arts, Graphic Design
The associate degree program offers employment skills, development of a portfolio in graphic design and offers courses for preparation for university transfer.
BEGINNING
ARTF 110, Art History: Prehistoric to Gothic
ARTF 111, Art History: Renaissance to Modern
ARTG 100, Basic Graphic Design
ARTG 106, Typography .
ARTG 118, Graphic Design History
ARTG 174A, Book Arts ORARTG 120, Illustration
ARTG 125, Digital Media
INTERMEDIATE
ARTG 124, Intermediate Graphic Design I
ARTG 133, Intermediate Graphic Design II
ARTG 206, Advanced Typography
ADVANCED
ARTG 148A, Portfolio A [Fall only]
ARTG 148B, Portfolio B [Spring only]
Recommended electives:Art- Graphic Design 144, 148C, 174B, 270, 290;
Photography 100, 105.