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Graphic Design

Design creative solutions

At MVC, graphic design classes help students pursue creative solutions to communicating visual and written ideas. You'll learn the foundations of marketing, artistic and design concepts and principles, and practical skills with industry standard tools. Plus, graphic designers typically enjoy flexible schedules, opportunities to work from home, and the opportunity to run their own business.

School of Visual and Performing Arts

Programs of Study

  • A
    Associate Degree
  • T
    Transfer Degree
  • C
    Credit Certificate
  • N
    Non-Credit
  • Limited Enrollment
    Limited Enrollment
  • Online Options Available
    Online Options

Basic Graphic Design

Certificate

  • C
The basic graphic design certificate prepares students for a career in 2-dimensional graphic design, emphasizing layout, typography, and correct color models. Students will be able to produce a portfolio-worthy projects using industry standard equipment, are able to refine their skills with digital imaging software, will be able to plan projects according to deadlines and intended markets, and will understand the creative process from inception to final work.

Program Code

MCE939

Units

17 Units

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More Ways to Learn

Why pursue graphic design?

Graphic design offers creative thinkers a chance to shape the world around them. Designers excel at understanding how art, communication and technology can come together to convey meaning. Graphic designers have the opportunity to work independently or as part of larger teams, are able to immediately pursue a career or invest in further formal study.

What You'll Learn

  • How to create advertisements and marketing collateral that demonstrates consistent color harmony and the effective use of the principles and elements of design.
  • Understand the design process from concept to prepared artwork.
  • How to consider the influences of media, color model, resolution, target market, substrates and ink on artwork.
  • How to analyze and explain the methods of creating aesthetically pleasing and effective typographic communications.
  • Understand the differences between raster and vector based images, and how to use digital imaging tools and software to create, edit, retouch, manipulate, enhance and optimize images.

Career Options

  • Graphic designer
  • Marketing expert
  • Social media manager
  • User Interface (UI) or User Experience (UX) designer
  • Web designer
  • Art teacher
  • Prepress technician
  • Special effects artist or animator