Graphic Design
Start your professional work portfolio right here in our Graphic Design program. With the option to earn a Diploma or an Associate in Applied Science degree in Graphic Design, you’ll receive the education and experience needed to launch your career in our dual-track program.
Develop skills in design, graphics, animation, typography, digital illustration, drawing, photography and advertising techniques while learning in our state-of the-art Macintosh Computer Lab. Featuring 17 new iMac computers with the latest Adobe Creative Cloud suite applications, the graphic design classroom has everything you need to do your work efficiently.
Gain on-the-job experience through internships, increasing your chances for job placement after graduation. Working on a shared network drive with other students and your instructor will also give you a taste of how graphic designers work in the field.
Whether you choose to pursue print design, animation or multimedia authoring, the digital portfolio you produce in our program will help get you started for a creative career path.
Faculty Contact
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Mark Rosenberg Graphic Design Program Coordinator & Assistant Professor 712-362-7976 | mrosenberg@iowalakes.educreate new email |
Program Details
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Curriculum
Term 1
ART 121 – 2-D Design
This foundation course focuses on the general knowledge and essential skills used in creating two dimensional designs. Fundamental design concepts including the use of the elements and principles of design, along with color theory, are introduced through a variety of hands-on-experiences.
GRA 118 – Electronic Publishing
Basic understanding of the components used in an electronic publishing system and an introduction to desktop publishing. Emphasis is on using a computer for page layout using existing art, creating art and combining text and art to create page layouts and output to hard copy. Students will learn about the basics of design and layout, typography and about the many design tools and resources available.
GRA 121 – Digital Drawing
Introduction to vector based drawing application. Students will create both black and white and multi-color graphics using application tools and menu commands. Various projects of interest will be completed during the semester that incorporate your understanding of drawing tools, color theory, and typography.
GRA 325 – Digital Color Theory†
This course provides insight into the effective use of color through the study of contemporary color theory including additive and subtractive color. This course involves the development of color perception, expression and application in traditional and digital design, through a series of problem-solving exercises and projects. Fundamental student experiences, along with a historical perspective will provide insight and understanding to the intrinsic power of color in design.
JOU 173 – Digital Photography
Basic digital theory, how the digital camera works. Includes digital capture of both still and video; input into the computer; digital manipulation; basic Photoshop and photography; saving digital images for future use and long term archiving. How to prepare digital images for print social media, web and other uses and how to send digital images after formatting for upload.
Term 2
ART 133 – Drawing
The course uses a variety of approaches and techniques to develop and enhance the student’s drawing skills. Exploration and experimentation with alternative drawing materials and methods will be strongly encouraged and supported.
ENG 105 – Composition I
Emphasis on expository and argumentative writings including a review of usage and mechanics.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the ACT, Accuplacer, ASSET,COMPASS as determined by Iowa Lakes policy
GRA 140 – Digital Imaging
This introductory course covers the core concepts associated with digital imaging. Students learn how to effectively use this software in a graphic design environment; planning and carrying out professional digital imaging projects. This course introduces both basic visual design concepts and a comprehensive understanding of digital workflow, providing the student with a foundation for print, web, interactive, animation, and game design projects.
GRA 188 – Advert Layout & Composition
Balance, proportion and harmony as they apply to printed images on paper. Type selection, copy-fitting, use of ornaments and the psychology of advertising are explored. Students design for web or social media platforms.
GRA 801 – Graphic Design Seminar
Opportunity for career exploration and development of job seeking skills. Emphasis is placed on familiarization of businesses employing graphic designs, resume preparation, and job seeking skills including preparation of job correspondence and application forms, and participation in job interviews for the purpose of obtaining a graphic design internship.
BUS 161 – Human Relations†
Students are given the opportunity to apply human relations concepts and evaluate experience and observations. Social skills required in various occupational settings will be developed, emphasizing how appropriate personal attitudes lead to social and business success.
Choose BUS 161 or Social Science: 3 credits
Term 3
GRA 173 – Typography
This course explores the fundamental principles of typography and its role in visual communication. Students will explore both the form and function of typography in design through lectures and demonstrations. Emphasis is placed on the history of type, anatomy of letter forms, and appropriate uses of type.
GRA 175 – Graphic Design Principles
Students work with advanced design problems and concepts. A semester long case study of a company will result in the research, design, and production of a marketing plan, logo, research materials, and other graphic assets necessary to move the company business strategy forward.
GRA 802 – Graphic Design Seminar II
This class is for the student preparing to graduate. It enables the student to compile accomplished works into a quality portfolio presentation. Different types of digital portfolio systems are discussed and viewed.
SPC 101 – Fundamentals of Oral Communication†
The fundamentals course develops the basic skills involved in a variety of communication situations, including oral presentations and interpersonal speaking. Emphasis is placed on organization, audience analysis, vocal and physical delivery, listening, nonverbal communication, critical thinking, and methods of dealing with communication apprehension through class discussion and activities.
BUS 161 – Human Relations†
Students are given the opportunity to apply human relations concepts and evaluate experience and observations. Social skills required in various occupational settings will be developed, emphasizing how appropriate personal attitudes lead to social and business success.
Choose BUS 161 or Social Science: 3 credits
Plus choose instructor approved elective: 3 credits
Term 4
CIS 148 – 3D Modeling and Character Animation
This course will give students a hands-on, example based introduction to the modeling and animation process for use in movies or games. Colors, textures, physical simulations, and keyframe based animation are covered.
GRA 141 – Digital Imaging II
This course advances the ideas and techniques taught in Digital Imaging I with an emphasis on advanced techniques. Focus will be put on the understanding of tool setting, curves, levels, blending modes, layer styles, special effects, as well as painting and drawing tools. Students will be challenged as a designer working with real-world projects.
Prerequisites: GRA 140 – Digital Imaging
GRA 162 – Web Page Graphics
An introduction to the creation of graphics and animation for use on web pages using current software programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Animate, and Fireworks. This course also takes students through the entire web design process from start to finish including: site definition, site mapping, wire framing, creating mock ups, initiating user tests, and exporting a final website design.
GRA 932 – Internship
Supervised, paid work experience in a business or industry involved in an area of graphic design.
BIO 163 – Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology
Structure and function of the human body with emphasis on cells, tissues and all major organ systems. Anatomy and physiology are integrated at the cellular level and at the organ/system level. Lecture and laboratory.
Choose BIO 163 or Science: 4 credits
† indicates a course that fulfills the diversity requirement. This course may also fulfill another general AA requirement.
