Graphic Design
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Graphic Design Specialist

Your First Step into the Creative World of Graphic Design

Get the skills you need to start your journey in graphic design with the Graphic Design Specialist Diploma at Iowa Lakes Community College. This focused program equips you with essential training in design principles, software tools, and creative techniques to build a strong foundation for your career.

You’ll explore key graphic design elements, including typography, digital illustration, drawing, and advertising. Work hands-on in our state-of-the-art Macintosh Computer Lab, featuring 17 new iMacs loaded with the latest Adobe Creative Cloud suite, ensuring you have the tools to create professional-grade projects.

Practical, real-world experience is at the core of this program. Collaborative projects with fellow students and simulated professional workflows prepare you to confidently step into the design world. Whether you want to launch your career or continue your education later, this diploma provides a solid start.

Explore potential careers and salary information for graphic designers at the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Ready to begin your creative journey? Connect with an enrollment coach today and take your first step toward a career in design with a Graphic Design Specialist Diploma or a Graphic Design AAS degree!

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Iowa Lakes Graphic Design Students

Launch Your Graphic Design Career at Iowa Lakes!

Skills That Set You Apart
The Graphic Design Specialist Diploma focuses on developing essential skills in graphic design, including digital illustration, photography, animation, and advertising techniques. By the time you graduate, you’ll have a professional portfolio that showcases your creativity and capabilities to potential employers.

Hands-On Learning with Industry Tools
Learn in a modern environment equipped with the tools and software used by industry professionals. With projects that mimic real-world scenarios, you’ll graduate prepared to contribute immediately in a professional setting.

Get to IT at Iowa Lakes!

Program Details

Length

1 term

Degree

Diploma (16 credits)

Campus

Estherville

Additional Information

Curriculum

Term 1

Credits: 4

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.


Credits: 3

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.


Credits: 3

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.


Credits: 3

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.


Credits: 3

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.


Learning Outcomes: How We Prepare You

General Education & Program Learning Outcomes

In the Graphic Design Specialist Diploma program at Iowa Lakes, you will learn how to:1

  1. Demonstrate communication skills through presentations, critiques, written content, and rapid visualization.
  2. Produce comprehensive layouts for client/project.
  3. Produce original design solutions.
  4. Interact with clients or directors in a professional manner.
  5. Create layouts, storyboards, sketches, and/or site architecture map.
  6. Write proposals, design ideas, and presentations in a clear and precise manner.
  7. Demonstrate readiness for the workplace with the creation of a working digital portfolio.
  8. Apply principles of color theory, perspective, and design essentials to traditionally and digitally produced projects.

1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining a Graphic Design Specialist diploma  from Iowa Lakes Community College.

Certifications & Accreditation

Additional Information

† indicates a course that fulfills the diversity requirement. This course may also fulfill another general AA requirement.

Career & Technical

Hands-On

Training

Career-Ready

Day One

Opportunities, Earnings & Growth

Projected Employment Growth

0.9%

Potential Careers

Graphic Designer, Web Developer, Art Director, Multimedia Artist & Animator, 3-D Artist, Technical Illustrator, Illustrator

Projected Earnings

Iowa Workforce

$49,171

Average Salary

US Bureau of Labor

$64,700

Average Salary

Data collected from Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook & Iowa Workforce Development: Iowa Wage Report.

Questions? Let's Talk

Mark Rosenberg
Mark Rosenberg
Graphic Design Program Coordinator & Assistant Professor
712-362-7976 | mrosenberg@iowalakes.edu