Graphic Communications Courses

In the initial year of the Graphic Communications program, freshmen focus on building a strong foundation. The curriculum starts with an emphasis on shop safety to ensure a secure working environment. Students will be introduced to the basics of layout and design, multiple press and finishing operations, and an overview of the graphic communication field. They begin their journey with Adobe Creative Cloud, concentrating on Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. Students will learn the fundamentals of screen printing, dye-sublimation, large format digital plotting and printing, embroidery, and digital printing. Students will be introduced to the bindery functions of folding, drilling, stitching, collating, booklet making, and padding operations for a comprehensive understanding of the production cycle.

Sophomore year advances students' skills within Adobe Creative Cloud, encouraging them to develop proficiency in graphic design. The curriculum delves deeper into the elements and principles of design, crucial for effective communication through visual media. Students are taught the different systems of the presses for complete set-up and operation of the equipment. Students will learn about the Screen process working with one and two-color projects including T-shirts. Training will continue of bindery operations to reinforce the knowledge gained in freshmen year. The operation and calculation of all paper cutting techniques will be taught. Students will learn about paper types and weights as they apply to the successful operation of the equipment. Students explore digital printing techniques, gaining hands-on experience in this integral aspect of graphic communications.

At the junior level, students refine their design and layout skills, focusing on creating impactful visual content. There is an in-depth exploration of various printing processes, allowing students to understand the nuances and capabilities of each method.

Students will concentrate on digital design and printing techniques. Four color registration, color matching, and calibration, mixing ink and bindery techniques will be reinforced during the first half of the junior year while in the shop's press area. Students will work on single color; two-color and four-color process work daily. Equipment maintenance is taught daily. Students will continue to use bindery equipment for producing booklets, brochures, forms, and other typical printing work. Students are trained in scoring, perforating, and folding operations. Students will continue to learn about multiple print operations.

The curriculum also incorporates Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of workplace safety. Opportunities for co-op experiences are introduced, providing students with practical industry exposure.

In their final year, seniors further hone their design and layout skills, working towards mastery in creating compelling visual content. The focus remains on printing processes, allowing students to deepen their expertise in these areas. Co-op opportunities continue, enabling students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Additionally, seniors work on building portfolios that highlight their best work, emphasizing their skills and creativity. The culmination includes certifications in Adobe Suite and Graphic Communications, validating their expertise and readiness for the professional landscape. They will study all areas of the discipline to gain a thorough understanding of techniques to better themselves in the work force. Creation of work for the school involving the school brochure, shop pamphlets, and projects given to the senior student will enable them to produce a working portfolio of their work to present to the future employer using real world examples.