Pictures and words. The essential elements of commercial art. Think about this! Practically everything we use has been touched by the hand of a graphic designer or a photographer, or both. Next time you're at a restaurant, check out the menu a little closer. When you read the paper tomorrow, give it a second look. Look at the way the pictures and words are presented on the page. Or the next time you take a drink from that cola can or bottle. Where do you suppose that symbol or logo came from? Your favorite music CD's, your movie/video covers, your favorite T-shirt, even the license plate on your car...all emblazoned with graphic images from the hand of a designer or a photographer. The fact is, graphic images are used to enhance everything from brochures, posters, publications and packages to films and television.
In the next century, designers and photographers will be in even greater demand. Prospective employment opportunities include advertising agencies, photography studios, design studios, news media, public relations firms, marketing firms, television, films, department stores and designing for the Internet. More and more avenues of communication are opening with ever increasing frequency. This means higher demand for graphic images that will help sell products, communicate needs and provide information.
To create these images, you'll need the ability to visualize or form a picture of your ideas and prepare them for printed or electronic reproduction. In order to visualize them, you'll need certain skills. Drawing, problem-solving and idea development, along with technical expertise in composition, layout, typography, digital imagery and computer graphics, will be essential skills for a career in commercial art.
The Communication Arts Technology Program at Jefferson Community College is a two-tiered, open admission Associate Degree program. Students are guided by instructors who are professionals working in the design and photography fields. Classes have been structured to simulate the realities of typical business situations.
First tier students are taught basic skills in the first two semesters, giving the student a strong foundation. Skills are developed through hands-on training using Macintosh computers and software with an early emphasis placed on form, color, composition, lighting, typography and the development of visual skills. Later, students are introduced to computer photo-manipulation using the industry standards in hardware and software in our state-of-the-art labs. This approach gives our students a broad understanding of electronic design studios, photography studios, web design studios, and video production studios.
All students are required to submit a final portfolio at the end of each course. These portfolios are enhanced as students move up through the second tier, advanced courses in the Communication Arts Program.
Select an area of study from the following options and click on your choice for a complete Curriculum Guide in your area.
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Click on one of the following links to download
current program requirements.
ADVERTISING DESIGN OPTION
COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY OPTION
DIGITAL VIDEO PRODUCTION OPTION
