Graphic Design

The Graphic Design curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the graphic design profession which emphasizes design, advertising, marketing, and illustration for printed and digital media. Students will be trained in the creative process and application of design principles for advertisements, branding, corporate identity, layouts, typography, visual assets, custom graphics, self-promotional material, and preparation of files for printed and digital distribution. Graduates should qualify for employment opportunities with design, branding, advertising agencies, signage and printing companies, organizations with in-house marketing operations, freelance work, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate proficiency using industry standard software to generate video, with quality audio, for advertising needs.
  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of Social Media Marketing through various projects and the creation of mock social media sites.
  • Think practically and creatively to analyze, synthesize, and develop design and media solutions through brainstorming, sketching, conceptualizations, storyboarding, and creating mood boards.

Contact Information

Image of Amber Arnder
Amber Arnder, BS
Lead Instructor of Graphic Design
Phone: 336-838-6410
abarnder632@wilkescc.edu
Image of Bethany Swaim
Bethany Swaim, BS
Instructor of Graphic Design
Phone: 336-838-6412
bsswaim544@wilkescc.edu

Pathways

First Year – Fall Semester

  • ACA 115: Success and Study Skills
  • ART 111: Art Appreciation
  • DME 110: Intro to Digital Media
  • ENG 110: Freshman Composition or ENG 111: Writing and Inquiry
  • GRD 141: Graphic Design I
  • GRD 151: Computer Design Basics

First Year – Spring Semester

  • COM 231: Public Speaking or ENG 112: Writing/Research in the Disciplines
  • DME 140: Intro to Audio/Video Media
  • GRD 110: Typography I
  • GRD 131: Illustration I
  • GRD 142: Graphic Design II
  • MAT 110: Math Measurement & Literacy or MAT 143: Quantitative Literacy

Second Year – Fall Semester

  • GRD 152: Computer Design Technology
  • GRD 167: Digital Photography I
  • GRD 188: Graphic Design for Web I
  • GRD 241: Graphic Design III
  • GRD 275: Animation I
  • Social/Behavioral Science Elective

Second Year – Spring Semester

  • GRD 168: Digital Photography II
  • GRD 242: Graphic Design IV
  • GRD 280: Portfolio Design
  • MKT 232: Social Media Marketing
  • Work-Based Learning

Fall Semester

  • ACA 115: Success and Study Skills
  • ART 111: Art Appreciation
  • DME 110: Intro to Digital Media
  • ENG 110: Freshman Composition or ENG 111: Writing and Inquiry
  • GRD 141: Graphic Design I
  • GRD 151: Computer Design Basics
  • GRD 167: Digital Photography I

Spring Semester

  • COM 231: Public Speaking or ENG 112: Writing/Research in the Disciplines
  • DME 140: Intro to Audio/Video Media
  • GRD 110: Typography I
  • GRD 142: Graphic Design II
  • GRD 168: Digital Photography II

  • GRD 110: Typography I
  • GRD 141: Graphic Design I
  • GRD 142: Graphic Design II
  • GRD 151: Computer Design Basics

  • GRD 141: Graphic Design I
  • GRD 151: Computer Design Basics
  • GRD 167: Digital Photography I
  • GRD 168: Digital Photography II

  • DME 110: Intro to Digital Media
  • DME 140: Intro to Audio/Video Media
  • GRD 151: Computer Design Basics
  • GRD 188: Graphic Design for Web I

  • GRD 131: Illustration I
  • GRD 141: Graphic Design I
  • GRD 151: Computer Design Basics
  • GRD 275: Animation I

Technical Standards

The Graphic Design program technical standards have been developed to inform students of the nonacademic essential functions of the program and profession. Examples are not all inclusive.

Standard Essential Function Examples
Communication
Oral / Written
  • Skills sufficient to communicate information and ideas so others will understand
  • Communicate with coworkers and customers via email, phone, or face-to-face
Mobility / Motor Skills
  • Motor skills sufficient to grasp and manipulate objects
  • Ability to perform basic computer functions
  • Mobility sufficient to perform physical activities that require occasional use of arms and legs and moving the whole body
  • Move a computer mouse, draw with a stylus, draw with paper and pencil, insert flash drive, use a camera, use paper cutter, use x-acto knife, etc.
  • Press multiple keyboard keys simultaneously
  • Physical activities may include:
    • Bending
    • Squatting
    • Lifting
    • Climbing
Physical Strength and Stamina
  • Ability to sit at computer for extended periods of time
  • Ability sufficient to lift equipment
  • Ability to handle electronic equipment
  • Sit at desk for periods of time to finish projects
  • Carry and set up photography equipment
  • Use of digital cameras, video cameras, laptops, iPads, Wacom tablets, etc.
Sensory

  • Sight
  • Sound
  • Taste
  • Touch
  • Smell
  • Visual skills sufficient to see details at close range
  • Ability to clearly distinguish colors and shades of color
  • Ability to identify loud and soft sounds and distinguish between foreground and background noise
  • Distinguish keyboard keys and small details on ruler, computer monitor, or camera display
  • Use multiple colors in a project
  • Edit multiple sounds in a video project
Environmental / Occupational Exposure
  • Possible exposure to chemicals and fumes
  • Chemical exposure in printing processes such as various glues and inks
Field or Industry Professional Standards
  • Ability to use time management skills effectively
  • Balancing multiple projects and deadlines

Disability Services Statement

Wilkes Community College is an ADA compliant institution. WCC does not discriminate based on a disability in the admissions process or in access to its programs, services, and/or activities for qualified individuals who meet eligibility requirements. WCC will provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented disabilities who are eligible to receive or participate in college programs, services, and/or activities. If a student believes that he/she cannot meet one or more of a program’s essential functions without accommodations, the student is encouraged to disclose this to Disability Services as soon as possible.

Technology Requirements

Students in the Graphic Design program need:

  • A computer (desktop or laptop) that can run the Adobe Creative Suite Software (click here for system requirements). A Chromebook, MacBook Air, or cell phone will not work. Apple computers are recommended but not required.
  • Photography students will need a Digital SLR camera will manual settings. These can be checked out from the instructor if needed.
  • High-speed internet access
  • A file storage device such as a USB flash drive, hard dive, or cloud storage
  • Adobe Creative Cloud Software installed on the computer (software provided by WCC), including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Lightroom, Animate, Dimension, and Premiere Pro
  • Microsoft Office installed on the computer (software provided by WCC), including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Video Design students will need:
    • A smart phone to record short videos
    • Headphones or earbuds
    • GoPro cameras can be checked out from the instructor if needed.
  • Illustration and Animation students may want a graphic tablet (optional). Wacom Graphic Tablets may be checked out from the instructor if needed.