GRAPHIC DESIGN AT PCC

GRAPHIC DESIGN AT PCC

ABOUT GRAPHIC DESIGN AT PCC Students start their PCC design education by learning to bring creative ideas to life through hand-rendered exploration and finely tuned foundation skills. They practice design vocabulary to communicate their ideas in a professional manner. Typographic history is introduced to better understand and appreciate letter designs formed long before computers. They experiment with a multitude of ways that words, pictures and elements can interact on a page. Theory and ideas are developed first and it is only in the second term of the program, that students start to use digital software in their design process. During the second term students soon find themselves plunging headlong into professional level graphic design software applications. They learn which programs to use for each task and how to work professionally and efficiently. Students are not required to own computers for the program and there is open lab time available for school work. By the end of the first year students have gained usable design and technical skills which qualify them for internships in the Portland market. Graphic Design classes at PCC model professional procedures and practices employers expect in the field. Students often face tight project deadlines and must balance multiple class projects throughout the coursework. The second year of the program focuses on building a professional level portfolio. Career preparation courses introduce students to business practices in the field of graphic design. Students work on community projects to practice their skills. And finally, their work is revised over and over until it is ready to meet the scrutiny of art directors and creative employers in the Portland area. For some students, the end of the PCC program is just the midpoint of their education. Our students can choose to undergo a rigorous portfolio review in order to become accepted into the Junior-year graphic design classes at Portland State University, continuing their education to earn a 4-year bachelor s degree.

GD COURSES AT PCC 2015-16 GENERAL EDUCATION General Education competencies to be met prior to graduation: MTH 65 Introductory Algebra 4 CR (or MTH 58 Math Literacy 1 & CG 58) WR 121 English Composition 4 CR (must be completed prior to entrance into second year) General Education requirements, totaling 16 credits minimum, to be taken prior to graduation: Social Science 4 CR Physical Science 4 CR Arts and Letters 8 CR (ART 214 and COMM 111 can be used to fulfill this requirement) Program requirements that must be completed with a B grade or higher to gain permission to enter Winter Term of the Graphic Design program: *GD 120 Graphic Design 1 3 CR ] *GD 101 Macintosh Fundamentals 1 CR *These classes have limited offerings throughout the year. *GD 114 Introductory Typography 3 CR YEAR ONE YEAR TWO GRAPHIC DESIGN The Graphic Design program proper begins Winter term Winter Term *Passing GD 101, GD 114 and GD 120 with a B grade or higher is required for entry into Winter term Graphic Design courses. GD 122 Graphic Design 2 3 CR GD 140 Digital Page Design 1 3 CR GD 116 Intermediate Typography 3 CR GD 150 Digital Illustration 1 3 CR Total Winter 12 CR Spring Term GD 124 Graphic Design 3 3 CR GD 151 Digital Illustration 2 3 CR GD 141 Digital Page Design 2 3 CR GD 160 Digital Imaging 1 3 CR Total Spring 12 CR Note: All first year non-gd requirements must be completed prior to admission to second year, and of these, all GD and ART classes must be passed with a B grade or higher. These classes can be taken at any time prior to second year: ART 131 Drawing 3 CR WR 121 English Composition 4 CR COMM 111 Public Speaking 4 CR ART 214 History of Graphic Design 4 CR Fall Term GD 260 Digital Imaging 2 3 CR GD 244 Preparing Files for Print 3 CR GD 221 Graphic Design 4 3 CR GD 249 Graphic Design Studio 3 CR (or GD internship) GD 239 Illustration for Graphic Designers 3 CR Total Fall 15 CR Winter Term GD 222 Graphic Design 5 3 CR ART 270A Printmaking 1 3 CR GD 242 Combined Graphic Programs 3 CR CAS 106 Introduction to HTML 1 CR GD 228 Professional Graphic Design Practices 3 CR Total Winter 13 CR Spring Term GD 229 Portfolio Preparation 3 CR BA 239 Advertising 3 CR or BA 223 Principles of Marketing (4 CR) One Art Elective from the following: ART 140 Digital Photography ART 271A Printmaking II ART 204, 205, 206 History of World Art 3 CR Total Spring 9 CR Total: Associate of Applied Science Degree in Graphic Design - 92 Credits

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS AT PCC All candidates for the Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design must complete 16 credits from courses listed under General Education in the PCC catalog. The 16 credits must include at least one (1) course and no more than eight (8) credits from each of the following three categories: 1. Arts and Humanities 2. Social Science 3. Mathematics, Natural and Physical Science and Computer Studies. No more than eight (8) credits may come from any one subject No more than two (2) courses may come from courses required by specific programs General Education requirements may be waived for students with a previous A.A., A.A.S., B.S., B.A. or B.F.A. degree from an accredited United States institution. Students will also be required to complete competency requirements in Math and Writing Pass WR 121 or a lower division writing course with a prerequisite of WR 121 with a grade of C or higher Pass MTH 58 & CG 58, or pass MTH 65 or higher or pass the PCC MTH 65 Competency Exam PCC General Education Requirements Arts and Humanities ART 214 - History of Graphic Design (required by program) COMM 111- Public Speaking (required by program) + Social Science 4 + Mathematics, Natural and Physical Science & Computer Studies 4 credits 4 credits credits 4 credits Total General Education requirements* = 16 credits *in addition to any general education competency requirements.

PRE-GRAPHIC DESIGN COURSES AT PCC GRAPHIC DESIGN CLASSES FULL? YOU CAN STILL TAKE COURSES THAT WILL APPLY TOWARDS THE GRAPHIC DESIGN DEGREE. This list of required courses is provided to give students the option of completing non-gd classes first. It may also be helpful for students who are unable to get into the three required graphic design courses in fall term, or students who are starting mid-year and are not able to enter the graphic design sequence. Students CAN complete any non-graphic design classes prior to starting the (GD) graphic design sequence of classes. The graphic design program proper begins Winter term. To qualify to register for Winter term graphic design classes students must complete the three required prerequisite classes with a B grade or better. In addition, students must have placed into or completed WR 121 or higher. Students must also have placed into Math 60, or have completed Math 20 or higher. Required classes for the AAS Graphic Design degree that are offered all year and in various sequences: Foundation Courses WR 121 English Composition (4 credits) ART 131 Intro. to Drawing (3 credits) ART 214 History of Graphic Design (4 credits) COMM 111 Intro. to Public Speaking (4 credits) ART 270 Printmaking (3 credits) General Education Courses Required Art Elective choose one of the following: ART 140, ART 271, or ART 204, 205, 206 (3) Social Science Requirement one 3-4 credit class from General Education List Science, Math, Computer Science requirement one 3-4 credit class from General Education List Additional general education any category one 3-4 credit class from General Education List MTH 58 & CG 58 Math Literacy 1 or MTH 65 Intro. to Algebra (4 credits) or Higher Graphic Design Prerequisite Courses *These courses have limited offerings throughout the year. GD 120 Graphic Design 1 (3 credits) GD 114 Introduction to Typography ( 3 credits) GD 101 Macintosh Fundamentals (1 credits) Total Credits: 47 54+ credits At least half of the required courses can be taken prior to starting the graphic design sequence courses. (Total credits can vary per person based on any additional courses that may be required. For example Math 60 is a prerequisite for Math 65 and WR 115 may be required prior to taking WR 121 based on your placement test scores)

STEPS TO ENROLL AT PCC How do I apply to the Graphic Design Program for starting in 2015? After being admitted to PCC, there are steps specific to the Graphic Design Program, you will need to take. Attend one of the 1 Graphic Design information sessions that are offered on a regular basis at PCC Sylvania campus. No RSVP is required, just show up at the session time that works for you. You can find a list of session dates and times at: http://www.pcc.edu/gd Click on the information sessions link. Admit to PCC using 2 the online admission form. Once PCC receives and processes your admission, you will receive an ID number (G number), a user name, and a password that will enable you to log on to MyPCC. MyPCC is where you will register for classes and conduct most of your transactions with PCC. If you are NOT 3a transferring coursework in from another school, you will need to take the COMPASS placement test in reading, writing and math. You will not be able register into the Graphic Design prerequisite classes until you place into, or complete WR 121 and Math 60. You can find more information about the placement tests at: <http://www.pcc.edu/ resources/testing/ placement/> If you are planning 3b to transfer coursework, you must send PCC an OFFICIAL copy of your transcript at least 6 weeks prior to the term you wish to register. Once PCC receives your transcript, you should receive an email stating such. Then you can log into MyPCC and click on the link: Transfer Credit Evaluation on the MyPCC Home tab. Once this is done, PCC will evaluate your transcripts for equivalencies and provided you meet the writing and math prerequisites, you will be able to register in prerequisite classes. PCC will also evaluate any other general education requirements you meet at this time. Please note: we do NOT transfer Graphic Design coursework from other schools into the program. You can register for 4 GD 120, 101 and 114. These classes may be taken at different times, but all must be passed with a B grade or higher in order to be given permission to register for the 2015 Winter term Graphic Design program classes. Some of these classes are offered once per year and fill quickly. Priority registration will be given to students as per PCC policy. Please see the following link for more information: <http://www.pcc.edu/ enroll/registration/ academic-calendar. html> If you would like help registering, you may visit one of PCC s Orientation Centers: <http://www.pcc.edu/ resources/orientationcenters.html> Pay at least 1/3 of 5 the term s tuition or accept your financial aid award. If you do not do this at least two weeks prior to the start of the term to avoid being deleted from your classes. Make sure you attend the first day of each class. There are usually several other people who will be on the wait list for the class. The instructor will give your seat in the class to a wait listed student if you are not present on the first day. Remember, you must achieve a B or higher in the three prerequisite classes in order to move forward into the program for Winter term.

MORE QUESTIONS? I have a job. Can I complete the program as a part-time student? Students may take three years to complete the program once they have met the prerequisites. The first year can be completed in two years, however due to the rapidly changing nature of the industry and the software, we ask that students complete the second year of the program in one year. We offer a few of the prerequisite classes in the evening but the majority of classes are scheduled during the day. Students will need to have a flexible enough schedule that they can take daytime classes. How much does the program cost? Tuition is $92.00 per credit. In addition you will be responsible for various fees. Please see the estimated cost sheet for more information. Is there a formal application process to the program? There is no formal application process for the program, but students must complete the program prerequisites (GD 120, GD 114 and GD 101) with a B grade or higher, in order to qualify to continue in further program courses. At which campus is the Graphic Design Program held? The program is housed at PCC Sylvania campus although one of the prerequisite classes, GD 120 is offered and can be taken at other campuses. I already know the computer programs. Can I get these courses waived? The Graphic Design courses at PCC cover more than just the software. They introduce professional standards and techniques expected by employers, of which non-professional users may not be aware. A majority of the program s design education takes place while learning the software. The computer is merely one tool used in creating the design. Students are building portfolio pieces in these classes and would miss this opportunity without these courses. We do not allow students to challenge or substitute these courses. I ve taken courses at other schools. Can these be used to fulfill PCC requirements? Some Art, Marketing, Speech, Web and General Education courses from other schools may be accepted to fulfill program requirements. Our Graphic Design (GD) courses are the foundation of our program and we do not substitute previous Graphic Design coursework for our courses. It is important to submit transfer credits for evaluation to PCC Student Records department. Read more about transferring credits by clicking on this link: <http://www.pcc.edu/ resources/studentrecords/transfer.html> How long will it take me to complete the program? Full-time day students can complete the program in six terms if they have completed all their general education requirements prior to beginning the program. However, many students elect to take a part-time course load and take longer than six terms to complete the program. Can I complete the program in a shorter amount of time than two years? No. The Graphic Design courses are a series of sequential steps with each course building on the previously taught course. Courses cannot be taken out of sequence, and it is not possible to go through the program courses in less than two years. If I don t have a Macintosh computer should I buy one before starting the program? We advise students to wait until passing the three prerequisite classes before they make this financial investment. These classes do not require the use of a computer for outside coursework. First-term classroom computer assignments and exercises are designed to be completed in the classroom labs and during class time so that students may benefit from instructor availability. Additionally, there are educational discounts offered through Apple and Adobe corporations that are available to students once they are enrolled at PCC.

ESTIMATED COSTS OF THE PROGRAM Tuition 92 credits @ $92 per credit... $ 8,464 Books 6 terms @ $100 per term... $ 600 Graphic Design design tools and materials First term initial tools and materials... $ 250 6 terms @ $200 per term... $ 1,200 Digital Media Fees 18 Graphic Design courses @$15 per course... $ 270 Production of Program Portfolio Materials and printing to produce a professional-level portfolio (minimum cost) $ 300 Miscellaneous fees (may include PCC fees, software, etc.) 6 terms @ $120 per term... $ 720 Parking Annual parking permit $150 per year for 2 years... $ 300 Total Estimated Graphic Design program costs $ 12,104

TRANSFER THIS DEGREE Will the PCC Graphic Design Associate s Degree transfer to a 4-year school? Yes, it can. Students in the Graphic Design program at Portland Community College are eligible to apply the completed PCC Graphic Design Associates degree toward a Bachelor's degree at Portland State University, Pacific Northwest College of Art or Art Institute of Portland entering those programs in the junior year. The program is a Block Transfer meaning the student must complete the entire PCC Associate of Applied Science Graphic Design Degree in order for their credits to be directly accepted toward a Bachelor's Degree. Early advising will play a key role in preparing the student for the transfer process. Students intending to Block Transfer should make their intent known to their PCC Graphic Design Advisor during their first term in the program. The following is a basic explanation of the Block Transfer information for local Portland four-year schools: Portland State Block Transfer Process Students first complete the two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Graphic Design at Portland Community College. PCC students will go through the same sophomore Portfolio review at PSU required of all PSU Graphic Design students. (PCC Graphic Design courses will prepare students for this review.) PSU will require students to meet additional general education requirements and students should meet with the PCC Graphic Design Advisor to learn more about these. Upon completion at PSU students will receive either a Bachelor of Science with an emphasis in Graphic Design or a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in Graphic Design. Art Institute of Portland Pacific Northwest College of Art Eligibility for transfer requires that students first complete the twoyear Associate of Applied Science Degree in Graphic Design at Portland Community College. Pathways to both schools are highly individualized and we recommend that students interested in these schools work closely with advisors from both. The PCC Graphic Design Advisors can help students arrange this.

CAREER INFORMATION * Entry Level Title: Junior Designer A junior designer typically assists the graphic artist or designer by carrying out the designer s creations. They produce production work such as digital layout and design with strong guidance and direction from the designer. Job Title: Graphic Designer The graphic designer s job is to create design using a variety of mediums that meets the client s needs and the function for which the design is intended. A graphic designer organizes ideas visually to convey a desired impact and message. A designer has input at the beginning of a project brainstorming and presenting ideas. A variety of mediums are used in graphic design including print, web, digital, video, mobile and film. Other titles: Designer, Graphic Artist, Graphic Design Specialist *Source: Oregon Creative Services Alliance Industries of Employment Design Studios Printing Companies Advertising/Marketing Firms Multimedia and Software Companies In-House Corporate (Health Care, Financial Services, Consumer Goods, Technology, Manufacturing, Retail, etc.) Nonprofit and Government Publication/Book Publishing Skills Experience with InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop Knowledge of press and pre-press printing process Knowledge of 3-D software may be helpful Strong layout and design skills including color theory, composition and typography Classic design skills; understanding of the fundamentals of visual communication and design Strong sketching ability which is helpful both in production and communication of ideas Understanding of the production process Operation & Soft Skills Teamwork Written and oral communication skills Creative problem solving Organization Adaptability and reliability Project and time management skills Star Qualities Attention to detail Excellent collaboration and teamwork skills Excellent ability to communicate visually and verbally Ability to think on one s own, execute design solutions Ability to generate and present ideas Ability to think like the client Base Skills Required for Graphic and Web Design The computer is just one tool, it shouldn t be the only medium in which you can work. Companies are looking for people with: Raw artistic talent and solid design techniques. Strong design is more than just learning a software tool; trainees must have artistic ability first and foremost. A solid foundation in the techniques (color, typography, layout) and theories is critical. While software tools change, design principles tend to remain constant. A knowledge of the entire development and production process, not just an individual job. Firms need graphic, web and user interface designers, producers and production artists to understand both print and interactive processes. Web/interactive jobs need to understand the functionality of both front-end and back-end interfaces, and graphic designers need to understand the press process, its constraints and capabilities in order to accurately prepare the product for the next step in the production process. Strong communication and teamwork skills in an environment where the success of a project is dependent on many people. Both verbal and visual communication skills are key to all of the occupations in web and design. Each team member must be able to communicate messages through design and technology to an outside audience. An understanding of the business strategy behind the design. Knowing how designs fit into a business solution is important for any creative job. Those people who see the big picture and understand the client s business position tend to do well. Ability to problem-solve and think on their own. Employers want to see individuals with problem solving ability creative thinkers who are able to see the big picture and keep the end goal in mind when creating, designing and producing. Employers want workers who have the ability to conceptualize and can move from design/concept to product. The enthusiasm to continually learn. Technology tools are constantly changing. Employees who base their careers on one tool will find themselves phased out of jobs as new standards are introduced. Therefore, companies recommend that students learn the theory behind tools as well as just the tools themselves. Education, Experience and 2013 salaries* An Associate s Degree is the minimum amount of education for a career in graphic design. Movement from junior designer to graphic designer usually requires two to four years of work experience. Salary: Junior Designer, primarily print Salary: Freelance Designer (working through staffing agency) Entry: $32,000 Entry: $47,900 Mid-Point: $38,000 Mid-Point: $62,200 High: $45,000 High: $83,000 *Source: AIGA Survey of Design Salaries 2013

ON-CAMPUS DESIGN RESOURCES Graphic Design students have access to on-campus resources providing students with multiple options for design projects. Computer access Open lab hours are available to encourage collaborative, on-campus work time for students. In-class Color Printing Gives students the ability to create digital color proofs during class work sessions. In-class digital diecutting Students can create precise cutouts of packaging and layout projects. Embossing presses Students enrolled in required printmaking courses have access to embossing presses. PCC MakerSpace This newly opened, on-campus workspace provides students access to CNC routers, 3-D printers and digital laser cutters.

YEAR ONE GRAPHIC DESIGN AT PCC First year student work building skills in layout & design reuse reduce depletion sustainability recyclingnatural products exploitation resourcesconservation fossil fuels styrofoam green agriculturetransportation community greenhouse effect it starts with f i n d you o u t w h e r e i t s t a r t s itself on being an accessible, affordable, higher education institution. Located in Portland which has been voted as the greenest city in America by Popular Science magazine it seams only natural to offer sustainable educational options that support the workforce needs of renewable energy providers located within Portland. Through promoting and providing partnerships with local businesses and organizations, PCC is able to provide educational opportunities and training to prospective employees of local businesses. Portland Community College is working to make climate neutrality and sustainability a part of the curriculum and an educational experience for all students. PCC is committed to expanding research, developing community outreach and promoting opportunities that encourage involvement in its sustainable practices at the school and in the community. SPARK SUSTAINABILITY a t PORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE Portland Community College prides Spark Resources Provide educational re s o u rc e s t o s u p p o r t community members e f f o r t s to incorporate s u s t a i n a b l i t y in t o their lives. PORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE prides itself on being an accessible, affordable, higher education institution. Being located in Portland which has been voted as the greenest city in America by Popular Science magazine it only seems natural to offer sustainable educational options that support the workforce needs of renewable energy providers located in the City of Portland. Through promoting and providing partnerships with local businesses and organizations, PCC is able to provide educational opportunities training to potential employees of local businesses. PCC is working to make climate neutrality and sustainability a part of the curriculum and/or other educational experience for all students. PCC is committed to expanding research, developing community outreach and promoting opportunities which encourage involvement in its sustainable practices at the school and in the community. Collaboration Provide educational resources to support community members efforts to incorporate sustainability into their lives. COLLABORATION Organize various college departments and offices to collaborate on ways to educate the public on sustainability. PUBLICIZE Organize various college departments and offices to collaborate on ways to educate the public on sustainability. The PCC Marketing department has developed a plan to publicize PCC s sustainability efforts. Publicity IMPROVE ACCESS TO JOBS The PCC Marketing department has developed a plan t o p u b l i c i z e P C C s sustainability efforts. Work with community to ensure access to quality green jobs and promote green job training program as a pathway to a skilled workforce in a green economy. Improve Access To Jobs Work with the community to ensure access to quality green jobs and p ro m o t e g re e n j o b training program as a pathway to a skilled workforce in a g r e e n economy. find out where it starts at http://www.pcc.edu/about/commitments/sustainability.html RESOURCES Learn more at: http://www.pcc.edu/about/commitments/sustainability.html

YEAR TWO GRAPHIC DESIGN AT PCC Second year student work building the portfolio