Trenholm State Community College

Graphic Design

 

Graphic Design

 

The first step to be accepted into this program is to complete the college application. Apply Now!

 

Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.

Graphic designers typically do the following:

  • Meet with clients or the art director to determine the scope of a project
  • Use digital illustration, photo editing software, and layout software to create designs
  • Create visual elements such as logos, original images, and illustrations that help deliver a desired messag
  • Design layouts and select colors, images, and typefaces to use
  • Present design concepts to clients or art directors
  • Incorporate changes recommended by clients or art directors into final designs
  • Review designs for errors before printing or publishing them

Graphic designers combine art and technology to communicate ideas through images and the layout of websites and printed pages. They may use a variety of design elements to achieve artistic or decorative effects. Graphic designers work with both text and images. They often select the type, font, size, color, and line length of headlines, headings, and text. Graphic designers also decide how images and text will go together on a print or webpage, including how much space each will have. When using text in layouts, graphic designers collaborate closely with writers, who choose the words and decide whether the words will be put into paragraphs, lists, or tables.

Through the use of images, text, and color, graphic designers can transform statistical data into visual graphics and diagrams, which can make complex ideas more accessible. Graphic design is important to marketing and selling products, and is a critical component of brochures and logos. Therefore, graphic designers, also referred to as graphic artists or communication designers, often work closely with people in advertising and promotions, public relations, and marketing. Frequently, designers specialize in a particular category or type of client. For example, some create the graphics used on retail products packaging, and others may work on the visual designs used on book jackets.

(Source: Bureau of Labor and Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2017-2018 Edition)

 

In the Graphic Design program at Trenholm State Community College, students receive instruction in graphic design/illustration, 3D design, print design, web design, photography, video and new media, graphic image generation,and various other areas of study to stay abreast of the rapidly advancing technology in the Graphic Design industry. With dedication and commitment to this program, a student will be able to achieve a degree of skill enabling him or her to graduate and obtain employment in the Graphic Design industry.

 

In the Graphic Design program at Trenholm State Community College, students receive instruction in graphic design, illustration, 3D design, print design, web design, photography, video and new media, graphic image generation, and various other areas of study to stay abreast of the rapidly advancing technology in the Graphic Design industry.

With dedication and commitment to this program, a student will be able to achieve a degree of skill enabling him or her to graduate and obtain employment in the Graphic Design industry.

Trenholm State offers several options in Graphic Design that are designed to equip a student with the skills and technical knowledge needed to be a success in this interesting field.

Awards Available

Associates Degree

  • Associate of Applied Science - Graphic Design (76 Semester Hours)

Certificate

  • Graphic Design (40 Semester Hours)

Short Term Certificate

  • Design Concentration (16 Semester Hours)
  • Layout Concentration (16 Semester Hours)

Curriculum Requirements For Associate Degree

General Education Core Requirements
Area Course Hours Required Recommended Course(s)
I Written Composition 6 ENG 101 & ENG 102
II Humanities and Fine Arts 3 MUS 101
III Natural Sciences and Mathematics 6 MTH 100 & MTH 110
IV History, Social, and Behavioral Sciences 3 PSY 200
Area V
Course Hours
Ori 101 Orientation to College 1
GRD 101 Introduction to Graphic 3
GRD 112 Layout and Design 3
GRD 114 Illustration Graphic 3
GRD 116 Photoshop 3
GRD 118 Graphics Design Techniques 3
GRD 150 Web Design 3
GRD 190 Portfolio Preparation 3
GRD 212 Publication Design 3
GRD 214 Illustration Design Techniques 3
GRD 216 Photoshop Techniques 3
GRD 290 Portfolio Presentation 3
Electives   24
TOTAL: 76

Program Details: View more information in the catalog.

Program Brochure

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Welding Brochure

FAQ

Potential Salary Range

The median annual wage for graphic designers was $50,370 in May 2018. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,610, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $85,760. Source: Bureau of Labor and Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2018 Survey

 

Program Contact

Spencer Arington
Program Coordinator/Instructor
334-420-4223
sarington@trenholmstate.edu

Location

Patterson Site
3920 Troy Hwy,
Montgomery, AL 36116
Detailed Directions

History of
Excellence

For half a century, thousands of students have charted their path to success at Trenholm State Community College. From the 1960s to today, we have been part of the fabric of Montgomery and the River Region, growing to include diverse programs of study, multiple campuses, and online learning. Now, we celebrate the present and move forward with a renewed dedication to our community and the success of our students. We invite you to join us.

Contact Trenholm State

1-866-753-4544 334-420-4200

Trenholm Campus:
1225 Air Base Blvd
Montgomery, Alabama 36108
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Mailing Address:
Post Office Box 10048
Montgomery, Alabama 36108