Digital Art/Graphic Design (Print Production)

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Students in this program will need to be able to:

1. Use Software to Produce Graphic Art – Create professional-quality designs using Adobe InDesign and other industry-standard programs.
2. Create and Produce New Ideas – Develop original concepts and layouts that communicate messages clearly and creatively.
3. Organize Information Visually – Arrange text, images, and graphics effectively to make information easy to understand and appealing.
4. Work Quickly & Accurately Under Deadlines – Manage time efficiently to complete projects on schedule without sacrificing quality.
5. Follow Multi-Step Directions – Execute detailed production steps from initial design to final print with precision.
6. Apply Hand-Eye Coordination – Use fine motor skills to operate printing equipment and handle materials carefully.
7. Complete Projects Needing Manual Dexterity – Assemble, trim, and finish printed products with attention to detail.
8. Think Critically & Solve Problems – Analyze design challenges and production issues to find effective solutions.
9. Apply Math and Reading Skills – Use measurements, formulas, and written instructions accurately throughout the production process.
10. Communicate and Collaborate Successfully – Work with team members and clients to understand needs and deliver quality results.
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Print Production (Digital Art and Graphic Communications)

Course Overview
In this dynamic course, students explore the intersections of digital art, print production design, package design, advertising, photography, and comic book illustration. Through hands-on projects and collaborative assignments, participants utilize a variety of digital tools and print technologies to create compelling visual graphics applicable across multiple mediums.

Course Objectives & Major Topics

• Digital Art Techniques: Experiment with digital painting, illustration, and product design using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Develop essential skills in composition, color theory, graphic communications, and visual storytelling.

• Package Design: Learn fundamentals of creating functional and aesthetically pleasing packaging that communicates brand identity. Analyze real-world examples and design packaging for various products.

• Advertising Concepts: Study key advertising principles including visual branding and marketing strategies. Create ads that effectively communicate messages and resonate with target audiences using digital art, studio photography, and layout design.

• Comics and Storytelling: Combine art and narrative through panel layout, character design, and pacing. Produce comic strips or short graphic novels.

• Photography Skills: Explore basic photography techniques such as composition, lighting, and editing to capture and enhance images for digital art and production design projects.

• Creative Collaboration: Work in teams on projects that simulate real-world production environments, developing communication skills and the ability to integrate constructive feedback.

• Portfolio Development: Build a diverse portfolio showcasing skills in digital art, production design, package design, advertising, photography, and comics, preparing for academic or professional creative pursuits.

Prerequisites

• Completed before program start:

  • Honors Principles of Art, Media, and Communication OR Honors Digital Media Design

  • 94% attendance and minimum 2.0 GPA

• See the Program of Studies for the most up-to-date information.

Schedule

• 1 semester

• Junior or Senior year

• Offered Fall and Spring (Mods 2–4)

EARN COLLEGE CREDIT

Print Production partners with these schools, allowing students to earn college credits through articulation agreements (check for the most current agreement because these often change) :

• Art Institute of Washington – 4 credits

• Bridgemont Community and Technical College – 4 credits

• Carroll Community College – 3 credits

• Montgomery College – 4 credits

• Frederick Community College – 4 credits

Contact the college or trade school you plan to attend to find out if you can earn credits or advanced standing at their institution!

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EARN VALUABLE CERTIFICATIONS

Our program is PrintED© certified, offering opportunities to earn national certifications in:

• Graphic Communication

• Advertising Design

Industry certifications like these give students a competitive edge in the graphic communications field.

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COLLEGE ADVANTAGE

Get a jump start on college by using college-level texts and earning credit while gaining training, skills, and experience that most high school graduates don’t get until well into their college programs. This program features:

• State-of-the-art MAC computers

• Industry-standard software

• Professional-grade print and graphic arts equipment

Students gain hands-on experience that makes them feel right at home in any college lab.

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CAREER ADVANTAGE

Start your career now by working with industry-grade technology used daily by local business partners. Become certified by PrintED, a nationally recognized organization, to stand out in the job market.

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AFFILIATIONS

PrintED©
Administered by the Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation (GAERF®), PrintED is a national accreditation program that sets industry standards for graphic communications courses at both secondary and post-secondary levels. Certification is typically awarded to post-secondary institutions and requires renewal every three years through onsite program evaluations.

Partner Colleges:

• Art Institute of Washington

• Bridgemont Community and Technical College

• Carroll Community College

These schools have agreements with CCCTC ensuring that curriculum, faculty, and instruction meet their standards. Credits are awarded based on these agreements and are reviewed regularly to guarantee equivalency.

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PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

In accordance with federal and state regulations, the program is supported by a Professional Advisory Council made up of local business leaders and educational institutions. This council meets periodically to review curriculum and resources, ensuring they reflect current industry technology and skills. Their guidance helps prepare students for evolving career demands.