Students taking the Visual Communications and Multimedia Design pathway will explore a wide range of media and techniques that provide a career-ready foundation of skills in the visual arts. Careers in Advertising, Architecture, Graphic Design, Movie/Video Production, Automobile Design, Photojournalism, Medical Illustration and Game Design are just a few to consider.
Graphic Design
The Graphic Design course is a fine arts and multimedia design foundation class that explores basic design theory and practices. The course is designed to use digital software to engage in many forms of visual communication while incorporating traditional hand-rendering methods, research and problem-solving skills. For this class we use industry standard software on MAC computer workstations. Students will gain technical knowledge and the creative processes necessary to move onto more advanced art and design classes and further their career-ready practices.
Media Communications
Media Communications class builds strong foundational skills specific to Journalism and Digital Design by interconnecting each discipline at the same time. The class emphasizes oral and written communication skills, research techniques, digital design, and media communications. Together, students will design, implement, and manage a student-driven news website. An emphasis on professionalism, presentation, and a strong ethical foundation are integrated into the course.
Photography
The Photography course is for students that have an interest in learning about photography. The course will include the history of photography, elements of composition including lighting and other key techniques. Adobe Photoshop and InDesign will be taught. Students will use cell phones, point-and-shoot and DLSR cameras for their projects. Students will focus on the art of visual storytelling and recording of events. Photos will be edited and printed for student presentation/critique and to further develop understanding and improve students' photography skills. The course will include basic and advanced guidelines for photography with instruction, demonstrations and will utilize examples from professional photographers as a way to engage and ignite the students' creative process. Ultimately, the classroom will emphasize what makes a successful photo meet expectations and how to use the artistic process.
Video Production
The Video Production course is an Arts and Media Design foundation class that explores emerging media technology to use in digital storytelling. The course is designed to use digital software and camera techniques to engage in meaningful forms of visual communication. Instructions will incorporate traditional hand-rendering methods, research and develop problem-solving skills. Computer applications and programs will be taught for editing projects. In this class, students will acquire the technical knowledge and the creative processes necessary to move onto more advanced art and design classes and further their career-ready practices.
