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Design & Visual Communications

DVC Shop Documentary
 

by Multimedia Engineering Students: Dylan Strickler and Tanner Metevier

 

Program Description

Students enrolled in Design and Visual Communications (DVC) explore the power of visual messages through analysis and application. DVC introduces students to graphic design as a form of visual communication through the use of type, image, form and color. Students learn fundamental concepts of art and graphic design for continuation in post-secondary education or the workforce.

Through a combination of lectures, demonstrations and hands-on projects, students acquire an understanding of design elements, design principles, color theory, typography, drawing, video editing, web design, animation, user experience design and digital photography. Using industry-standard software programs, such as Adobe Creative Cloud, students plan, design, and produce print and digital media for a specific purpose and audience in formats such as magazines, advertising, websites, animation, and more.

Through engaging classroom critique sessions, students will develop communication and presentation skills that will strengthen their reading and writing ability. Students will be ready for prospective employers and college recruiters by compiling their work into a professional digital student portfolio.

Students become certified in one of many Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) programs–which can be used toward college or career.

Industry Certifications

Adobe Certified Professional in: ¢ PhotoShop ¢ Illustrator ¢ InDesign ¢ Animate ¢ Premier Pro ¢ After Effects ¢ Acrobat Pro Adobe Specialized Credential in: ¢ Visual Design ¢ Marketing Design ¢Video Design ¢ Web Design OSHA 10-Hour General Industry CareerSafe Cyber Safety Awareness Training

Possible Career Pathways

• UX Designer • Graphic Designer • Art Director • Creative Director • Typographer • Multimedia Designer • Sr. Level Graphic Designer • Illustrator • Web Designer • Photographer • Packaging Designer • Game Designer • Mobile Designer • Animator • Junior Graphic Designer • Creative Assistant • Production Coordinator • Pre-Press Specialist

Salary

Massachusetts averages: • Animator: $34,817/year • Graphic Designer: $56,650/year • Web Designer: $56,973/year • Product Designer: $88,989/year • Industrial Designer: $132,362/year • User Experience Designer: $109,669/year National average: • Graphic Designer: $50,710/year • Industrial Designer: $77,030/year • Special Effects Artist and Animator: $78,790/year Sources: Indeed, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Updated 1/18/23)

College Partners

All 15 Massachusetts Community Colleges* Central Maine Community College Fisher College Keene State College *DEPENDING ON AVAILABILITY OF CHOSEN MAJOR

Advisory Committee Partners

• Art for All • Clarks Shoes • Olin College of Engineering • Kindle Behavior Consultants • Konica Minolta Business Solutions • MassArt • Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) • Salem State University • The Graphic Group • Veolia Environment Services

DVC Instructors