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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.

DVC Shop Documentary
 
by Multimedia Engineering Students: Dylan Strickler and Tanner Metevier

    • Workplace & Online Safety
    • Design Elements and Principles
    • Color Theory
    • Typography
    • Digital Photography
    • Creative Process and Problem Solving
    • Project Management
    • Mobile Design
    • Advertising Design
    • Illustration
    • Website Design
    • Animation
    • Poster Design
    • Digital Video Editing
    • UI/UX
       

    A person with headphones works on a computer, designing a cartoon frog.

    • Employment is expected to grow about as fast as the average, with many new jobs associated with interactive media.
    • A Bachelor's degree in graphic design is usually required.
    • Job seekers are expected to face keen competition; individuals with website design and animation experience will have the best opportunities.
  • CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO VIEW LARGER

    A diagram illustrating a career tree for programming and web development.

Design & Visual Communications Instructors

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

  • People are gathered around a table, possibly studying or working together.
     

    • All 15 Massachusetts Community Colleges*
    • Keene State College

    *DEPENDING ON AVAILABILITY OF CHOSEN MAJOR 

    • 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

Employers Hiring Minuteman Graduates

  • Focus Technology
  • Friends of Northshore Education Consortium
  • SVT, Inc.
  • Waltzing Matilda Aviation