Graphic Design Media Design Certificate

Career Description

A graphic designer is a creative problem solver who is trained to conceive, plan, and execute a design that communicates a direct message to an audience in an imaginative and visually arresting manner. Effective visual communication requires a graphic designer to communicate ideas and information in ways that will get the attention of and motivate a viewer. Ideas are generated through a design process in which graphic designers research, organize, and interpret the information; define the objectives; originate ideas; and create new visual forms. New and constantly evolving computer and communication technologies further challenge the role of the graphic designer in creating imaginative and clear messages for vastly different audiences. Meeting this challenge requires use of the best media tools for development and delivery of ideas and information: print, photography, packaging, logos, publications, the internet, film, television, and animation.

Program Information

As a step to a full Graphic Design award, students will receive this certificate upon the completion of first year classes. Students learn the tools and procedures in the development of creative and technical designs taking visual ideas from initial concept to a final form that is ready for production.

Program Outcomes:

Graduates will be able to:

• Select appropriate software tools to achieve effective design solutions;
• Communicate design concepts at various stages of development using the design process;
• Develop print and multimedia concepts using traditional, computer-based, and video design tools;
• Develop and present creative portfolios verbally and in writing to clients;
• Interact with clients, marketing personnel, copy writers, web designers, photographers, and printing companies; and
• Demonstrate a respect for diversity of ideas and concepts in a group environment.

Special Program Requirements

In addition to the program requirements listed above, students must meet the following conditions in order to graduate:

• College Cumulative GPA Requirement: cumulative grade point average (GPA) of credits attempted and completed at CLC must be at least 2.0;
• College Technical Core GPA Requirement: cumulative GPA of credits attempted and completed towards the technical core of the diploma or degree must be at least 2.0;
• Residency Requirement: students must complete 25% of their credits at Central Lakes College.

Career Titles

Common career titles in this field include advertising agency designer, multimedia designer, corporate in-house designer, illustrator, print designer, art director, package designer, poster/billboard designer, website designer, magazine designer, video editor, book designer, animation consultant/designer, and newspaper designer.

Employment Statistics

For more information regarding employment statistics, career salary information and estimated job growth, follow the resource links below:

https://apps.deed.state.mn.us/lmi/ces/
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm
Salary information from indeed.com