Course Descriptions
The Certified Graphics Professional section focuses on developing and honing the skills required to become an effective graphic designer. Students successfully completing these graphic design classes will have the skills required to create eye-catching and effective designs.
Prerequisites: Students must:
- have advanced PC related skills
- be proficient with the Windows XP operating system
- be able to type about 30 words per minute.
NCTE – 044 | Digital Illustration Part 1 – Vector & Corporate Identity: This 7-week, 45.5-contact hour program examines the skills and concepts required to develop high-end, professional-quality illustrations and logo designs fit for print and the Internet. Students will:
- Learn basic to advanced concepts in digital illustration
- Work in the programs used by professional graphic designers and digital artists
- Leave this class with strong portfolio pieces
NCTE – 045 | Digital Illustration Part 2 – Pixel/Photo Editing: This 6-week, 39-contact hour program covers the skills and concepts required to develop high-end, professional-quality, pixel-based illustrations and photo manipulations. Through intense, fast-paced labs, students become proficient in Adobe Photoshop CS5, the program that professional graphic designers, digital artists and photographers use. Students leave with strong portfolio pieces.
NCTE – 043 | Layout & Design: This 6-week, 39-contact hour program covers the skills and concepts required to develop eye-catching, results-driven, professional-quality layouts fit for print and the Internet. Students learn basic to advanced concepts in layout and graphic design and apply those concepts to real-world projects including: brochures, posters, menus; business forms; letterhead; etc. Students leave this class with strong portfolio pieces and proficiency in the programs used by professional graphic designers.
The Certified Web Professional section teaches students the essentials of web design. Students successfully completing these web design classes will have the skills required to translate their designs to the Internet.
Prerequisites: Students must:
- have advanced PC related skills
- be proficient with the Windows XP operating system
- be able to type about 30 words/minute
- complete the Certified Graphics Professional section, or have permission of the instructor.
NCTE – 046 | Web Design Using Adobe Web Standard CS5: From basic HTML code through dynamic and exciting web site design, students are taught the essential skills necessary to conceptualize, create, and publish a professional website to the Internet. Students start by learning basic HTML coding skills using HTML5 and then quickly begin using Adobe Dreamweaver CS5 & Fireworks CS5, the web industry’s standard suite for web design and site management. Students will learn how to create their website designs using Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and semantic HTML5 code. Additional topics covered include cross-browser testing, search engine optimization, an introduction to e-commerce and content management systems (CMS), working with jQuery and HTML e-mail campaigns. Students leave this 17-week, 127.5 contact-hour class with a complete website published to the Internet.
Completion of both CGWP sections, projects, etc. allows students to achieve the Certified Graphics and Web Professional certificate (CGWP), establishing them as accomplished entry-to-intermediate level graphic designers and web designers.