Graphic Arts & Applied Design
Program Summary
Using computer software, desktop publishers format and combine text, numerical data, photographs, charts, and other visual graphic elements to produce publication-ready material. Depending on the nature of a particular project, desktop publishers may write and edit text, create graphics to accompany text, convert photographs and drawings into digital images and then manipulate those images, design page layouts, create proposals, develop presentations and advertising campaigns, typeset and do color separation, and translate electronic information onto film or other traditional forms. Materials produced by desktop publishers include books, business cards, calendars, magazines, newsletters and newspapers, packaging, slides, and tickets.
Desktop publishing is a rapidly changing field that encompasses a number of different kinds of jobs. Personal computers enable desktop publishers to perform publishing tasks that would otherwise require complicated equipment and human effort. Advances in computer software and printing technology continue to change and enhance desktop-publishing work. Instead of receiving simple typed text from customers, desktop publishers get the material over the Internet or on a computer disk. Other innovations in the occupation include digital color page-makeup systems, electronic page-layout systems, and off-press color-proofing systems. In addition, because most materials today often are published on the Internet, desktop publishers may need to know electronic-publishing technologies, such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), and may be responsible for converting text and graphics to an Internet-ready format.
PGCC offers classes in the most popular software packages found in the workplace of advertising and graphic design firms. These courses are primarily for those who want to learn design and layout for advertising, marketing, sales, and promotion purposes. Some classes, such as Photoshop and Digital Photography, have fine art as well as commercial art appeal and are also applied to webpage design.
Employment Trends
- Desktop publishers are expected to experience faster than average employment growth.
- Two out of three work in firms that handle newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishing, or printing and related support activities.
- Although formal training is not always required, those with certificates or degrees will have the best job opportunities.
Program Objectives
Successful completion of each course earns a Certificate of Completion
Graphic Arts courses are designed to stand alone. There is no fixed curriculum or program requirements.