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Graphic Design Pathway
 
DEPARTMENT LEAD
  Wright, Abby   Teacher
 
 
WELCOME TO GRAPHIC DESIGN!
 
Mission Statement: 
Graphic Design, also known as communication design, is the practice of combining imagery and typography for the particular purpose of communication. This form of communication can be physical (print design) or virtual (web design, animation, user interface, etc.). This work can happen on any scale, from the design of a single poster to a national signage campaign, or from a company's logo to the immense content of an international brand.
 
At Cosumnes Oaks High School, this pathway prepares students for a variety of opportunities in this vast world of design. From learning the basic principles of design in beginning courses, to creating portfolios and mastering skills that they can take with them upon graduation. Students receive an in-depth knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite, and a broad overview of other tricks and tools of the trade. This pathway meets a student's Art and Computer Tech requirement for graduation. 
 
Purpose Statement: 
This pathway exists to support students in their academic endeavors as well as to create a fun, welcoming environment for students to build leadership, interpersonal, and intrapersonal qualities. It’s a modern approach to art which can facilitate and nurture the creative aspect of each individual, no matter how small it is believed to be.
 
“The life of a designer is a life of fight. Fight against the ugliness. Just like a doctor fights against disease. For us, the visual disease is what we have around, and what we try to do is cure it somehow with design.” - Massimo Vignelli
 
Student Learning Outcomes: 
  • Analyzes graphic design problems and develops creative solutions by utilizing the resources and processes necessary to solve those unique problems. 
  • Articulates strengths, weaknesses, abilities, and limitations pertaining to the necessary skills in graphic design. 
  • Sets and meets realistic goals relating to after graduation in the graphic design field; whether through direct employment in the industry or in post-secondary degrees with an emphasis on graphic design. 
  • Demonstrates mastery of graphic design technology by applying concepts learned in the classroom to the industry. 
  • Participates in diverse, client-driven, projects to connect knowledge of graphic design to real-world application at the school, local, and global levels with global citizenship in mind. 
  • Communicates professionally and effectively, either in individual or group settings, and synthesizes constructive criticism to raise the level of productivity and overall effectiveness of graphic design work.
Student Expectations and Requirements in order to Complete the Pathway:  
  • Acts with honesty, responsibility, integrity, authenticity, and commitment. 
  • Completes all three of the Graphic Design Pathway courses, which include: 
    • Digital Art and Graphic Design 1 (also known as Digital Art/Graphic Design Production) 
    • Digital Art and Graphic Design 2 
    • Advanced Graphic Communication 
  • Completes 10 hours of community service in the form of: 
    • Design work for clients outside of school 
    • Design work for clients at school 
    • Volunteering to represent the COHS Graphic Design Pathway at School, District, Local, State, or National Events 
    • Participating in Pathway Leadership
 
Post-Secondary Career Options:
  • Executive Creative Director
  • Creative Director
  • Associate Creative Director
  • Design Director
  • Creative Group Head
  • Creative Lead
  • Art Director
  • Senior Designer
  • Middleweight Designer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Flash Designer
  • UI Designer
  • UX Designer
  • UI/UX Designer
  • Communication Designer
  • Visual Designer
  • Art Production Manager
  • Brand Identity Developer
  • Broadcast Designer
  • Logo Designer
  • Illustrator
  • Visual Image Developer
  • Production Designer
  • Production Artist
  • Artworker
  • Motion Designer
  • Motion Graphics Designer
  • Multimedia Developer
  • Layout Artist
  • Interface Designer
  • Web Designer
  • Packaging Designer
  • Junior Designer
  • Associate Designer
 
(some career options will require a Bachelor of Arts Degree from a 4-year University)

APPAREL, BAG, TAG, AND LABEL DESIGN BY SAM ADAME, KAYLA DE GUZMAN, AND LAURYN DEGUZMAN

Apparel
 

VECTOR PORTRAIT BY LUIS CORONA

Vector
 

BOOK COVER RE-DESIGN BY JOSEPH MONTIEL

Book Cover