Whitney High School - Graphic Design and Communication

Program Video

Teacher: Whitney Lum

Industry Sector: Arts, Media and Entertainment

Career Pathway: Design, Visual, and Media Arts

Location: J-8

Phone: 916-632-6500 ext. 6698

Email: wlum@rocklinusd.org

Social Media:

Instagram - @graphicswhs
Twitter - @graphicswhs

Program Description

The Design, Visual, and Media Arts pathway includes those occupations that use visual art, digital media, and Web-based tools and materials as the primary means of communication and expression. In addition to an understanding of current workplace practice, this career pathway requires the development of knowledge and skills in both visual art concepts as well as new and emerging digital processes by which individuals are able to create and communicate complex concepts in a broad range of occupations and professions. The pathway is largely project-based, requiring uniquely independent work and self-management career skills. The foundation and pathway standards make explicit the appropriate knowledge, skills, and practical experience students should have to pursue their chosen profession through whatever course of post-secondary, collegiate, and graduate training or apprenticeship it may require. Learning the skills and knowledge for creating, refining, and exhibiting works of art promotes teamwork, communication, creative thinking, and decision-making abilities—all traits needed to function successfully in the competitive and media-rich twenty-first century.

Program Sequence

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS I
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: None

Project ownership requires monetary contribution of $30

Syllabus: Graphic Communications I

Requirements Met:

WHS Technology or VAPA

US/CSU Approved "F"

Desktop publishing and graphic design will be emphasized in this hands-on class. Students will be introduced to a variety of design categories, digital media, and careers: Advertising, Publication Design, posters, photo manipulation, illustration, and more. An emphasis is placed on an introduction to the elements and principles of design, color theory, and typography utilized for visual communication. Using graphic design, students will be exposed to the the skill of visual communication to represent ideas or concepts. Students will be given the opportunity to explore the design process and; using critical thinking skills, find creative visual solutions while designing many of their own projects. Software training includes use of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS II
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Graphic Communications I or extensive portfolio of work present to teacher for approval.

Project ownership requires monetary contribution of $30

Syllabus: Graphic Communications II

Requirements Met:

WHS Technology or VAPA

US/CSU Approved "F"

This course builds on skills learned in Graphic Communications I by emphasizing skill development in desktop publishing, graphic design, and professional printing. Students will continue to explore the design process and find creative visual solutions while having the opportunity to design actual client-based projects for campus programs such as athletics, VAPA, student events/activities, and technology. Students will gain an understanding of the processes and systems common to careers in Graphic Design, Print, Advertising, and Marketing. Emphasis is placed on idea generation, techniques for inspiration, communicating individual creative processes, and evaluation of design (your work and others) for audience, meaning, and effectiveness. Students will also begin to create an online portfolio of their work to showcase their continued learning as they grow individually as designers. Software training includes advanced techniques in Photoshop, Illustrator, and introduction to InDesign.

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS III
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Graphic Communications I and II

Syllabus: Graphic Communications III

Requirements Met:

WHS Technology or VAPA

US/CSU Approved "G"

This course provides students with continued understanding of the processes and systems common to careers in Graphic Design, Print, Advertising, Marketing, and more. This graphic design studio style class incorporates on campus, local business, and community client driven projects, which calls for students to think analytically and problem solving real world projects. Emphasis is placed on continuing to strengthen design concepts, spatial reasoning, effective design composition, professional client communication, evaluation of design (your work and others) for audience, meaning and effectiveness, and continuing to develop a professional portfolio to showcase their continued learning. Students will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, visit local industry vendors and design studios, and travel to design conferences or workshops to further fuel the growth and interest of a possible career in the Design Industry. Software training includes advanced techniques in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS IV
Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: Graphic Communications I, II, and III

Syllabus: Graphic Communications IV

Requirements Met:

WHS Technology or VAPA

Building on skills learned in Graphic Communications III, Graphic Communications IV strengthens understanding of the processes and systems common to careers in Graphic Design, Print, Advertising, Marketing, and more. This graphic design studio style class incorporates on campus, local business, and community client driven projects which calls for students to think analytically and problem solve real world scenarios. Students have the opportunity to reach out to their own community and seek out a freelance client and apply skills such as: working with a designer, developing and maintain a business relationship, constructing a creative brief, and understanding relationships between cost, quality, and time constraints for design and printed materials within the client’s budget. Students will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills with the possibilities of being the lead designer in small design groups, visit local industry vendors and design studios, and travel to design conferences or workshops to further fuel the growth and interest of a possible career in the Design Industry. Students will continue to develop a professional portfolio to showcase their continued learning to potential clients, employers, or institutions of higher learning. Software training includes advanced techniques in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

Program Outcomes and Certifications

Increase creative confidence and thinking while learning how to successfully communicate a message visually.
Learning the skills and knowledge for creating, refining, and having work published for an audience.
Building professional communication skills and relationships with real clients while positively impacting the WHS campus and community.
Work with peers to promote divergent and creative perspectives, effective leadership, group dynamics, team and individual decision making, and benefits of workforce diversity.

Program Accomplishments

Client Large Budget WHS Campus Designs:
- Football Field Turf Design - installed summer 2016
- Large Gym Basketball Floor- to be installed summer of 2017
- Small Gym Volleyball Floor - to be installed summer of 2017
- 85ft Athletic Wall Wrap - installed in the large gym Nov 2016
Client Promotional Marketing and Advertising Design:
- Theater Department's Fall Play and Winter Musical
- Dance Department’s 4WRD, Dance I Showcase, Advanced Dance Shows
- ASB/Leaderships Spirit Week Posters, WHS and Spirit Apparel, Junior Prom Invites, Senior Ball Invites
- Boy’s Basketball Team Shirts, Fan Shirts, Score Table Graphics
- Girl’s Basketball Team Shirts
- Rocklin Youth Soccer League T-shirt
Client Branding Design:
- Rocklin Unified School District’s TOSA (Teacher on Special Assignment) Logo, T-shirts, and Themed Room Design at Parker Whitney Elementary
- WHS’s Career Tech Education Logo and Branding
- Can You Catch the Wildcat? 5K Run Logo
- Athletic Team Photo Frame

Graphics Students at Work