About the Graphic Design Program at DCCC

The DCCC Graphic Design Program Mission Statement

Graphic Design is the aesthetic arrangement of type and image in order to inform, educate, persuade or sell. Graphic Designers plan and produce visual solutions to client problems within the constraints of time, budget and technology. These solutions usually include printed or digital materials such as books, magazines, newspapers, brochures, letterheads, logo systems, posters, presentations and web pages.

The Associate Degree program in Graphic Design prepares students for positions in this field, such as entry-level designer, freelance designer and print production artist.

Although the program is not designed for transfer, students who intend to continue their education may transfer to four-year studio art or design programs. Additional courses may be required in order to transfer to four-year institutions. A graduate of this program should be able to:

• Use the basic tools and techniques of the graphic designer.
• Use computer technology in the execution of design projects.
• Communicate effectively & professionally, both verbally
  and in writing.
• Compute mathematically on a level that will allow for the solution of common design problems.
• Demonstrate the ability to meet deadlines and incorporate critique recommendations into one's work.
• Produce a portfolio demonstrating the ability to solve
  design problems.

For information about enrolling in the Graphic Design program at DCCC, contact the Admissions Office at (610) 359-5050 or, click here to fill out an online application.

Sounds Interesting, Could you tell me more about what Graphic Designers do?

Adapted from DCCC Professor Robert Jones's site: http://www.designote.org

Graphic Designers plan, design, analyze, and create visual solutions to communications problems. They decide the most effective way of getting a message across in print, electronic, and film media using a variety of methods such as color, type, illustration, photography, animation, and various print and layout techniques.

Graphic Designers develop the overall layout & production design of:

• logos
• brochures
• annual reports
• magazines
• newspapers
• corporate reports
• journals and other various publications

They also produce:

• promotional displays
• packaging
• marketing brochures for products and services
• develop signs and signage systems
• web pages
• interactive media
• projects
• video games, and even the credits that appear before and after television programs and movies.

Specific tasks include:

• Consulting with clients to establish the concept and content of the project
• Knowing how to tailor the images to the medium in which they will be reproduced, such as print, projection, or the Web
• Preparing sketches, photographs and illustrations
• Using computer graphics applications, such as Adobe® InDesign®, Illustrator®, Photoshop®, Dreamweaver®, Flash® and QuarkXpress®.
• Preparing specifications and estimating the cost of materials and the time to complete designs or illustrations
• Producing the final designs and illustrations
• Supervising other designers, illustrators, and production technicians

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