Programs/Courses

The Focus of Our Programs

The Graphic Communications Department at CCSF focuses on print media. Our students may concentrate on the creative end of design or on the technical aspects of production and printing, or they may choose to learn both. Whatever their focus, students have the opportunity to experience all stages of design, from concept to product. Students will also gain the skills to communicate about these concepts and processes both visually and verbally.

Students get a foundation in the history of the field as well as many chances to work in teams. Students and instructors work together to connect with the community at large, creating opportunities to use their skills in a socially responsible way.

Opportunities

Careers in the field of graphics include:

• Graphic Designer
  (from internship, to senior or director; as a freelancer, in one’s own firm, in an in-house firm or in a design or advertising firm)
• Production Artist
• Press Operator
• Art Director
• Design Director
• Print Buyer
• Project Manager

In our classes and programs, we help you on your way toward one of these careers. You can learn creative skills such as ideation, visualization, conceptualizing, and problem-solving. The entry-level technical skills you can acquire include page layout, typesetting, printing press operation, finishing and binding, pre-press, digital image editing and digital illustration. Along the way we also help you develop your thinking and communicating skills.

In our unique production class (GRPH 68), advanced students produce real work for real clients from the campus community. This provides an invaluable opportunity to apply the skills you learn to the workplace, dealing with clients and team members and learning planning and time-management under the guidance of instructors and mentors.

We can also prepare students to go on to a design program at a four-year university.

Is Graphic Communications for You?

Students wishing to enter the program do not need to have any art, design or computer experience, although it helps. Students must bring enthusiasm to the program as well as a willingness to communicate, to solve problems creatively, to be exploratory, to work in teams, to commit to tasks and projects, and to pay attention to details.

Classes in our department can benefit those just entering the workforce, those who want a change of career, and professionals in the industry who wish to update their creative and technical skills.

Creative artists in other fields, such as web design, illustration, photography and fine art may also find new inspiration and skills in our classes.