Graphic Design
Merrill Peterson, Program Chair
Milford Campus
(402) 761-8282
1-800-933-7223 ext. 8282
mpeterso@southeast.edu
College Admissions Office
Milford Campus
(402) 761-8243
1-800-933-7223 ext. 8243
Merrill Peterson,
Instructor/Graphic Design
Program Chair
BA — Design & Art Education,
University of Northern Iowa,
Cedar Falls, Iowa
MA — Design & Photography,
University of Northern Iowa,
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Related work experience: 33 years
Instructional experience: 15 years
1-800-933-7223, Ext.8282
mpeterso@southeast.edu
Ginny Backes, Instructor
University of Nebraska–Kearney
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Instructional experience: 20 years
1-800-933-7223, Ext.8221
gbackes@southeast.edu
Graphic Design Program
Welcome
Overview | Requirements | Student Responsibilities | Mission | Internships |Graphic design involves the process of combining words and pictures to communicate a message. Everywhere you look you see the work of a graphic designers. Graphic designers are visual communication problem solvers.
A graphic designer conceives, plans and executes a design that communicates a direct message to a specific audience. Designers develop images that represent the ideas their clients use to communicate.
Overview
Graphic design includes the process of combining words and pictures to communicate a message. Everywhere you look you see the work of a graphic designers. Graphic designers are visual communication problem solvers.
What should I expect in class?
Students learn the technical skills and fundamental conceptual theories and techniques needed to produce compelling visual communication messages. Assignments simulate typical job-related projects. Students work in the graphic design lab at individual cubicles. Each cubicle has a mac work station. Students will become proficient at using all the standard software common to the graphic design industry. For page layout students will use QuarkXPress and InDesign. For drawing students will use Illustrator. For photo and image manipulation students will use Photoshop. For web design students will use Flash, Fireworks and Dreamweaver. Note: Designers make creative decisions based on research, reflection and insight — computers do not provide creative solutions — they are only a tool. As a graphic design student you will use a computer but it will not make compelling creative decisions for you. Graphic design software will not be any more helpful in making you a designer that Microsoft Word will make you a writer.
Most design work is executed with a computer, however, the thinking/visualization process is still done by drawing. Designers begin each new project by drawing rough sketches. The roughs are later translated into computer designs. As a result, students will draw and research and study and make oral and written presentations. They will work individually and in teams just as they would in a real-world business environment. Students will apply their design skill and knowledge in a wide variety of applications. They will use typography, illustrations, photography, copywriting and other processes to create designs from newsletters to catalogs to brochures to billboards to logos to packages to web sites. Finished assignments become part of student’s professional portfolio.
What kind of job could I get?
Students are prepared for careers as designers and art directors in advertising agencies, as layout designers at newspapers, publication designers, designers for printers, billboard/sign designers, catalog designers, package designers, web designers and virtually any other business that has a need to create visual communication.
Mission
To prepare competent graphic design students for employment in the field of graphic communications. The program will continue to meet the technical and aesthetic requirements of the graphics communication industry
Requirements
Special program requirements
Graphic Design is only offered on the Milford campus. A group of 18 students are accepted into the program every 18 months. Students are selected on the basis of an assessment of skill, ability, interest, aptitude, test scores and grades.
Workshop, Interview and Portfolio Review
Applicants must attend a workshop, portfolio review and personal interview at the College. Applicants must submit a portfolio of 8 to 12 original recent works of art at their workshop.
Graphic design classes will begin in January of 2007 and July of 2008.
Student Responsibilities
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Meet college student conduct standards
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Be prepared with assignments, tests, projects etc.
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Be cooperative and willing to work with faculty and other students
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Maintain attendance standards according to college policy
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Participate in all learning activities at the scheduled times
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Be responsible for program costs such as tuition, fees, books, equipment and supplies
Internship Experience
At the beginning of students last quarter (6th quarter), they will work full time for a two week period of time in the graphic design field doing an internship. Students gain practical graphic design work experience for the development of marketable employment skills. Students may arrange to do their internships at advertising agencies, publishers, marketing firms/departments, newspapers, web design studios, print shops, sign shops, etc. The internship is a 40 hour per week commitment. During the time students are doing their internship the graphic design faculty will come to the various job sites and visit with the students and employers to make certain that the goals established prior to the beginning of the internship are being met and to assure that the student and employer is having a productive and positive experience.
