First-year
courses:
First Semester:
Art History 101
Art Media Techniques 101
Color and Design Theory 101
Drawing 101
Typography 101
Second Semester:
Fundamentals of
Communication 101
Computer Graphics and
Software 101
Design and Layout 101
Art History 102
Illustration 101
Second-year courses:
Third Semester:
3-D Modeling, Display
and Signage Design 201
Advertising Design 201
Illustration 201
Publishing and Print Production 201
Web and Multimedia 201
Fourth Semester:
Business of Graphic Design
and Advertising 201
Design and Illustration 202
Interactive Media and Animation 202
Marketing and Advertising 202
Portfolio Development 201
The Creative Center is accredited by the State of Nebraska and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) to offer an Associate of Occupational Studies in Design,
Illustration and
Computer Graphics. Our goal is to equip students with the creative
and technical skills necessary to excel in the ever-changing,
computer-intense fields of graphic design and advertising. After
completing the two-year program, students will graduate with a
working knowledge of tools, equipment, and computer graphics,
as well as a professional looking portfolio and résumé, which will prepare them to enter the work force with confidence.
Everything you’ll learn at the Creative Center can be summed up in three subjects: Design, Illustration, and Computer Graphics.
Of course, you’ll learn much more than the definition of these words. The first year will heavily emphasize drawing and illustration skills. You will also discover how to recognize good and bad design, how to think creatively, and how to develop the best possible solutions to design problems. In addition, you’ll learn all about artists of the past and what effect history has had on the design of today, plus how to effectively write about and talk about your work – without botching the little things, like grammar!
The first year also
introduces you to your soon-to-be new best friend: the computer.
First-year students receive their own laptop computer at the beginning
of the second semester. By the end of the year, you’ll have an overview of how a computer works in addition to learning
the professional graphics software programs.
Not all artists draw on street corners, you know.
The second year continues your trek in the creative study of design and illustration. All the computer programs you need to know are studied in depth with plenty of lab time to complete all your creative assignments. You ’ll be introduced to multimedia, web, video, print design, business courses, and of course – your nemesis, mentor, pride, and joy – your portfolio.
Much of second year is devoted to developing and perfecting your business communication skills as well as your portfolio and résumé, which will be presented to gads of potential, picky employers. By the time you’re through rehearsing your interview, all your friends and family members will finally realize exactly how you’re planning on making a living.
Twenty months and over 2,000 clock hours later (not to mention all the insomnia, sweat, and frustration), graduates earn an Associate Degree in Occupational Studies and walk out the door ready to begin illustrious careers.
With all this
knowledge to absorb in only twenty months, it’s nice to know that all
faculty members have extensive experience in the graphic
design field and work diligently to help students reach their full
potential. The award-winning design studio next door helps manage
the curriculum in order to keep projects current and challenging.
In addition to the full-time staff, visiting professional artists instruct students by offering creative solutions to student projects. Students begin to see how professional artists work and are encouraged to think outside of the box. During class, an instructor is consistently available to help critique student assignments, improve
Guest speakers – outside creative professionals in the field – are often invited to share knowledge in their area of expertise, whether it is advertising, print design, business communication, web design, photography, video, multimedia or copywriting.
All these know-it-alls provide you with a professional perspective for real-world, creative challenges.
Add to that fact the Creative Center students get to concentrate on a single class for an entire day and you’ll get more attention for a better learning experience. More attention equals better critiques and better critiques mean better pieces to place in that all-important portfolio!
We’re here for your success!
