Why Choose Graphic Technologies?
The graphic communications industry boasts one of the most diverse sets of employment opportunities in America. There are opportunities in every state and most cities and towns. Graphic design works with print, web, packaging, copy shops (digital print), commercial print, sign companies, and more. From business cards to wrapping cars, catalogs, websites, and social media, our students have choices. The CPTC Graphic Technologies program provides a clear pathway to employment through the skills we teach and the experience we provide. We teach the entire Adobe Creative Suite and, most importantly, how all the applications work together to complete a project. When it looks good on the screen, you're only halfway done; you must be able to repurpose what you've created for output and a variety of media outlets. If you're a creative person who loves art and design, this might be the program and career path for you.
How Long It Takes:
Graphic Technologies Degree: 5 quarters
All program lengths are estimates and are not guarantees.
Potential Careers
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Median annual pay in Washington:
$52,200 per year
DESKTOP PUBLISHER
Median annual pay in Washington:
$46,600 per year
This is not a guarantee of employment or a certain wage. Full career data available at careerinfo.net.
Graphic Technologies Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Graphic Technologies degree, students will:
- Demonstrate professional graphic industry standards and methods to qualify for employment or transfer to a four-year school.
- Demonstrate visual ideation and creativity.
- Manage Apple software on a Macintosh computer.
- Demonstrate a mastery of the Adobe suite: Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Acrobat.
- Show proficiency in the choice and use of software applications.
- Build multi-page websites applying basic HTML, JavaScript and CSS.
- Utilize typography in graphic communications.
- Apply color theory to design and production.
- Illustrate branding/logo design/brand identity.
- Demonstrate design, production, and project workflow.
- Exhibit characteristics of workplace ethics, responsibility, and accountability.
- Make use of effective communications in a design/sales/prepress environment.
- Manifest critical thinking skills focusing on problem solving, effective reasoning, and establishment of personal and team goals.
- Produce a professional job-hunting package culminating in a portfolio and professional presentation skills.
Meet Your Instructors
John Moyer
Bldg 11, Rm 154
253-589-5667
john.moyer@cptc.edu
Darryl Owens
Bldg 11, Rm 158
253-589-6019
darryl.owens@cptc.edu
Drew Ritz
Bldg 11, Rm 106
253-589-5571
drew.ritzen@cptc.edu
