College unveils graphic arts program

Thursday, April 28, 2005

MCC officials believe the addition of a new program set to launch this fall will appeal to the computer-savvy generation of high school graduates as well filling a unique niche in Southwest Nebraska.

The multi-faceted Graphic Arts program will begin later this summer when the first set of web-designing, DVD-burning, new-age graphic conscience crop of students attend the inaugural classes in the revamped Wrightstone Fine Arts Building and in Walsh-Brady Hall.

MCC's Graphic Arts program will serve two purposes. The first is to provide sufficient education so graduates can procure entry-level positions in graphic design, multi-media and web design departments.

The second is to provide enough applied instruction in business so graduates may begin their own small businesses.

This dual purpose makes the program distinct from any other in Nebraska and college officials believe this was a major selling point when the program was considered by the Coordinating Commission.

A major focus of the program design incorporates graphic design skills with computer science technology and business skills.

"What is typical in the graphic arts field is that you find students who are creative but have little background in business. This program is designed to give a balanced experience in graphic design as it pertains to the business community," said Becky Meyers, who is lined up to teach two classes this fall. Meyers has 20 years of teaching background in Bartley and as an adjunct instructor at MCC. She received her Masters Degree in UNK in 1991 with an emphasis in commercial art.

This fall, students taking design courses will work with software for two dimensional print media, and multi-media applications including video, CD presentations, DVD, and the Web.

According to a brochure produced by MPCC, graphic designers typically work with computerized software and combine design principles regarding layout, texture, shape and color with their creative talents to design attractive and persuasive images to a variety of markets. Graphic designers typically work in the electronic media, in print companies and business and marketing firms taking on jobs in television stations, newspapers, magazines, advertising agencies, print companies, design services, web design administration, independent contractors and various entrepreneurial enterprises.

Students obtaining the Associate's Degree in Applied Science/Graphic Design, need a total of 62 hours. The Graphic Arts program will be housed in the Wrightstone Fine Arts Building and take over the former pottery lab, which will be moved downstairs. Some of the computer classes will be taken in Walsh-Brady Hall.

"I think part of the reason the Coordinating Commission approved this, is because today the need to teach graphic design fills an important niche in the business community," Meyers said.

She points out that with the advances in technology that many smaller businesses are keeping their design work in-house and the responsibilities of those tasks have fallen more on personnel with computer backgrounds than in graphic design.

The course will give students experience in both Mac and Windows platforms and provide training for graphic design, digital media and web design.

The suggested sequence of study starting in the fall of 2005 includes: Introduction to Graphic Design, Drawing 1, Digital Imaging, Introduction to Business, Business Communication or Expository Writing.

The spring semester's suggested courses include: Typography, Illustration, Business and Professional Speaking, Desktop Publishing, and Business Math/Calculators.

The 2006 suggested courses include: Multimedia, Design and Animation, Introduction to Marketing, Business Law 1, Web Design 1, Portfolio, Entrepreneurship, Pre-Internship Business Seminar, Business Internship, Post-Internship Seminar, and Web Design II.

"The goal in a two-year program is to prepare students for the workplace, but we will emphasize life skills and encourage them to take the initiative to keep current with the market," Meyers said.

Since technology has created new opportunities for graphic designers to start their own businesses in rural areas where it previously would have been difficult to do so, students will learn marketing, basic bookkeeping and effective communication skills.

MPCC officials believe that blending information from business, art, and information technology will prepare students to go into business for themselves.