Division: Industry & Technology
Graphic Design is an academic discipline concerned with the study of graphic design, graphic art, computers, and art. This academic discipline prepares students for entry-level employment and/or potential further study in the field of graphic design.
The skills developed in this discipline include graphic design, web page design, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe PhotoShop, and Adobe InDesign.
Transfer requirements in graphic design are available in the Counseling Center. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for specific transfer requirements.
Career options include positions in graphic design & graphic art. A higher degree may be required to meet minimum job requirements depending on the position.
Contact Information
Graphic Design Faculty Contact
Rolando Gonzalez | (559) 688-3120 | rolandog@cos.edu
Industry and Technology Division Chair
Randy Emery | (559) 688-3180 | randye@cos.edu
Tulare Center Building C: Room C | Tulare Campus
Dean of CTE and Workforce Development
Jonna Schengel, Ed.D, MA, PT | (559) 688-3027 | jonnas@cos.edu
Tulare College Center | Building A 107 | Tulare Campus
For a complete list of courses and descriptions visit: COURSES
GD 100 Introduction to Graphic Design
4 unit(s)
This course covers a brief history of graphic design and printing as well as an introduction to multi-media communication. Students will also study the prevalence and purpose of graphic design and the applied arts in general. Students will carry out hands-on projects learning to apply aesthetic, typographic, and cultural elements to enhance visual communication. This course will introduce students to the three major, industry-standard design programs, Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign.
GD 101 Graphic Design I
3 unit(s)
This class will cover the basics of creating various graphic design projects. Students will learn fundamentals and theory of visual communication. Students will receive an overview of design terminology as well as technical terms relating to the software. Basic typography, color theory and composition will be explored in each project. Projects will include basic layout design and grid systems, logo design, corporate identity systems and poster/ad layout as well as basic technical illustration assignments. Software used will be primarily Adobe Illustrator.
GD 102 Digital Imaging Design I
3 unit(s)
In this course, students will learn about the many resources, tools, filters and techniques that are used in the graphics and advertising industry for the creation and manipulation of digital painting and photo editing. Students will complete projects that will cover the processes of illustrating, designing, retouching and manipulating photographs. Primary software for this course is Adobe Photoshop.
GD 106 Time-Based Tools
4 unit(s)
An introductory course in digital time-based tools, covering foundational timeline-based software and hardware tools. Covers skills and theories used in video, audio, motion graphics, interactive, live, and other time-based (4D) productions.
GD 107 Web Design
4 unit(s)
Introduction to web design for graphic designers, focusing on current web standards. Emphasis on page structure, typography and user experience design principles.
GD 164 Digital Animation 1
4 unit(s)
This is a graphic design course in beginning digital animation utilizing Autodesk Maya computer program. Course content includes an understanding of the tools and navigation necessary to create 3-D animations that can be applied to a wide variety of industries including multimedia, interactive, gaming and web graphics, as well as production CG.
GD 165 Digital Animation 2
4 unit(s)
This is an intermediate graphic design course in digital animation using the Maya computer program that builds upon the basic skills learned in
GD 164. Course content will provide students with intermediate and advanced level understanding of Maya tools and techniques necessary to create 3-D models, renderings, and animations that can be applied to a wide variety of industries including multimedia, interactive, gaming and web graphics, as well as production CG.
GD 203 Publication Design I
3 unit(s)
This course introduces students to the process of designing and creating business forms, calendars and various multiple-page/multiple-panel documents. Projects will educate students in the usage of tab and table construction, placing and sizing graphics and creating text wrap effects around photos, images and objects, as well as importing text and graphic files from various sources.
GD 204 Graphic Design II
3 unit(s)
Students will further develop creative thinking and problem solving strategies. The course familiarizes students with advanced design principles, essential software, and techniques that serve design needs while assisting the preparation of artwork for print, web and other media outcomes. Students will also develop methods of analysis for critiques and portfolio assembly. Primary software in this course: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign.
GD 205 Digital Imaging Design II
3 unit(s)
Students in this course will learn advanced applications of Adobe Photoshop. They will learn advanced concepts of digital imaging, including editing, optimizing, and a variety of image file formats. Students will learn to prepare images for press, web-based applications, television/video, and mobile devices. Topics will include: color adjustments, color formats, color space, various special effects and compositing.
GD 209 Graphic Design III - Integrated Graphics
4 unit(s)
The entire graphic design course of study culminates in what we have previously described as “Integrated Graphics”. In this capstone class for graphic design majors, students will build their final portfolios. Projects will be assigned which will give students the experience of working in Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, simultaneously. The projects will all be advanced in nature and will compel students to complete assignments with a high degree of skill, knowledge and professionalism.
Graphic Design Faculty
Knight, Carinne
B.A., Penn State University
M.F.A., University of California, Santa Cruz