Program Information
-
Location: Downtown Milwaukee Campus
- Pathway: Creative Arts, Design & Media
- Program Code: 31-201-2
- Offering: In-class
- Degree Type: Technical Diploma
- Start Dates: August/January
About the Program
DESCRIPTION
Gain the skills in industry-recognized software required for entering the graphic design field. You will learn to prepare designs, layouts and make modifications according to production standards.
Production artists use their technical skills to ensure that the finished design work meets the client’s expectations. They are typically the last people to work on a project before it is published. This growing segment of the creative industry offers entry into a variety of careers.
You can apply your credits toward completing the Graphic Design associate degree.
Additional program details: Upon completing this program, students will prepare an initial portfolio of work to show potential employers. Computer keyboard skills and math, algebra and geometry skills are helpful in this industry, which demands precision and neatness in finished art and presentation.
Related Programs
Graphic Design
You will be introduced to the range of opportunities in this field: design of print-generated and computer-generated graphics for books, newspapers, magazines, web applications and marketing materials; and additional design applications for point-of-purchase, packaging and outdoor advertising.
Digital Imaging
Focus on photography techniques and industry trends for composition, lighting and image manipulation as you prepare to enter the digital imaging field with the skills attained in this program.
Detailed Program Information
2020-21 Curriculum
| Semester | Course | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| (1) | ENG-195 | Written Communication (or) ENG-201 English 1 ‡ |
3 |
| (1) | GRDS-103 | Design Elements and Principles | 3 |
| (1) | GRDS-107 | Digital Imaging: Adobe Photoshop | 3 |
| (1) | GRDS-115 | Typographic Fundamentals | 3 |
| (1) | GRDS-122 | Vector Graphics: Adobe Illustrator | 3 |
| (2) | GRDS-104 | Researching and Concepting ‡ | 3 |
| (2) | GRDS-110 | Layout and Publishing: InDesign ‡ | 3 |
| (2) | GRDS-111 | Advertising Design ‡ | 3 |
| (2) | GRDS-117 | Packaging Design ‡ | 3 |
| (2) | GRDS-128 | Portfolio Pathway | 1 |
|
TOTAL CREDITS |
28 |
( ) Semester order for full-time students.
‡ Prerequisite required.
Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.
Current MATC students should consult their Academic Program Plan for specific curriculum requirements.
To see course descriptions, class times, locations or to register online:
Students already enrolled in an MATC program can visit Self Service Student Planning.
All others can access this information through INFOnline.
Important Dates
Deadlines and important dates can be found on:
Cost & Aid Deadlines
Also, you can find dates and deadlines on the MATC Calendar
Program Outcomes
- Operate Adobe Creative Suite and other industry-recognized software
- Position text and art elements in a visually appealing way for print and/or digital media
- Develop and/or adapt graphics for digital and print media with proper file format
- Prepare files for press
Career Outlook
Production artists work in the creative industry and use their technical skills to ensure that the finished design work meets the client's expectations. They are typically the last people to work on a project before it is published.
A print production artist takes a designer's comprehensive, better known as a "comp" (which could be an incomplete electronic file, a collection of images, or even a hand-drawn sketch), and creates a mechanical – a complete digital file or combination of files that's problem-free when it goes out to the printer or web/e-delivery.
Possible Careers
Production ArtistPre-Press Technician
Scholarships
Learn about scholarship opportunities here.
Learn about Scholarships available for this program here: https://matc.academicworks.com
Use Search function to search for your program(s)
QUESTIONS?
Creative Arts, Design & Media Academic & Career Pathway
414-297-6004, creativeartspathway@matc.edu
Downtown Milwaukee Campus, C Building, Room C210
Mequon Campus, Room A108-110
Oak Creek Campus, Room A121
West Allis Campus, Room 103