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GRAPHIC ARTS (CIP Code: 10.0399)
The Graphic Arts program is a PrintEd certified program that offers instruction encompassing a broad spectrum of design and print-related occupations. The major areas of study in the graphics arts program include graphic design and layout, Adobe Creative Cloud, typography, offset printing operation, bindery, document management/quick copy center operations, and digital photography.
Graphic Arts is a course designed to give students a solid foundation in graphic design (using the Adobe Creative Cloud), digital and offset printing, copy center management, bindery technology, and digital photography. Throughout the multi-year program, students are given the opportunity to learn all aspects of the graphic arts industry through hands-on lessons and assignments. Students will be introduced to the elements of design in creating logos, graphics, and a multitude of other printed materials. Students are free to express their own individual styles and ideas. Students will learn how their design is reproduced and finished using North Montco Technical Career Center (NMTCC)’s state-of-the art printing and bindery equipment. Upon completing the program, students will be prepared to enter the workforce and be college-ready.
Instructor: Ms. Michelle Poorman (mpoorman@nmtcc.org)
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Task List
A program task list is an instructional tool to measure the technical competency of a student. During your enrollment in the Graphic Arts Technology program, you will be taught and assessed on the following tasks:
100 Industry Overview Customer Service and Employment 200 Reserved
300 Desktop Publishing and Prepress
400 Reserved
500 Digital Output
600 Offset Printing
700 Bindery
800 Substrates and Consumables
900 Safety
1000 Specialty Printing TechnologiesBreakdown of Student Learning Activities:
First and Second Years• Principles and Elements of Design
• Typography
• Color Theory
• Digital & Offset Printing
• Bindery Operations
• Basics of Digital Photography
• Introduction to Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
• Copy Center Operations and Customer ServiceThird Year (11th Grade)
• Complete design and production of multi-page document (magazine/book)
• Advanced Adobe Creative Suite for project-based learning assignments
• Digital Photography
• “Live” jobs produced for internal and external customersFourth Year (12th Grade)
• Advanced Adobe Creative Suite and
photography projects
• Senior Project
• “Live” jobs produced for internal and external customers
• Portfolio building for employment or college
(print & electronic pdf portfolio & online portfolio)
• Job Search Skills and Resume WritingALL YEARS:
• Art History
• Understanding of computer and computer peripherals
• Various competitions
• Applied math for graphic arts
• Graphic Arts careers and post-secondary education
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Equipment / Materials / Uniforms / Other Requirements
All tools and equipment are supplied within this program throughout the student's NMTCC career. From the beginning of the school year, all students will be required to wear a uniform; a Graphic Arts t-shirt or sweatshirt. Because of this, students will need to purchase the following items:
● Uniform/Clothing Requirements: GA t-shirt or Sweatshirt ( https://www.djbspecialties.com/stores/nmtccstore )
● Program Fees: Activity fee -$20
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Safety
Safety is not an option! Safety is YOUR responsibility! Students are required to follow all rules and regulations. In addition to following all NMTCC’s listed and/ or posted safety and MSDS Policies, refer to the specific equipment manufacturer’s user, operator, or consumer guides and or shop manuals for complete safety details when using any equipment. Students are not permitted to use any equipment or tools unless they have received and have documented that they have received the appropriate safety instruction.
Potential Safety Hazards:
- Various printer chemicals, including flammable and poisonous.
- Various copier chemicals, including flammable and poisonous.
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Physical Criteria
- Manual dexterity
- Strong eye/hand coordination
- Good depth and color perception
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Industry Certifications
Students in the Graphic Arts program have the opportunity to earn the following industry certifications:
- NOCTI - Graphic Production Technology
- Adobe InDesign, Certified Associate
- Adobe Illustration, Certified Associate
- Adobe Visual Communications
- OSHA Certification
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Cooperative Education Opportunities
Cooperative Education allows students to be employed during the school day while gaining meaningful instruction in a technical area, applying classroom knowledge to real-world experiences, and developing life-long career skills. Students may be allowed to go to work for a number of days determined by their teacher and the cooperative education coordinator.
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Honors Course
Students have the opportunity to enroll in the Honors level course of their CTE program. The Honors course is for 12th-grade students who have demonstrated a high level of interest and achievement in their program and who aspire to an advanced level of learning. Students in the Honors course will be exposed to individualized industry-related advanced work, rigorous study of CTE subject matter with embedded academic content, and practical application of knowledge and skills to work-based situations. Students must meet the required prerequisites and submit a completed Academic Teacher Recommendation form during their 11th-grade year to be considered for the Honors level course.
Prerequisites:
100% of POS Tasks
GPA of >90% in CTE program
GPA of >80% in academic courses
Recommendation Form completed by an academic teacherSpecific Industry Certification:
• Adobe InDesign
• OSHA 10
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Career/College
Career possibilities:
- Bindery/Finishing Operator
- Production Artist
- Digital Press Operator
- Printing Customer Service Representative
- Graphic Designer
- Lithography/Offset Printing
- Printing Management
- Photographer
- Website and Digital Media Design
Pathways to College:
- PDE SOAR Agreement
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
- 1:1 Articulation Agreements
Kutztown University
St. Francis University
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Profile of a Graduate
Class of 2022 graduation plans:
Post-secondary education in a related field - 25%
Post-secondary education in an unrelated field - 38%
Employment related to this field - 13%
Employment unrelated to this field - 25%