Course Description

In Graphic Design and Illustration, students will learn about a career in the many kinds of media and graphic design and illustration jobs including photographer, videographer, animator and advertiser. Students will cover digital photography, image editing and drawing programs. Students will also begin work on a high quality portfolio for college or design school. For students interested in continuing their Graphic Design and Illustration careers, Graphic Design and Illustration II and Practicum in Graphic Design and Illustration are also available.

In Graphic Design & Illustration students learn how to effectively communicate using visual art and design. Every aspect of the course is carefully planned to prepare serious young designers to pursue any form of graphic design and illustration in college or as a profession. The cornerstones of this course are professionalism, intention, and risk-taking.

Graphic Design students work independently and in creative teams in order to solve problems, visually communicate messages, and expand their skills into a digital medium. All students learn concepts such as color theory, typography, and the principles of design. Students then use this knowledge to solve real-world problems for actual businesses and organizations.

In order to be successful in this industry, designers must be able to succinctly communicate their ideas and connect with their audience. At the end of major projects, designers present their ideas to the client. You will learn how to craft professional pitches and create a compelling visual presentation.

Click the link above to view the class syllabus.

Alvin ISD offers students a unique opportunity to receive free testing to be an Adobe Certified Associate. We will take these tests during class after learning the material. We take these exams online through a company called Certiport.

Options for Testing:

Photoshop CC

InDesign CC

Illustrator CC

Adobe Animate CC

TEKS for Graphic Design and Illustration

Section 130.106 - Graphic Design and Illustration I (One Credit), Adopted 2015

(a) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grades 10-12. Recommended prerequisite: Principles of Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications. Recommended corequisite: Graphic Design and Illustration I Lab. Students shall be awarded one credit for successful completion of this course.

(b) Introduction.

(1) Career and technical education instruction provides content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills for students to further their education and succeed in current or emerging professions.

(2) The Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications Career Cluster is focused on careers in designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing multimedia content, including visual and performing arts and design, journalism, and entertainment services.

(3) Careers in graphic design and illustration span all aspects of the advertising and visual communications industries. Within this context, in addition to developing knowledge and skills needed for success in the Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications Career Cluster, students will be expected to develop an understanding of the industry with a focus on fundamental elements and principles of visual art and design.

(4) Students are encouraged to participate in extended learning experiences such as career and technical student organizations and other leadership or extracurricular organizations.

(5) Statements that contain the word "including" reference content that must be mastered, while those containing the phrase "such as" are intended as possible illustrative examples.

(c) Knowledge and skills.

(1) The student demonstrates professional standards/employability skills as required by business and industry. The student is expected to:

(A) identify and participate in training, education, or certification for employment;

(B) identify and demonstrate positive work behaviors and personal qualities needed to be employable;

(C) demonstrate skills related to seeking employment to find and obtain a desired job;

(D) maintain a career portfolio to document information such as work experiences, licenses, certifications, and work samples; and

(E) examine employment opportunities in entrepreneurship.

(2) The student applies academic knowledge and skills in art and design projects. The student is expected to:

(A) apply English language arts knowledge by demonstrating skills such as correct use of content, technical concepts, vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, and terminology to write and edit a variety of documents; and

(B) apply mathematics knowledge and skills such as using whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and knowledge of arithmetic operations.

(3) The student understands professional communications strategies. The student is expected to:

(A) adapt language such as structure and style for audience, purpose, situation, and intent;

(B) organize oral and written information;

(C) interpret and communicate information;

(D) deliver formal and informal presentations;

(E) apply active listening skills;

(F) listen to and speak with diverse individuals; and

(G) exhibit public relations skills.

(4) The student understands and employs problem-solving methods. The student is expected to:

(A) employ critical-thinking skills independently and in groups; and

(B) employ interpersonal skills in groups to solve problems.

(5) The student applies technology applications. The student is expected to use personal information management, email, Internet, writing and publishing, and presentation applications for art and design projects.

(6) The student understands design systems. The student is expected to analyze and summarize the history and evolution of related fields.

(7) The student applies cyber safety procedures. The student is expected to implement personal and professional safety rules and regulations.

(8) The student applies leadership characteristics to student leadership and professional development activities. The student is expected to:

(A) employ leadership skills;

(B) employ teamwork and conflict-management skills;

(C) conduct and participate in meetings; and

(D) employ mentoring skills.

(9) The student applies ethical decision making and understands and complies with laws regarding use of technology in graphic design and illustration. The student is expected to:

(A) exhibit ethical conduct related to interacting with others such as maintaining client confidentiality and privacy of sensitive content and providing proper credit for ideas;

(C) model respect for intellectual property;

(D) demonstrate proper etiquette and knowledge of acceptable use policies; and

(E) analyze the impact of the advertising and visual communication design industry on society.

(10) The student applies technical skills for efficiency. The student is expected to employ planning and time-management skills to complete work tasks.

(11) The student develops an increasing understanding of graphic design and illustration. The student is expected to research art and design career opportunities and qualifications.

(12) The student researches the history and evolution of art and design. The student is expected to:

(A) explain the history of visual arts and design;

(B) understand general characteristics in artwork from a variety of cultures; and

(C) compare current visual arts technologies with historical technologies.

(13) The student conducts oral or written critiques of designs. The student is expected to:

(A) interpret, evaluate, and justify design decisions;

(B) apply a critical method of evaluation;

(C) communicate an oral or written defense; and

(D) evaluate oral or written feedback.

(14) The student demonstrates an understanding of artistic design. The student is expected to analyze and apply art elements and principles in photographic works, multimedia applications, and digital and print media.

(15) The student employs a creative design process to create original two- or three-dimensional projects. The student is expected to:

(A) create designs for defined applications;

(B) apply elements of design;

(C) apply design principles and typography;

(D) use good composition;

(E) demonstrate anatomical figure drawing;

(F) demonstrate drawing in one-point, two-point, and multi-point perspective;

(G) create a project by applying color; and

(H) apply printing concepts.

19 Tex. Admin. Code § 130.106

Adopted by Texas Register, Volume 40, Number 39, September 25, 2015, TexReg 6617, eff. 8/28/2017