Visual Arts and Design / Multimedia Design

About Visual Arts

Foundations of Art and Media -Students are introduced to the variety of programs and occupations in the arts, audio/video technology, and communication systems. Within this context, students will be expected to develop an understanding of the various and multifaceted career opportunities in this cluster and the knowledge, skills, and educational requirements for those opportunities.

Graphic Design and Illustration I and II - Students learn about a career in the many kinds of media and graphic design and illustration jobs. Digital photography and working towards the intermediate level use of image editing and drawing programs are strongly focused upon in this class. This is helpful for any future photographer, videographer, animator or advertiser.  Students will begin developing a high quality portfolio for college or design school.

Practicum in Graphic Design and Illustration - design portfolios are expanded upon and improved in this second year of Graphic Design and Illustration. There is study of college design and media programs. Time is spent learning advanced concepts in illustration and the advertising and media business and new software programs while continuing to hone skills in image editing and digital photography. Large format printing of projects is common in this class. Students may select an area of visual communication to begin specializing in during this year of study. It is a high level of media study where specializations such as motion graphics may begin.

Animation - an introduction to traditional animation. This course covers essential knowledge, skills, and concepts required for postsecondary fields of study. Upon completion of this course, students are able to describe various careers within animation, as well as admission requirements for postsecondary fields of study in Colorado. Students will digitally create both 2D animations and 3D computer-generated animations. The basic principles of design and animation will be covered that have been used by professionals. Students will have drawing assignments to help them in character design, layout, and story development. With the approval of the instructor, students may have the choice to complete major projects in either 2D or 3D.

Photography I - course focuses on studio-based photography. Students will learn basic SLR and DSLR camera operations, framing and the art of styling and lighting for professional photo shoots. Projects will include various print advertisements and studio work. Students will learn about careers in related to commercial photography and the postsecondary programs and requirements within Colorado. Some examples of jobs in this area are photographer, graphic designer and stylist. Students will complete a number of projects and design pieces to be added to personal portfolios.

Intermediate Photography - emphasizes the needs of commercial photographers with regard to technical expertise, creativity, and professional equipment. Technical aspects include film to digital transfer, lighting, digital image manipulation, alternative processes, and stock photography. Creative exploration of subject matter, lighting, color theory and other psychological characteristics in the development of images are studied. A variety of photographic equipment is utilized for the studio and on location. Advanced darkroom procedures such as film processing, contact printing, and alternative processes will be covered. Students are expected to create a portfolio of work for both print and electronic formats.

AP 2D Photography - Designed for students with a serious interest in photography, the AP Studio Art—2D Design course enables students to refine their skills and create artistic works to be submitted to the College Board for evaluation. Students are asked to demonstrate proficiency in photography. This type of design involves purposeful decision making about how to use the elements and principles of art in an integrative way with the entire spectrum of ideas. Additionally, this course is an Advanced Placement course. Students are expected to take an exam given by the College Board each year in May. Students who pass this examination may earn college credit. Students must remain enrolled for the entire school year to receive AP credit and the corresponding weighted grade.

Filmmaking - Students learn how to use digital video editing software to create, edit, and save movies. Students create movies using digital video clips, digital photos and music. The basics of shooting good video, capturing video from a camera to a computer, creating movies for the web, and creating a finished product will be covered. Students in this class will be responsible for the daily production of Rebel News Network.

Print Media / Yearbook - Students demonstrate their understanding of a variety of programs and occupations in print media using digital tools that are widely available in professional publication work. Focus is on producing content for reader-oriented publications. Instruction will be paired with hands-on lab experiences in community reporting, both verbal and visual.

Teacher

Megan Kling

As a Columbine alum, I knew I wanted to be a photography teacher when I was a sophomore in the same classroom that I now get to teach in everyday. Photography has always been my passion and joy, so getting to share that with students makes my heart whole. Years ago I was approached to become our yearbook advisor, I was happy to accept the job and continue to allow students to use photography as a practical and career driven class. 



Jesse Preston

Jesse Preston is a native of Colorado, and a product of Colorado schools attending Golden High School and Mesa State College (now Colorado Mesa University), where he received a BFA in graphic design. He was also a 4-year letterman at wide receiver, and team captain for the Mesa State Mavericks football team. After college he worked as the lead graphic artist at FASTSIGNS of Arvada for 5 years, while also attending the Metro State College teacher licensure program where he became a licensed art, CTE, physical education, and science teacher. He was an art teacher and coach at the Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy for 14 years. His students have won several district and community art awards including ‘Best of Show’ in the 2010 DPS K-8 Exhibition, 'Best of Show' in the 2016 Citywide High School Art Show, 2nd Place at the 2018 Congressional Art Show along with 5 other ribbon winners since. In 2012 he received the inaugural ‘DPS Teacher Exemplary Concept Integration Award’ for his students' work and his art teaching concepts. He also coached softball, flag-football, basketball, and baseball at KCAA. Winning 3 Prep-League Southwest Division Championships (Baseball 2011, Flag-Football 2013 and 2014). This past summer he accepted a new position at Columbine High School in Jeffco teaching Graphic Design, Animation, Drawing and Foundations of Design. Mr. Preston is married to Kelli Preston. They have a 10-year-old son named William, and an 8-year-old daughter named Maddox.

Industry Partner

Herff Jones

Jay Dickman

Community Partners- Sign up to participate in the "HIGH SCHOOL" CTE Advisory Committee!

Megan.Kling@jeffco.k12.co.us for Photography related partners

Josh.Brownlow@jeffco.k12.co.us for Graphic Design, Animation, or Video/Filmmaking partners.