A few times a year, a student will write an article about Graphics. See what they have to say!
A Pandemic Can’t Keep Our Creativity Down
By Sean K., Serena High School
Though this year didn’t pan out like I wanted it to, going to IVVC for a second year was a great decision. While we were socially distant, I felt closer to the class than ever. My time at IVVC has been some of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve ever had in school. I’ve learned so much about my future career while having fun. My classmates and teacher, Ms. G make the class so much more entertaining. Normal school for me has always been boring and uneventful, but I want to come to IVVC everyday.
What I love about the class the most is the projects. I come in everyday, and it feels like something completely different, however we’re more or less doing the same thing in various ways. During my first year, the class is set up so that ¼ of the year is spent on one program then we switch at a certain point to another. We’re taught all of the tools and features while doing exercises, then once we understand the program more Ms. G gives us projects. In case the student does not understand something about the program or project, our teacher helps everywhere she can.
During my second year, I’m taking my newly learned skills into what I would be doing in a real job. Working with clients and designing everything from logos to posters. During this year, we focused on photography, building resumes, creating websites, with a little bit of marketing in between. With photography, we were given professional cameras to take home and learn all about how to take photos. We had to learn about light and the features of the camera. Then we built resumes and websites, which went hand and hand because we could use some of the same information on both. Then anywhere when we had extra time we continued learning more about the main programs.
These are things that will help us get jobs and be better prepared for college. Without taking these classes, I would be so lost going into college. Now I know exactly what I want to do with my life and I can say that it was thanks to IVVC and Ms G!
Graphic Design is defined as the art or skill of combining text and pictures in advertisements, magazines, or books. Some might hear this and be overwhelmed while some will be severely underwhelmed. The truth is graphic design is both. The process of creating something new is a magnificent phenomenon; a lot goes into making an idea turn to reality. A selection of people will be fantastic at coming up with ideas but have difficulties forging it into existence. However, many experience the opposite, they are great with manifesting products but can’t think of what to manifest. Whether you're great or horrendous at either of these two things, you'll be immersed in the world of design and be able to improve both physical skill and creativity.
Graphic Design is taught by the esteemed graphic artist, Kelly Gibbs, also known as Ms. G. Not only will she teach you everything you need to know including basic tools of Adobe programs, she will do her absolute best to empower you to reach your goals and perform to the best of your ability. You’ll have a lot of creative freedom for class assignments as well as free time for personal work. If you think you’re up for it, you can always complete live work (customer jobs) and get a taste of how it'll be for a designer in the real world.
The classroom is a very calm environment. Most of the time everyone is quietly working with a little bit of talking but you can just chill out. Music plays for the entire class as well to put everyone in a good mood. It is a prime atmosphere to get you inspired. You feel a good bond with your classmates, and everyone there is your friend and they are always very helpful if you need assistance. If you’re into art, this class is for you. Even if you aren’t sure if you're going to go into design or art, in general if you enjoy creating, you’ll love this class.
Being a part of Graphic Design II is a spectacular opportunity. In the classroom, everyone works together in a positive and creative manner and everyone lifts one another up. If you’re in an art block, fellow students around you will help the inspiration gears in your brain grind and turn. This is a great learning environment and it’s always laid back to just the right extent - as us artists are.
Ms. G. is so supportive of every idea and creation we come up with. As a second year student, I look forward to furthering my knowledge in graphic arts and photography. I strive to always make my artwork as good as it can get, and I don’t quit until I’m satisfied.