Real Work That Leaves a Mark

Graphic Design at Brea Olinda High School

Graphic design uses images, color, and text to communicate an idea. In our classes, students learn to turn their ideas into designs that people can understand and use.

Through North Orange County ROP, students build creative and technical skills while learning to solve problems, work with others, and explain their design choices.

Year 1: Visual Communication

Learn the basics. Build your skills. Explore your ideas.

Students learn how color, shapes, images, and fonts work together to communicate a message. They practice researching, sketching, creating, and improving their designs.

• Design basics: balance, contrast, spacing, and where to draw attention.

• Color and typography: choosing colors and fonts that fit the message.

• Adobe Illustrator: creating digital drawings with shapes and lines.

• Adobe Photoshop: editing photos and combining images.

• Creative projects: illustrations, posters, advertisements, and logo design.

This year began with communicating without words, exploring design principles, and creating low-poly illustrations from simple shapes. Students will continue building their skills through design projects and begin collecting their strongest work in a portfolio.

Year 2: Advanced Graphic Design

Build on the basics. Design with a purpose. Prepare for real work.

Students take on more challenging projects and learn to design for a specific audience. They develop ideas, present their work, use feedback, and prepare finished designs for print or digital use.

• Illustration and typography: creating stronger images and layouts.

• Logo design and branding: building a visual identity and applying it to different items.

• Design history: exploring styles such as Bauhaus and using what they learn in their own work.

• Client projects: understanding a request, developing concepts, and making revisions.

• Career preparation: building a portfolio and practicing professional communication.

This year, students have created an owl illustration for a T-shirt and presented their design process. Current work includes personal logo design and preparation for client consultations. Upcoming work will connect design history, branding, and other applied projects.

Wildmark Design Studio

Wildmark connects classroom learning with the experience of working in a design studio. This year, selected advanced students are working on projects for Brea Olinda High School staff. Other students practice the same process through simulated client projects.

Students learn to listen carefully, confirm what a client needs, research examples, sketch ideas, present designs, and make revisions. Along the way, they practice teamwork, meeting deadlines, and taking responsibility for their work.

Meet the Teacher

David Block is a graphic designer and North Orange County ROP teacher at Brea Olinda High School. He has worked in design since 1991 and taught high school graphic design since 2015.

His goal is to help students become thoughtful designers who can explain their choices, solve problems, and create work they are proud to share.