Visual Communication Design

“. . . Rend Lake College's program is truly an advanced study in design. The basis of graphic design that I received at RLC was beyond what most 4 year programs offer. My background at RLC has given me the upper-edge. . .” - Sara Barnett (2013 GRD RLC Graduate & Stephens College transfer student)

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If you are looking for a thriving career that grows with you and challenges your creativity, let Rend Lake College get you started by enrolling in our Visual Communication Design program! We have degree and certificate options.

Designers decide the most effective way of getting a message across in print, electronic, and film media using a variety of methods, such as color, type, illustration, photography, animation, and various print and layout techniques. They help to motivate, inspire, inform, and communicate ideas, concepts, and brands by visual problem solving for a particular audience. Designers use a variety of visual solutions and computer software, such as Adobe applications, to develop and create their design solutions. Designers are instrumental in the creation of:

Layout & design of magazines and other publications
Promotional displays
Product packaging
Advertising and marketing materials
Logos and signage
Web sites, video, mobile applications, and other multimedia

Degrees & Certificates in Visual Communication Design

APPLIED SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DIVISION

VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN — Degree

Associate in Applied Science Degree

Visual Communication Design includes planning, analyzing, and creating visual solutions to communication problems. Graphic designers use print, electronic, and film media while using a variety of methods such as color, type, illustration, photography, animation, and various print and layout techniques. Graphic designers develop the overall layout and production design of magazines, newspapers, journals, corporate reports, and other publications. They also produce promotional displays, packaging, marketing brochures for products and services, and logos for products and business, and develop signs/ signage for systems for design, interactive media, multimedia projects and may also create the opening and closing credits of movies and television programs. Surveys of area businesses indicate a demand for graduates of this two-year Associate in Applied Science Degree program.

► Total = 67 Hours

Fall Semester (18 Cr. Hrs.)

ART 1105 Drawing I
or GRD 1205 Drawing for Communications (3)
ENGL 1101 Rhetoric and Composition I ¹ (3)
GRD 1201 Introduction to Graphic Design (3)
GRD 1202 Typography and Color Theory (3)
GRD 2201 Adobe Essentials I (3)
MATH Math Elective (3)

Spring Semester (19 Cr. Hrs.)

COMM 1101 Principles of Effective Speaking (3)
GRD 1203 Advertising Design (3)
GRD 1206 Production Prepress (4)
GRD 1215 Web Page Design (3)
GRD 2215 Adobe Essentials II (3)
GRD 1209 Motion Design I (3)

Fall Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

GRD 2205 Motion Design II (3)
GRD 2206 Motion Design III (3)
GRD 2209 Computer Type Design (3)
GRD 2220 Adobe Essentials III (3)
GRD 2220 Advanced Web Design OR (3)
MRKT 2201 Principles of Marketing (3)

Fourth Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

CSCI 1102 Intro to Computers w/ Business Applications (3)
GRD 2204 Portfolio Review (3)
GRD 2203 Digital Illustration (3)
GRD 2218 Package Design (3)
BUSI 2107 Business Communications (3) OR
PSYC 2101 Introduction to Psychology (3)

¹ Prerequisite course(s) may be required based on test scores.

MARKETING SPECIALIST — Certificate

Occupational Certificate

The Marketing Specialist certificate prepares students for an entry-level career in marketing for business and industry-helping companies figure out what sells, what people are buying, and what type of people are buying what products. The curriculum also provides individuals with skills to create graphics to illustrate important information and translate complex findings and materials into easy-to-understand graphic solutions, brainstorm with team members for creative promotional campaigns and advertising while using appropriate channels and media outlets.

Gainful Employment Information

► Total = 24 Hours

First Semester (12 Cr. Hrs.)

GRD 1201 Introduction to Graphic Design (3)
GRD 1202 Typography and Color Theory (3)
GRD 2201 Adobe Essentials I (3)
MRKT 2201 Principles of Marketing (3)

Second Semester (12 Cr. Hrs.)

GRD 1203 Advertising Design (3)
GRD 1215 Web Page Design (3)
BUSI 2107 Business Communications (3)
GRD 2215 Adobe Essentials II (3)

GRAPHIC WEB DESIGN — Certificate

Occupational Certificate

This certificate will prepare individuals with the necessary skills for entry-level positions in the area of Web Design. The curriculum emphasizes a general knowledge of design elements and principles, typography, color theory, beginning and intermediate Adobe software training, web design applications and mobile platforms in a hands-on learning experience in the laboratory classroom.

Gainful Employment Information

► Total = 18 Hours

First Semester (Fall) (9 Cr. Hrs.)

GRD 1201 Introduction to Graphic Design (3)
GRD 1202 Typography and Color Theory (3)
GRD 2201 Adobe Essentials I (3)

Second Semester (Spring) (6 Cr. Hrs.)

GRD 1215 Web Design (3)
GRD 2215 Adobe Essentials II (3)

Third Semester (Summer) (3 Cr. Hrs.)

GRD 1220 Advanced Web Design (3)

GRAPHIC TECHNICIAN — Certificate

Occupational Certificate

The Graphic Technician certificate program prepares students for employment requiring design responsibilities in a variety of organizational settings. The curriculum partners the necessary knowledge of design techniques with skills needed to be successful in business settings through enhanced communication skills and a working knowledge of office systems software.

Gainful Employment

►Total = 37 Hours

First Semester (9 Cr. Hrs.)

GRD 1201 Introduction to Graphic Design (3)
GRD 1202 Typography and Color Theory (3)
GRD 2201 Adobe Essentials I (3)

Second Semester (10 Cr. Hrs.)

GRD 1203 Advertising Design (3)
GRD 1206 Production Prepress (4)
GRD 2215 Adobe Essentials II (3)

Third Semester (9 Cr. Hrs.)

CSCI 1102 Intro to Computers w/ Business Applications (3)
GRD 2209 Computer Type Design (3)
GRD 2220 Adobe Essentials III (3)

Fourth Semester (9 Cr. Hrs.)

BUSI 2107 Business Communications (3)
GRD 2204 Portfolio Review (3)
GRD 2218 Package Design (3)

MOTION DESIGN — Certificate

Occupational Certificate

The Motion Design Certificate provides fundamental knowledge of digital imaging, video, and motion graphics. Students begin with 2D and 3D fundamentals, imaging, and design. Students then study the aesthetic and design aspects of digital media with focused courses in graphic design and advanced imaging. Students explore how to animate in digital video, After Effects, and Adobe Premiere Pro. Motion Design professionals may pursue careers that include video production and post-production, visual effects, advertising, web applications, graphics software, architectural design, 3D modeling and simulation, and scientific research or visualization.

Gainful Employment Information

► Total = 30 Hours

First Semester (12 Cr. Hrs.)

GRD 1201 Introduction to Graphic Design (3)
GRD 1202 Typography and Color Theory (3)
GRD 2201 Adobe Essentials I (3)
GRD 1205 Drawing for Communications (3)

Second Semester (12 Cr. Hrs.)

GRD 1209 Motion Design I (3)
GRD 2215 Adobe Essentials II (3)
GRD 1215 Web Design (3)
GRD 1203 Advertising Design (3)

Third Semester (6 Cr. Hrs.)

GRD 2205 Motion Design II (3)
GRD 2206 Motion Design III (3)

Visual Communication Design Brochure

Visual Communication Design

Program Costs

Graphic Design Degree

Graphic Design Certificate

Program Outcomes

Graphic Design

Demonstrate the basic understanding of elements and principles of design.
Analyze a design problem through the design process.
Construct oral, visual, and/or written critiques upon analysis of a design.
Demonstrate concepts of a final product of visuals and typography utilizing oral presentation of work and a written design brief.
Communicate effectively as individuals and collaboratively about design concepts.
Prepare, design, and implement media for use by service bureau.
Demonstrate proficiency in graphic software applications for the completion of a design.

Articulation

Articulation agreements document a pathway between Rend Lake College and the following schools for the academic program(s) listed. Rend Lake College has entered into articulation agreements with these four-year institutions in order to enable students to transfer smoothly to those institutions provided the agreed-upon coursework is completed. See an Academic Advisor for more information.

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design
Graphic Design Bachelors of Fine Arts

Watkins College of Art, Design & Film
Graphic Design Bachelors of Fine Arts

EIU AAS Visual Communication Design to BS Graphic Design

Headlines

RLC expands, enhances Visual Communication Design program

Rend Lake College has expanded its design program with new course offerings and a name change. The Visual Communication Design program (formerly Graphic Design) is staying on trend with the innovations in the field of design to include not only graphic design print and production training, but also advanced web techniques, MOTION DESIGN and design thinking. The new motion design courses; Motion...

Faculty & Staff

Shari Carpenter

Dean of Applied Science & Technology

Phone Extension: 1774

Building: South Oasis

Office: 145

Emily VanDeveer

Administrative Assistant | Applied Science & Technology Division

Phone Extension: 1261

Building: South Oasis

Office: 134

A.A.S - RLC, B.A.S - SIUC

Jennifer Tarantino Linsin

Visual Communication Design Professor

Phone Extension: 1716

Building: North Oasis

Office: 110

M.S.Ed. & B.A., Southern Illinois Univ. Carbondale | A.A., John A. Logan College

Applied Science & Technology Division
Phone: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1261
Email: [email protected]
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Applied Science
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: Applied Science

Getting Started Is Easy As 1 - 2- 3!

Visual Communication Design

Degrees & Certificates in Visual Communication Design