Photo Illustration

Photo Illustration is a 24 credit program that introduces a range of photographic, designand graphic design skills, including camera operation, light control,principles of color and composition for 2 dimensional work, and a range ofindustry standard software programs and applications. Professional practicesand career paths are explored and all students complete a portfolio of work toprepare them for entry into the job market.

Career opportunities are stronger for self-employment, butentry level jobs in assisting, retail, post-production and marketing are alsopossible. Skills gained in this program are also valuable in related fieldssuch as video production or social media management.

Students who complete the program will demonstrate professional level proficiency in utilizing photography and graphic design to create expressive original works, appropriate for use in various applications including fashion and editorial, advertising and fine art.

Students will acquire a working knowledge of current graphic design and photographic software programs, including specific understanding of the strengths and appropriate applications of each program and an ability to work between the programs for strong outcomes.

Students will complete a professional portfolio and accompanying promotional materials appropriate for use in seeking employment in areas of design and media, such as advertising, editorial and fashion production, fine art and social media.

5 completers annually

The program is designed for students who have interests and inclinations in photography, graphic design and creative software application and plan to become a professional photographer, designer, or editor, or to work in areas of the publishing, advertising and/or social media industry. Targeted students include high school students and recent high school graduates working towards their first career, as well as persons returning to the workforce, changing careers, or enhancing skills for their existing career, including those who may already have graphic design or photography skills. It also includes retired workers who are considering part-time employment.

The program requires introductory level courses in 2-D design, photography and graphic design.

Student will also take intermediate level electives in both photography and graphic design, according to individual areas of interest and personal goals.

All student complete a capstone course designed to prepare students for entry into the job market by preparing a professional portfolio, website and promotional materials.

 

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
Photo 29 Art 007	Introduction to Photography Design and Color	3 3	S1
Art 45A Photo 32	Graphic Design 1 Digital Imaging	3 3	S2
Art 46 Photo 31, 45  or 151 (Elective)	Illustration Intermediate Photography, DSLR Videography or Pro Photo Intro	3 3	S3
Photo 158 Art 45B, 45C or 46C (Elective)	Photo Illustration Graphic Design II, Typography or Illustration II	3 3	S4

Visiting professionals increasingly describe a professional world that values a range of creative and technical skills that reach across traditional boundaries of photography, illustration and digital media. Students show an increasing interest in expanding their skills to meet those new needs in the labor market - this program responds directly to this need.

Napa College is the only program within commuting distance that offers a similar program. A description of their program follows: Photography AS Degree This degree provides a comprehensive foundation in Photography that is appropriate for students interested in working in the Photography field. This program offers two options: traditional and digital. Career Opportunities in Photography Photographic Assistant Digital Darkroom Technician Color Management Controller Fine Art Photography Newspaper Photographer Weddings/Event Photography Commercial photography Portrait photography Fine Art photography Editorial photography Documentary photography Photographic lab technician Photo assisting Digital Imaging Artist Photo Retoucher Napa’s program is similar in its range of classes, with the important exception that Napa does not offer classes in specific professional areas, nor does it offer classes focused on lighting and studio. Napa offers two degrees, one traditional and one digital, while Solano offers elective courses in film photography but most coursework is for digital photography for the professional degree, with an emphasis on contemporary professional practice..