Located in the beautiful Alabama Center for the Arts in downtown Decatur (see maps page), the Visual Communications Program is designed to teach the practical application of artistic skills to projects encountered in business and industry. Students may select from a variety of areas in our program, including:
- Graphics and Digital Design
- 3D Modelling and Animation
- Multimedia Production and Technology
Each of our areas of study teach basic skills and concepts, current techniques, software, and current applications. A good foundation is offered in drawing, design, and art history. The student is encouraged to use these skills to develop a portfolio to use in finding employment.
In today’s technology-centered society, the computer is a central tool for designers. Students in the Visual Communications Program have access to computer labs equipped with the latest industry standard hardware and software. Courses are designed to teach the creative application of these programs to projects that will be encountered in the workplace. Students engage in active learning environments, individual and team projects, as well as critical analysis and workplace readiness.
For more information contact:
Jax Vadney
Visual Communications Instructor/Fine Arts Chair
jacki.vadney@593c18ac56.nxcli.net
256-306-2703
Associate of Applied Science Degrees
The Computer Graphics Program has three Associate in Applied Science Degrees to choose from:
Option I — Graphics & Digital Design
This program is for those interested in refining artistic talents and in preparing a professional quality portfolio in order to strengthen employment possibilities. Courses in graphic design, advertising, computer graphics and technical illustration are emphasized in this program. Some courses are offered only once a year in the day program on the Decatur campus. Students should plan schedules with the advice of the art faculty. A formal review of a professional quality portfolio of the student’s work is required upon completion of the program of study.
Option II — 3D Modeling & Animation
This program is for those interested in refining artistic talents and in preparing a professional quality portfolio in order to strengthen employment possibilities. Courses in graphic design, advertising, computer graphics, technical illustration, multimedia production, and animation are emphasized in this program. Some courses are offered only once a year in the program on the Decatur Campus. Students should plan schedules with the advice of the art faculty. A formal review of a professional quality portfolio of the student’s work is required upon completion of the program of study. Option III offers a greater emphasis on Graphic Animation/Electronic Imaging.
Option III – Multimedia Production Technology
This program prepares students to communicate dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the making and producing of films and videos. It includes instruction in the theory of film, film technology and equipment operation, film production, film directing, film editing, cinematographic art, film audio, techniques for making specific types of films and/or videos, media technologies, computer image-making, multi-media production, and the planning and management of film/video operations.
Software Utilized in the Program
A variety of software packages are utilized in the Visual Communications program, including the industry-standard packages, providing students with the background they need to become competitive in the field.
Blender is used in CAT 283 3-D Graphics and Animation, ART 283 & 284, Graphics Animation I and II. Blender has won runner-up in Mac Competition. This validates the use of the open source software Blender used in our class. Many Students ask about this software.
In addition, our Visual Communications Program teaches the full Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, XD, and Premiere Pro. Our courses also teach and incorporate ProTools, Figma, and other software as we see it being utilized in the workforce.
- Visual Communications 3D Modeling and Animation, A.A.S.
- Visual Communications Digital Publishing, A.A.S.
- Visual Communications Graphic Design, A.A.S.
- Visual Communications Multimedia Production Technology Short-Term Certificate
- General Studies AS – Art Example Plan of Study
- AAS Multimedia Production Technology
[career_coach program=”Visual Communication, Multimedia Production Technology”]
Visual Communications Careers
Some students enroll in this program at entry level. Others enroll for job advancement or to learn new skills for a variety of reasons. Graduates may be employed in the printing industry, an in-house advertising department in a technical or manufacturing firm, an advertising agency or marketing firm, a video production firm, at a magazine or newspaper, or at a variety of other businesses. Some graduates prefer to work free-lance or start their own businesses. A few examples of area firms employing students from the program include Graphic Color, Precision Graphics, United Technologies, Adtran, NASA, Tennessee Valley Press, The Decatur Daily, American Graphics, and Huntsville Utilities.
Check out career data based on the programs below: