Ivy Tech Columbus : FAQs

JOB-FOCUSED & PORTFOLI0-BASED :
Every class and every project is based on skills that are sought by employers. You will “hit the ground running” when you graduate. Most Ivy Tech project work is commercial or client-driven and hands-on; students graduate with a portfolio of real-world projects, which is ideal for job placement. Conceptual solutions and problem solving for real-world applications are stressed in all classes.

TECHNOLOGY-BASED :
The software you will use in the industry is the same software you will learn in the program. Ivy Tech-Columbus is simply without peer in the depth of training; for example, you will receive at least sixty-four classroom hours of instruction in most software – currently that includes Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, QuarkXPress, Macromedia Dreamweaver, and Macromedia Flash.

PROFESSIONAL CRITIQUES :
Each semester in jury, you have the opportunity to show your work to a panel of active professionals, who will offer advice, and tell you tales of actual client experiences. (Please call for details and to join us - these happen the last week of each semester – we’d love to have you visit to see the process, our students, and their work.)

FIELD TRIPS :
There will be plenty of chances for you to discover the ins and outs of this business, as you travel to studios, agencies, print shops, and more to see and hear the gurus who actually practice this creative art, and learn about the technology of the moment.

STRONG REPUTATION :
Employers know that a graduate of the Visual Communications program at Ivy Tech-Columbus has the skills, knowledge, and attitude they are seeking. Many Ivy Tech-Columbus graduates are now in management positions, and many have started their own businesses.

SMALL CLASS SIZE :
At Ivy Tech-Columbus, a big class is twenty students, most are ten to fifteen. You’ll know your instructors on a first-name basis, and you’ll get plenty of one-on-one feedback of your work.

PRIDE IN THE PRODUCT :
Want to talk with graduates or employers, to ask them about the program and their experiences? No problem. We’ll gladly give you names and phone numbers (just give us a call). Want to see student work, read student comments? No problem – see the testimonials on this page. The best way to see what we're all about is to visit the traditional end-of-semester jury; just call for details!

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BASIC PROGRAM INFORMATION :

The Visual Communications Program offers specialties in Graphic Design, Photography, and Web and Interactive Design. The program can be completed in six semesters, if a student takes a full load of classes (four classes ); students who need brush-up classes in reading, writing, or math will typically need more than two years to finish the program.

Students entering the program are exposed to a broad technical core of courses, covering key concepts such as developing dynamic compositions, using color effectively, using computer technologies efficiently and creatively, understanding the business side of the industry, and developing a professional portfolio.

Student projects receive one-on-one input from faculty, then critique from fellow students in a professional format, and, each semester, critique from working professionals in a juried setting.

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DEGREE OPTIONS :

The Visual Communications Program offers specialties in :

> > Graphic Design
> > Photography
> > Web and Interactive Design

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) : Offered in Visual Communications; given for completion of two-year degree, including all program classes and general education classes.

Professional Certificate : Given for completion of a group of classes (typically 5-8) that identifies the recipient as proficient in a narrow range of skills, such as Pre-Press Specialist, or Web Production Specialist. These certificates do not carry the same weight in the marketplace as the Associate’s Degrees.

Many students have completed one specialty (such as Photography), and then continued on to complete a second specialty (such as Graphic Design). None of the general education classes have to be repeated to accomplish this, so the second speciality is much easier to complete than the first.

DEGREES : Here's the "Big Picture"

DIVISION : Arts & Design

>>> PROGRAM : Visual Communications

>>> >>> SPECIALTY : Graphic Design

>>> >>> SPECIALTY : Web & Interactive Design

>>> PROGRAM : Environmental Design

>>> >>> SPECIALTY : Interior Design

Or, a visual picture

SEQUENCE OF CLASSES

> CLICK HERE FOR A VISUAL FLOWCHART OF CLASSES

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FAQ : CAREER INFO.
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What is graphic design?

Design, at its essence, is communication.

Everything graphic designers do, everything they create, is about getting a message across to an audience : designers add value by making this process more engaging and more accesible.

If your eye is drawn to an appealing package in the grocery store, you've experienced the added value of design. If you find a magazine layout particularly compelling, you've experienced the power of strong composition and typography. The list could be endless . . .

The graphic designer's tools are composition, type, photography, color, the computer, and so much more. The designer's primary tool, however, is the intellect : graphic designers are problem solvers - visual problem solvers.

A practiced, educated graphic designer can find that magical middle ground where the goals of the client and the desires of the audience come together : yet, they'll juggle all that plus the visual elements into something that works on so many levels it makes your head spin.

It's energizing, fascinating, sometimes maddening, and, in the end, incredibly rewarding, and fun.

Best of all, you get to work in a creative environment, with interesting people. You'll do something different and learn something new every day. You'll go home at night with lots to talk about, and feel good about.

Chances are, you'll even look forward to going to work.

Imagine that.

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WHAT COMPUTER EQUIPMENT WILL I NEED?

The Visual Communications Department has three Macintosh labs. Why Macs? Because the Mac is still the primary computer used by Visual Communicators, and, you are thus more likely to be working on a Mac after you graduate.

Thus, to prepare for the workplace, we suggest buying a Mac. The experience of working with a Mac regularly, and learning the ins and outs of making it work efficiently, will be an advantage when you transition to the workplace.

Students often find it frustrating to go back and forth between the two platforms, as well, so working exclusively on a Mac could make you a happier, more productive student.

That being said, you can get by with a Windows compatible computer, as well. Probably the primary issue is your source of support for troubleshooting. If all of your friends and relatives are PC users, than getting a PC might be a practical choice.

We recommend a laptop, as it works best for going back and forth from home to school, without the complication of switching systems, fonts, preferences, etc.

Here's the set-up we would recommend (updated 8/07):

$1,408

Macintosh MacBook portable computer (Apple.com)
> 2 gig RAM
> 120 gig hard drive
> Three-year full protection coverage

$353

Adobe Creative Suite, available at specal student pricing from many on-line sources, but cheapest for Ivy Tech students here :
> http://tinyurl.com/2m6xbt

$75

External USB hard drive (for backups)

$45

Fonts disk, compatible with lab fonts, available at :
> http://fontsite.com/

$1,881

TOTAL

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WHAT PHOTO EQUIPMENT WILL I NEED?

You will need access to a traditional 35 mm film camera for the Basic Photo classes (PHO 104, PHO 107).

For all other photo classes, you will need a semi-professional digital camera, such a Canon Rebel or Nikon D50 or D80. Depending on the model, the cost of these cameras range from $700-1,200.

A list of equipment and materials you will need
(all prices are estimates):

$2,950 : digital camera (with zoom lens)
$2,190 : Sekonic L-308S Flashmate Exposure Meter
$2,199 : Bogen tripod
$2))99 : Bogen professional tripod head
$2))99 : External hard drive
$2))10 : Cable release

$2,250 : Epson inkjet paper
$2,100 : traditional print paper
$2,200 : mounting materials

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$2,097

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