• Home >
• Programs and Career Options >
• Career Programs >
• Design >
• Graphic Arts >
• Top 8 Questions

Top Eight Questions

1. What are the transfer options upon program completion? Articulation agreements with other colleges? How many hours will transfer?
Graphic Arts students have many transfer options. For a detailed explanation click on the Transfer link at the right.

2. Can I get credit for previous coursework or skills? (example – high school students who studied graphic arts or an employee who has worked in this area and just needs a few courses to upgrade skills for a new job.)
Students who graduate from Whiteside Area Career Center in Sterling, Illinois with a B average or higher in their Graphic Arts coursework can receive 4 cr. of college credit for Clinton Community College’s GA 108 Introduction to Graphic Art Technologies course. In addition, there are some test-out options available for those with previous work experience. Please see a program instructor for more information.

3. What kinds of software do you teach in the classes?
Required Programs: QuarkXPress, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Acrobat, FlightCheck, XHTML & Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and Mac & Windows Operating Systems
Optional Programs and languages: Actionscript, Adobe Flash, JavaScript

4. I am an artist, how can I use graphic arts to enhance my work? Increase my portfolio?
The program will give you a good understanding of what is printable vs. what is not, how the press works so that you can use it to your advantage and how to create things that are actually printable. You will learn how to set up files according to industry standards, how to use page layout, illustration and photo manipulation software that can enhance your work. You will have the opportunity to experiment with and learn new methods and how to correctly set-up electronic files so that what you want is what you get in the end.

5. Can I use my IBM computer at home to work on my projects?
Yes, if you have the appropriate software on your computer.

6. Will I be able to start my own web design business after this program?
This will depend a lot on how seriously you take your studies & assignments. How much you are willing to put into the learning process and the type of courses you decide to take. If this is your goal after graduation you should let your advisor know, so they can help you plan your studies, your projects, co-op’s, special projects and elective courses appropriately.

7. How much graphic design will I be able to do for a company upon program graduation?
This will depend a lot on how seriously you take your studies & assignments. How much you are willing to put into the learning process and the type of courses you decide to take. If this is your goal after graduation you should let your advisor know so they can help you plan your studies, your projects, co-op’s, special projects and elective courses appropriately. We suggest you plan a meeting with your advisor to discuss your plans either prior to beginning the program or during the first semester.

8. What kind of portfolio will I have after taking this program – pieces to show – skills learned?
Again, a lot will depend on you, what you are willing to put into each project and how you take advantage of additional opportunities. You will have many opportunities to complete a variety of work that can be used to create a professional looking portfolio. The quality of that portfolio will directly relate to the effort you put into it. It is always suggested that you complete assignments for portfolio quality, not for the grade. The grade will come, but it is not the ultimate goal.