Art: Graphic Design/Digital Media
7 courses · Chaffey College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
ARTGD 13 History of Graphic Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Study of visual communication integrating typography and image. History of graphic design from the invention of writing to the present electronic age. Relationships between art movements, social settings, and graphic communications styles. Emphasis on Western design, with exploration of non-European cultures.
ARTGD 63 Introduction to Graphic Design
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ARTS 250
An introduction to visual communications in the field of graphic design. The course includes: concept development, the creative design process, production, and presentation techniques through the development of design projects on various media using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. The course covers design and production skills, including beginning computer software skills. Students develop conceptual and technical abilities to amplify content through composition, image, typography, symbolism, and experimentation. Emphasis will be placed on the application of basic design principles to graphic design problems in visual communications. Design solutions will explore the potential of strategy, concept, and design, utilizing composition, layout, illustration, photography, typography, and symbology. Exercises emphasize the different aspects of analytical and creative design through typical media. For example: a brochure, poster, or billboard advertising. Topics include: Fundamental studies in the history, theories, techniques, and practices of professional graphic design, and developing graphic design projects for traditional and emerging technologies.
ARTGD 73 Typography and Layout
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: ARTGD 63
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An Introduction to typography for visual communications in the graphic design industries. The class emphasizes the use of typography in the design process, including aspects of analytical and creative design through typical media. For example: a brochure, poster, or magazine ad. Considering typographic graphic design projects for traditional and emerging technologies. Students explore the evolution and classification of letterforms from ancient to contemporary, and feature the investigation of structure, format, legibility, and expression. Exercises include both hand and digital skills, with an emphasis on the application of typography.
ARTGD 74 Identity System Design
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: ARTGD 73
- Transfers to
- CSU
The creation of visual identity programs, also known as branding, provides integrated graphic and typographic systems for identifying businesses and organizations in all media and communication contexts. It explains the formal and conceptual organizing considerations that effective branding systems are built on, from initial visual research and concept generation, to final implementation. This course is a final portfolio development class for the Graphic Design for Digital Media certificate and degree program.
ARTGD 82 Introduction to Digital Media
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Advisory
- ART 10; ARTGD 63
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to the design and development of time-based digital media. The course will cover motion graphics, video, animation, sound, social media and web uploading, using Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
ARTGD 83 Web Design
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: ARTGD 63
- Advisory
- ARTGD 82
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to design and production for the web and/or mobile devices using Figma. Topics include building prototypes, the use of Photoshop and Illustrator in UI production, principles of UX/UI design, dynamic user interaction, site/app development, and portfolio production for the web and mobile spaces.
ARTGD 84 Motion Graphic Animation
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: ARTGD 82
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to motion graphics animation and video for design production. The course will cover the use of Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro as they apply to motion graphics, graphic design, visual effects, and animation. Topics include motion typography, stop motion, editing, reel production, timing, organization, and workflow management.