The Visual Art and Design program provides the artistic student with an opportunity to explore various visual communication fields. Course units are designed to guide students through the fundamentals of drawing, design, color, tools, and techniques. You learn many art terms, basic theory, and the production process. First year you will develop and refine their drawing skills with the study of form, composition, light and shade, figure drawing, perspective, mechanical drawing, and lettering. During this foundation year, students work primarily in black and white, pencil, charcoal, and ink. Second year students learn the principles of design with an emphasis on concept and style. You will learn color theory, illustration and medium exploration. Beginning with basics, you can advance to special painting techniques using gouache, watercolor, colored ink, acrylics, and colored pencils. Third year students are ready to work on more complicated projects utilizing the skills learned in the first and second year. Units include graphic design, advertising design, typography, computer graphics, cartooning, and graphic art production.

Qualities and Characteristics of the Program

 If you are

·         creative
·         imaginative
·         innovative
·         original
·         talented
·         artistic 

If you have

• an interest in the visual arts
• the ability to distinguish colors
• near vision, arm-hand steadiness, and finger dexterity
• problem solving abilities
• basic math skills in measurement, percentages and fractions
• basic English skills including spelling, writing, and reading comprehension
• the ability to start and complete projects within a given time frame

If you like to

• work on activities of an abstract or creative nature
• work with small tools, creative materials, paint and color
• organize information
• develop creative ways to solve problems
• work independently and see the results of your efforts
• work as a team player on projects that reflect the actual work of a visual artist in various fields

You will need

• toolbox
• 3-ring binder
• highlighter marker
• student tool kit (to be purchased directly through the school)
• artist portfolio (senior year)

If you think

• these qualities and characteristics describe YOU

This may be the program you are looking for!

Nature of the Program:  Commercial artists generally fall into one of two categories – graphic designers and illustrators, depending not on the medium, but on the purpose for creating the work. Graphic artists design logos, brochures, packaging, promotional displays, and corporate report covers as well as help with the layouts for magazines, newspapers, and other publications.  Graphic artists may use traditional tools and mediums or may use the computer. They may be employed by a design firm or freelance.  Illustrators paint or draw realistic, abstract, or whimsical pictures for books, magazines, publications, advertisements, and paper products including greeting cards, calendars, wrapping paper, posters, wallpaper, and textiles. Illustrators can work in a variety of mediums and can work on many types of illustrations or specialize on a specific style or area (i.e. fashion or wildlife). Most graphic artists work a standard 40-hour workweek. Some overtime may be required to meet a deadline. They work in art and design studios. Their offices are usually well lighted and well ventilated to prevent exposure to fumes from glue, paint, ink, and other materials. Illustrators generally work on a freelance basis from their home for a variety of clients. 

Safety and Health: Paint thinners, turpentine, lacquer thinner and various solvents are used sparingly and avoided if at all possible in the Visual Art and Design program. However, special projects may warrant limited use. Hazards from these chemicals may cause dizziness, irritations to eyes, nose and throat; can affect the respiratory system and can cause dry, cracked or irritated skin. Adhesives, rubber cement, spray adhesive, spray fixatives and permanent markers are used periodically. Vapors are hazardous when inhaled so limited use is considered and monitored. Vapors can cause dizziness, headaches, numbness, gastric and nervous system damage. Sprays can blind. The majority of the paints and supplies used on a daily basis such as pencils, charcoals, water-based paint and inks are labeled as non-toxic and has the approved health label seal from the manufacturer. Safety lessons are part of the art curriculum and all students must take a safety test and practice safe techniques while using all art tools and supplies. 

Completion of the Program:  Upon completion of the commercial art and design program, students should have the qualifications to work as a freelance artist. Students are encouraged to continue their education. As in many fields, additional education enhances job opportunities and earnings. Pennsylvania has a good selection of 2 or 4-year degree programs in commercial art. All seniors graduating are required to complete a portfolio of art related to their chosen field. 

Related Occupations: Layout artist, sign painter, calligrapher, children’s book illustrator, greeting card designer, digital artist, graphic designer, advertising artist, toy designer, interior designer/decorator, industrial designer, cartoonist/animator, costume/fashion designer, exhibit/display artist, technical illustrator/wildlife illustrator, photographer, color consultant, or art teacher/art therapist.