Computer Graphic Artist

PROGRAM OUTLINE

Instruction Sets
Your program consists of six Instruction Sets designed to take you step-by-step through the techniques and skills you'll use in your new career.

Here's how it works:Your first Instruction Set will be sent immediately after your enrollment has been accepted. Other Instruction Sets will follow as you complete your exams, so that you will always have training materials to work with.

You will need access to a computer to complete this program. Penn Foster recommends the following computer specifications: IBM® Compatible PC, with Pentium® IV or better processor, Microsoft® Windows® XP or later as the operating system with 512MB (1GB recommended) of RAM and 2GB of available hard drive space, and DVD-ROM drive. You must also have access to the Internet and have an email account.

Here is an overview of what you'll learn and the order in which you'll receive your lessons:

Instruction Set 1

Learning Strategies
The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our website; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations.

Introduction to Computer Art
Learning about the Computer Graphic Artistry field; basic equipment; skills needed; career opportunities.

Instruction Set 2

Color Theory
Aspects of color; conveying emotions and ideas with color; creating tints, shades, and intensities; major principles of color compositions.

Computer Graphics
The role of computer graphics in document layout; creating new or manipulating existing artwork, graphics, and photographs; multimedia, virtual reality, and animation.

Learning Aid: A Glossary of Computer Terms

Instruction Set 3

Internet Basics
Where to find browsers online; how to use a browser, including loading URLs, moving to other pages, saving pages and graphics, bookmarking, downloading, using email and search engines, setting preferences, plug-ins.

Elements of Design
You will learn about what to consider before laying out a document, the varieties of typefaces, the components of a typical page, line spacing, the E-scale system of measurement, how to use style manuals and specifications, as well as all the elements of a well-designed Web page.

Illustrations
Types of illustrations used by desktop publishers; selecting, sizing, and placing art in documents; arranging and manipulating images.

Equipment: E-scale pica ruler

Instruction Set 4

Introduction to Graphic Design
Introduction to Graphic Design; Perception, Dynamic Balance, and Gestalt Principles; Text Type, Layout, Illustration, and Photography in Design; Advertising Design; Color, Production Tools and Procedures, and Wed Design.

Textbook included.

Instruction Set 5

Graphics Design and Production (Illustrator®)
Getting Started with Illustrator and Creating Text and Illustrations; Transforming Objects and Working with Layers, Patterns, and Brushes; Filters, Effects, Appearance Attributes, and Graphs; Using Symbols; Preparing for Printing and the Web.

Textbook and Software included.

Graded Project.

Instruction Set 6

Working from Home
Carving out a niche; avoiding marketing mistakes; promoting your business; important tax secrets.

Selling Yourself as a Computer Graphic Artist
Constructing your resume; preparing your portfolio; fashioning electronic portfolios using pre-configured software packages.

Textbook: Working from Home

Online Library and Librarian
Students in Penn Foster Career School have access to an online library for use during their studies. Students can use this library to do the required research in the courses they complete or can use it for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and assist students in research activities during their studies with Penn Foster Career School.

We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.

Illustrator is a trademark of Adobe registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.

Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.

Pentium is a trademark of Intel Corporation registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.

IBM is a trademark of IBM Corporation registered in the United States of America and for other jurisdictions.