Graphic Communications Program Overview
Interested in Graphic Communications?
Visual communications has fallen under many different names over the years, including commercial art, graphic design, advertising design, publication design, graphic arts, and multimedia. The Graphic Communications (GRC) program offers classes that lead to an Associates degree or a Certificate of Achievement. Instruction includes the use of industry standard graphics software, and GRC computer labs are equipped with the latest Apple Mac Pro and iMac Intel-based computers with support scanners, black and white and color printers, a sound booth for creating and capturing audio, and a complete prepress/print shop facility.
The bottom line is if you want to learn how to create, produce and reproduce visual graphics that communicate to an audience, then graphic communications is for you. TMCC's graphic communications program teaches the theories and applications necessary to get a job in this exciting field.
Competency-based program
You, as a learner, are the most important part of instruction. In performance-based instruction, we carefully identify what you need to be able to do as a result of an instructional experience. Next, we determine how you can show that you have learned these skills. Finally, we plan learning activities that will help you develop the skills.
Thinking of making a change?
It's a great time to go back to school. TMCC and the GRC program and put you on the fast track to one of the fastest expanding fields of work in the world. It's never to late to get educated! Below is a chart emphasizing the power of an education.
Education Pays
Performance-based instruction
What you will learn is based on the skills you will need rather than on outlines of information. You can plan how to invest your time and energy. To help you do that, we tell you right up front what you will learn, how we expect you to show when you have learned, and how you may go about learning. You know the standards for evaluation before the performance test. You earn a grade according to how well you perform the skills rather than according to how well others in the class perform. You are not graded on a curve. You are actively involved in the learning. We design learning activities and assignments that teach you to solve problems and to learn on your own. When you complete a learning experience, you have documentation showing the skills you have learned. You can use this information when you seek employment, admission to further education, advanced standing or transfer of credit.
Apply today
If you are serious about your education and have a passion for great design apply today to get on the path to a great career. Successful graduates can expect to find a job in any creative field they specialize in from animation to web design.
Class List
Foundation classes
GRC 107
Design Fundamentals
Foundation course in the application and appreciation of the basic principles and elements of design, including form, shape, value and spatial relationships. Emphasis will be placed on developing creative skills and working with the design process. Challenge by portfolio is available.
GRC 109
Color & Design
Color theories, color technologies and the applications of color in art and design. Intermediate, two-dimensional design problems focusing on the compositional, optical and psychological aspects of visual communication.
GRC 110
Rendering & Illustration
Foundation course for developing basic skills and techniques in visualizing and rendering images in 2D and 3D presentations. Projects will focus on manual techniques and their applications in print and digital media. Challenge by portfolio is available. This course may not transfer to a baccalaureate degree of art or science within the universities in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).
GRC 118
Print Media
Foundation course that introduces computer systems and applications as they relate to graphic communication for print media. Class will present a project-based overview of vector-draw, image manipulation, page layout and electronic publishing software. Challenge exam is available.
GRC 119
Digital Media
Foundation course that introduces computer systems and applications as they relate to graphic communications for digital media. Class will present a project-based overview of content creation, Web design, Web animation, digital video and 3D modeling. Challenge exam is available.
GRC 122
Letterforms
Foundation course on creating and manipulating typographic forms for print and digital media. Introduction to the theories and technologies of letterform communication, design and execution. This course may not transfer to a baccalaureate degree of art or science within the universities in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).
Elective Classes
GRC 132
Principles of Animation
Introduction to the principles and techniques of 2D animation. Manual assignments will be completed for output to analog and digital formats for screening and portfolio. Course lectures and discussions will include professional production processes for TV, film, games and the Web, as well as potential strategies to gain employment in the field. This course may not transfer to a baccalaureate degree of art or science within the universities in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).
GRC 135
Storyboarding
Introduction to techniques and strategies for visual storytelling. Visual language and syntax for narrative, non-linear, alternative and experimental storytelling methodologies will be explored. Story structure, character development, style, premise, genre, and format (commercial ad, interstitial, PSA, short, feature, music video, Web, games, etc.) will be discussed. This course may not transfer to a baccalaureate degree of art or science within the universities in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).
GRC 144
Layout and Typography
Introduction to typography and page layout software. Typographic theory, copy acquisition, proofreading and fundamentals of typographical layout and design. This course may not transfer to a baccalaureate degree of art or science within the universities in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).
GRC 153
Commercial Printing
An intermediate course in commercial printing processes including screen printing and offset lithography. Hands-on class will focus on electronic pre-press and printing methods used in commercial printing. This course may not transfer to a baccalaureate degree of art or science within the universities in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).
GRC 156
Computer Illustration
An introductory/intermediate class in the creation and execution of designs and illustrations in the digital environment. Class will focus on vector-draw software, including the tools and techniques required to produce professional-level artwork.
GRC 175
Web Design & Publishing I
Introduction to authoring for the World Wide Web using industry standard software applications. Topics covered include planning, designing and building a Web site, aesthetics, creating and optimizing computer graphics for Web, information architecture, navigation and interactivity, Web publishing, Web hosting and site management.
GRC 181
Digital Video I
Introduction to the basic principles and practices of digital video production. The course covers every phase of introductory digital video pre-production, production and post-production processes from idea to final output including: story and concept development, lighting, recording and capturing footage, importing and managing clips, editing methods and creating transitions, special effects, titles and credits, sound design and output to different formats. This course may not transfer to a baccalaureate degree of art or science within the universities in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).
GRC 183
Electronic Imaging
An intermediate course in the application of graphics software to create pixel based images using industry standard pixels based software. Class will cover digital camera and scanner operation and emphasize image manipulation and optimization processes for pixel images.
GRC 184
3D Modeling I
Introduction to systems and applications as they relate to digital 3D modeling. Class will focus on character design and execution in a 3D environment, primitive box and organic modeling, texturing, rendering, lighting and production processes. This course may not transfer to a baccalaureate degree of art or science within the universities in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).
GRC 188
Web Animation & Interactivity I
Introduction to animation and interactivity for use in CD-ROM, DVD or Web based interactive documents using industry standard software applications. Course content focuses on planning, design and building animated and interactive digital content. Topics include information architecture, interface design and navigation, introductory programming, drawing, audio, video, and publishing options.
GRC 244
Layout & Typography II
Advanced studio covering typography, graphic design and advertising theories and techniques for print media. Class will focus on creativity and the creative process and how these principles affect communication of ideas. Topics include image/copy interaction, production techniques and the use of type in complex compositions as well as multipage documents. This course may not transfer to a baccalaureate degree of art or science within the universities in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).
GRC 256
Computer Illustration II
An intermediate/advanced class in the creation and execution of designs and illustrations in the electronic environment. Class will focus on vector-draw software and more advanced principles of design to produce artwork for print and digital media. This course may not transfer to a baccalaureate degree of art or science within the universities in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).
GRC 275
Web Design & Publishing II
Advanced Web page design using industry-standard applications. Topics include planning and design, programming, interactivity, behaviors, animation, page weighting, meta tags, databases, Web hosting and site management. This course may not transfer to a baccalaureate degree of art or science within the universities in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).
GRC 281R
Digital Video II
The second course in the video series which builds upon skills learned in Digital Video I. Intermediate level techniques in non-linear editing, sound design and special effects, including an introduction to motion graphics production, and video composting, including titles and credits. This course may not transfer to a baccalaureate degree of art or science within the universities in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).
GRC 283
Electronic Imaging II
An advanced course in the application of graphics software to create pixel based imagery using industry standard pixel based software. Class will cover advanced image manipulation and optimization processes for pixel images as well as simple based animation and video manipulation. This course may not transfer to a baccalaureate degree of art or science within the universities in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).
GRC 284
3D Animation I
First class in 3D animation will introduce software interface and usage for animation. Topics include timeline and animation techniques, curve editing, animation controls, kinematics, hierarchies, particle systems and special camera effects. This course may not transfer to a baccalaureate degree of art or science within the universities in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).
GRC 287
3D Animation II
Second class in 3D animation will develop more advanced techniques in character modeling and animation. Topics include character motion, rigging, application of animation controls, kinematics, hierarchies from GRC 284, scene layout and control, and production/export processes for video and multimedia distribution. This course may not transfer to a baccalaureate degree of art or science within the universities in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).
GRC 288
Web Animation & Interactivity II
Advanced animation and interactivity for the Web and CD-ROM using Macromedia Flash. The course extends the skills acquired in GRC 188: Web Animation and Interactivity I, and emphasizes methodology and problem solving. This course may not transfer to a baccalaureate degree of art or science within the universities in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).
GRC 290
Internship
Supervised work experience with a selected graphic communications business, dependent upon students selected major emphasis. Course is designed to apply knowledge to real on-the-job situations in a program designed by a company official and a faculty advisor. Available to students entering their last semester of instruction for the GRC associates degree. Contact the department advisor for application, screening and required skills evaluation. 75 hours on the job per credit. This course may not transfer to a baccalaureate degree of art or science within the universities in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).
GRC 294
Portfolio Workshop
Development of a portfolio for employment in the graphic communications or digital media or transfer to a four-year program. Class will deal with the professional and legal requirements of working in the graphic communications or digital media industry. This course may not transfer to a baccalaureate degree of art or science within the universities in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).
Degrees and Certificates
Is an Associate degree enough?
In a recent survey of industry representatives, 60 percent said that an Associate degree related to graphic communications was the level of training they were looking for when hiring for entry-level positions.
TMCC's graphic communications program offer an Associate degree and certificates of achievement that give training in those areas that employers want. Check out the links below to view degree and certificate requirements or check out our program flow.
Over the course of the program, students will complete a portfolio demonstrating an ability to solve increasingly difficult graphic problems. The portfolio will also contain the student's resume. After graduation this will be their foundation of work they can then use to go out and get a job in the exciting field of graphic communication.
What is involved?
For a compete overview of the program including a class requirement guide click on the respective links below.
GRC Instructors
Full Time Instructors
Dan Bouweraerts
Born and raised in southern California, mostly in Santa Monica, before the BMW's invaded. Graduated Santa Monica High, Santa Monica College, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and University of Nevada, Reno. Started Teaching part-time at Santa Monica College in 1984, moved to Reno in 1987, and have the two most amazing daughters. One is up in Seattle cooking for a five-star restaurant, and one is attending Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage in outdoor leadership.
Have worked in the graphics industry for 25 years, taught at the community college level for 23 years, and actually love what I do. There is nothing better for me than standing in the classroom teaching, and there is no better place to do that than TMCC.
In my space time I do a lot of walking and hiking, I'm getting back into photography, I've written my first book, Introduction to Computer Graphics, and I'm blessed with a wonderful wife who also has two daughters, the oldest is at UNR in the nursing school, the youngest is at University of Arizona.
Ron Marston
Self made millionaire, Ron spends his vast knowledge teaching Photoshop and flash to the blessed students of TMCC. He is one of several teachers who is adobe certified to teach Photoshop in the state of Nevada. Apart from rons teaching he runs and operates on of the largest model airplane companies in Nevada as well as consulting for various aeronautic firms.
Ron only works in the graphics industry our of pure pleasure, he has taught at the community college level for 10 years and enjoys every minute of it. For Ron there is nothing better than teaching young minds, and giving back to the community.
Brian Wells
Acclaimed animator and videographer, Brian helps teach students at TMCC learn the basics of animation and shooting video. He has worked on anything and everything from Ren and Stimpy to Old Navy commercials. In his spare time he draws and spends time with his family. He also is still active in the animation community in Northern Nevada, consulting for commercials and web advertisements.
Brian is the newest teacher to reach tenure at TMCC within the GRC department. He is highly motivated and expects the same from students.
Student Gallery
TMCC is proud to showcase its student's award winning work. Below is just some of the work that current students have designed and created from the ground up.
