Digital Media & Web Design Training Certificate - SNAP Approved

The Print & Digital Media Publishing certificate training programs are designed to provide training and hands-on experience in graphic arts and digital production printing technology. Students will be tested to become an Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) in Adobe InDesign upon completion of program. The Print & Digital Media Publishing program is designed to build upon relevant backgrounds and enhance previous industry experience with the most up to date computer skills necessary in today's job market. The instruction is in a Macintosh-based environment with some cross training in IBM/Microsoft-compatible platforms. A student may elect to take all courses together as a sequential block of classes or elect to take courses individually, based on employment or personal needs. 

Course schedule and additional information

INTRODUCTION TO THE MAC 

This course is designed to help students understand the basics of using Macintosh desktop technologies. Mac operating system commands, graphical user interface (GUI), document management, and shortcut keys will be taught. A wide range of software for desktop publishing applications and tools will be reviewed. The knowledge obtained in this course is a prerequisite for successful completion of subsequent software classes. 

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP WITH ACA CERTIFICATION

Learn how to retouch and color correct images for both digital and print media. Create original graphics for print and web applications. Hands-on assignments include: 

  • Advanced photo composition 
  • Painting and drawing techniques 
  • Creating components for websites 
  • Working with type 
  • Adding special effects 
  • Standards of image optimization and resolution for print and web media will be stressed. 
CREATE WEB PAGES WITH HTML AND CSS

Code web pages from scratch using HTML. Organize text, add images, videos, and implement CSS to style content and create pleasing, modern web page design.

ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR 

Learn to create original graphics for print and web applications using various vector drawing and painting techniques. This class will cover the fundamentals of: 

  • Document layouts & using color 
  • Working with type 
  • Creating symbols and patterns 
  • Adding special effects 

Hands-on assignments of logo, ad, and poster creation will be covered, with emphasis on file preparation for digital output. 
CREATE WEB PAGES USING ADOBE DREAMWEAVER

Learn how to create web pages and incorporate graphics, text, animation and video with minimum hand coding. Use frameworks and templates to build responsive designs for a wide variety of devices. Students will publish a finished site to the web. Prerequisite: HTML and CSS3 Fundamentals or comparable knowledge.

ADOBE InDESIGN 

Adobe InDesign provides the standards for document creation through basic tools and the importing of text and graphics. Instruction will include the use of style for consistent appearance, master pages, tabs, tables, measuring and placement, text, linking graphics, styles, and typography to produce presentable documents. Adobe InDesign is the best choice for many professional designers, publishers and artists. 

FREELANCE & JOB SEEKING ESSENTIALS 

Begin a website portfolio of work. Learn the basics of communication with potential clients and employers. Pricing work, creating proposals and contracts will be covered.

CREATE A PORTFOLIO WEBSITE USING WORDPRESS

Examine the world's most popular tool to create a website by installing WordPress on a hosted server. Look under the hood of WordPress to examine its file structure. Create pages, blog posts, upload graphics, embed video, and customize your web pages using HTML and CSS.

DESIGN ESSENTIALS & PROJECT PLANNING FOR THE GRAPHICS INDUSTRY 

Class participants will create an original project using Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to understand and coordinate type, image, artwork, and the impact of color presentations. Page geometry, placement, overall layout, and file preparation for various types of printings and presentations will be highlighted. 

 ** REQUIRED FOR THE DIGITAL CERTIFICATE ONLY ** 

DIGITAL PRINTING & PRODUCTION—BLACK & WHITE / COLOR COMBINED

Students will learn the foundations of digital printing technology and how to prepare files, set-up, operate, maintain, and finish printed pieces from the output device within a workplace setting. This module includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience with digital printing equipment in the Publication Services area of Gateway Community College. Includes actual business experience of production planning and bindery operations.