Commercial Advertising Artists—or graphic artists—plan, analyze, and create visual and multimedia solutions to advertising problems.
Using print, electronic, and film media in a variety of methods such as color, type, illustration, photography, animation, and various print and layout techniques, they develop the overall layout and production design of magazines, newspapers, and other publications using state of the art software programs and technology.
They also produce promotional displays, packaging, and marketing brochures for products and services, design distinctive logos for products and businesses, and develop signs and signage systems for business, organizations, or individuals.
They may also develop material for Internet Web pages, interactive media, and multimedia projects. In our affordable, 18-month program, Salina Tech students gain the skills to utilize specialized computer software, multimedia tools, and advertising design theory they need for a career in the nation’s second largest industry—Commercial Advertising Art.
Creative career options include: Advertising Agencies, In-House Marketing Departments, Package Design, Multimedia and Web Design, Retail Identity, Publishing Companies, Service Bureaus, Catalogs and Magazines, Screen Printing, Vinyl Graphics Production, Production Houses/Printing Industry, Document support departments for industries such as: Newspapers, Magazine, Financial, Fashion, Health Care, Manufacturing, Television
| Commercial and Advertising Art Certificate | ||||
| First Semester | Credits | Third Semester | Credits | |
| CAA 101 Graphic Design Computer Applications | 3 | CAA 230 Multimedia I | 3 | |
| CAA 140 Typography | 4 | CAA 220 Web Design I | 3 | |
| CAA 110 Computer Drawing Techniques | 3 | CAA 218 Advertising Design | 3 | |
| CAA 150 Graphic Design I | 3 | CAA 200 Color Design & Color Theory | 3 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS: | 13 | TOTAL CREDITS: | 12 | |
| Second Semester | Credits | Fourth Semester | Credits | |
| CAA 151 Graphic Design II | 3 | CAA 215 Advanced Design | 3 | |
| CAA 102 Design and Color I | 3 | CAA 221 Web Design II | 3 | |
| CAA 111 Computer Illustration I | 3 | CAA 231 Multimedia II | 3 | |
| CAA 131 Computer Illustration II | 3 | CAA 202 Printing & Reproduction | 4 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS: | 12 | TOTAL CREDITS: | 13 | |
| TOTAL CERTIFICATE CREDITS: | 50 | |||
Admission Criteria
Prior to enrollment student must:
Associate of Applied Science Degree: 65 Credits.
To complete the Associate of Applied Science Degree, a student must:
CAA 101 Graphic Design Computer Applications, 3 credits.
This beginning course presents communication theory based on the printed word. The course covers the basics of the software packages used to create page layout and image editing. Students have the opportunity to develop a solid working knowledge of the software and understand basic layout techniques and image editing that conveys a visual message to the target audience. Students examine the processes involved in coordinating art and typography with verbal and visual content. Brochures, newsletters, catalogs, and magazine pages are just a few of the topics that will be covered.
CAA 110 Computer Drawing Techniques, 3 credits.
This course introduces the computer as a medium to create two dimensional images and illustrations through the use of the top software packages in the industry. Students will be introduced to production and fine art concepts of illustrating to create identity concepts. Personal approach, style, and consistency are stressed in problem solving as they learn to use the software packages for their illustration assignments.
CAA 140 Typography, 4 credits.
Typography is a foundations course. The course is an in depth study of the practices and uses of typography in design. This course covers the various aspects of mechanical production specifications and standards as well as the visual communications applications that designers must master to fully communicate visually with type. Methods and strategies for creation of type and or the utilization of typography for graphic design projects prepare students with knowledge and skills needed in the advanced design courses.
CAA 150 Graphic Design I, 3 credits.
This is a foundation level course covering theory and aspects of advertising design. The students will have the opportunity to explore the developing of advertising strategies, concepts, designs, and pre-press solutions with deadlines required. From logos to book covers and visual identity and branding, the students examine the 2D realm of advertising design with critiques by the instructor acting as art director. Projects from this course should begin to be of portfolio quality.
CAA 102 Design and Color I, 3 credits. (Prerequisite: CAA 101 Graphics Design Computer Applications)
This course applies the study of color, color applications, and composition for the creation of graphic design and enhanced imagery. Students are expected to learn how to emphasize color as a language in their graphics and design work through analysis of color theory and production restrictions. It will provide students with an overview of the use of color in visual communications as well prepare them with knowledge and skills needed in the advanced design course.
CAA 111 Computer Illustration I, 3 credits. (Prerequisite: CAA 110 Computer Drawing Techniques)
The course expands on the course work of CAA 110. It is designed to strengthen product awareness through illustrations and in-depth study of labels. Students will further expand their working knowledge of preproduction practices for graphic illustrations. Tricks from the industry to develop speed and consistency of work will also be presented. Furniture, apparel, canned/sacked goods, and animals will be part of the required list of illustrations in this course.
CAA 131 Computer Illustration II, 3 credits. (Prerequisite: CAA 140 Typography)
Composition and eye flow will be studied as it relates to fine art illustration and graphic advertisement illustrations. Aspects of developing visual significance, from formulating the idea to utilizing innovative printing techniques are reviewed. Form and design are revealed through a number of projects. Computer generated washes, gels, overlays, and lighting will be used to enhance and round out the students’ images. Formulas for lighting and softening edges and achieving artistic and 3-D effects will also be utilized.
CAA 151 Graphic Design II, 3 credits. (Prerequisites: CAA 140 Typography, CAA 150 Graphic Design I)
Graphic Design II is a foundations course. The course is an introduction to design theory and processes for graphic design and advertising applications from concept to execution. It will provide students with an overview of the visual communications profession as well prepare them with knowledge and skills needed in the advanced design course.
CAA 200 Color Design and Color Theory, 3 credits. (Prerequisite: CAA 102 Design and Color I)
Students must have intermediate to advanced levels in the following software: Adobe Indesign, Adobe Photoshop, & Adobe Illustrator)
This course addresses advanced techniques in digital image creation, management and distribution. The emphasis is on color and digital technologies. Course topics such as electronic calibrations for output, production of pdf, vector and raster-based file management, manipulation, transfer, storage and usage in design/e-production scenarios prepare studios for the production environment.
CAA 218 Advertising Design, 3 credits. (Prerequisite: CAA 151 Graphic Design II)
Students must have intermediate to advanced levels in the following software: Adobe Indesign, Adobe Photoshop, & Adobe Illustrator)
This course is an advanced design course focused on advertising. Processes of advertising communications design such as creative brief writing, concept development, brand positioning, client/agency relationship, copywriting, and research methods. Study of cultural, social, and psychological aspects of advertising design, including targeting consumers and affecting consumer behaviors are applied through development of advertising design for various media, including print, broadcast, direct mail, packaging, and point-of-purchase.
CAA 220 Web Design I, 3 credits. (Prerequisites: CAA 102 Design and Color I, CAA 151 Graphic Design II)
Students must have intermediate to advanced levels in the following software: Adobe Indesign, Adobe Photoshop, & Adobe Illustrator)
This course introduces students to the Internet as a design vehicle for publishing and advertising. Primary focus is on how the internet is set up, browser and platform considerations. Visual design as well as navigational design for the internet and file preparations for web pages will be explored. Programs for web animation and design and web graphic optimization such as Flash and Dreamweaver will also be covered.
CAA 230 Multimedia I, 3 credits. (Prerequisites: CAA 131 Computer Illustration II, CAA 151 Graphic Design II)
Students must have intermediate to advanced levels in the following software: Adobe Indesign, Adobe Photoshop)
This course is the study of photography with emphasis on its application by graphic designers. Photography basics such as cameras, exposure, metering, focus, depth of field, lenses, basic lighting, design elements and composition are covered. Students are introduced to the equipment used in studio photography, learn the fundamentals of studio lighting, and gain understanding in the use of the equipment and techniques to execute standard professional assignments and achieve more creative control. Emphasis is placed on gaining technical skills, mastering necessary techniques with camera and studio lighting to obtain the desire aesthetic effect.
CAA 202 Printing and Reproduction, 4 credits. (Prerequisite: CAA 218 Advertising Design)
Students must have intermediate to advanced levels in the following software: Adobe Indesign, Adobe Photoshop, & Adobe Illustrator)
Printing and Reproduction provides the advanced design student with the working knowledge and skills to execute design for final output in a variety of printing technologies. Each printing technology is suited for specific applications. Students will learn how to discern the proper technology to produce the desired outcome. They will also gain understanding of the limitations of different technologies to guide the design solution and prepare files for seamless integration into the reproduction workflow.
CAA 215 Advanced Design, 3 credits. (Prerequisite: CAA 218 Advertising Design)
Students must have intermediate to advanced levels in the following software’s: Adobe Indesign, Adobe Photoshop, & Adobe Illustrator)
Students learn the aspects of putting together a portfolio. The mechanisms necessary to develop and maintain a viable graphic design portfolio image through trend analysis with an agency style mind set. This course focuses on technical and material requirements, enabling students to problem solve and address. Production issues specific to logo development, ads, direct mail, magazine advertisement campaigns, and on-line marketing identification.
CAA 221 Web Design II, 3 credits. (Prerequisite: CAA 220 Web Design I)
Students must have intermediate to advanced levels in the following software: Adobe Indesign, Adobe Photoshop, & Adobe Illustrator)
This course is an in-depth web design course that focuses on the creation of complete web sites. Students will develop their own web sites. Sites will include interactive communications animations and advanced rollovers and scripts. Programs such as Photoshop and Dreamweaver along with Flash will be used. The purpose of this course is to unify design and interactivity for communications.
CAA 231 Multimedia II, 3 credits. (Prerequisite: CAA 230 Multimedia I)
This course is an introduction to video production and editing. Students will learn basics of pre production, production and post production of video. This will include writing and preparing scripts. Setting up production schedule, video camera techniques and lighting for video skills will be addressed as well as acquiring and editing audio tracks for video. This course will also include use of computer and software to edit video and sound to enhance the final product.
The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) requires Salina Area Technical College to report about its graduates' gainful employment. In order to be eligible for funding under the Title IV programs, an educational program must lead to a certificate or degree (associate, bachelor's, graduate, or professional) or prepare students for "gainful employment in a recognized occupation" (GE Programs). Complete information on the GE Program requirements is available on the designated Gainful Employment Information Page that can be found at http://ifap.ed.gov/GainfulEmploymentInfo/.
| On-Time Completion Rates | |||
| Academic Year | Enrolled | Completed | On-time Completion Percentage |
| 2006-2007 | 35 | 23 | 66% |
| 2007-2008 | 23 | 11 | 48% |
| 2008-2009 | 8 | 2 | 25% |
| 2009-2010 | 43 | 4 | 9% |
| 2010-2011 | 30 | 15 | 50% |
| 2011-2012 | 20 | 8 | 40% |
| Academic Year | Placement Rates | |
| 2006-2007 | link to SATC Placement Rates | |
| 2007-2008 | link to SATC Placement Rates | |
| 2008-2009 | link to SATC Placement Rates | |
| 2009-2010 | link to SATC Placement Rates | |
| 2010-2011 | link to SATC Placement Rates | |
| 2011-2012 | Data for 2011-12 will be reported in 2013. | |
| Academic Year | Total # of Loans taken by Post-Secondary CAA students | Median Loan Debt |
| 2006-2007 | 15 | $0 |
| 2007-2008 | 9 | $4,850 |
| 2008-2009 | 2 | $0 |
| 2009-2010 | 12 | $6,750 |
| 2010-2011 | 3 | $5,500 |
| 2011-2012 | 8 | $3,750 |
