Fairfax Academy for Communications and the Arts

Professional Graphics Studio

The Academy’s Professional Graphics Studio class will be among the first in the country to be teaching 3D Modeling & Animation with a complete Motion Capture system. This cutting edge technology will allow students to learn and practice the skills animators use in developing gaming characters and animated feature films...such as the latest epic film "Avatar." Area professionals from gaming and digital media companies are assisting with the installation and training on this software and will be visiting the class regularly for mentoring and support.

2 credit course.
One year course offered as Professional Graphics Studio 1, with option to continue for second year in Professional Graphics Studio 2.

Course Description
The Professional Graphics Studio Program is an advanced graphics elective specializing in design for advertising, packaging, poster, marketing pieces, multimedia production, motion graphics, web development, 3D animation, and screenprinting. The course of study prepares students for college or entry-level careers in visual imaging technology and multimedia design. Students develop their creative and technical skills using state-of-the-art graphical and animation software on both MAC and PC platforms. Seniors are able to complete work for their college portfolios and all students are encouraged to enter work in selected arts competitions. Students may successfully complete both OSHA and NOCTI certifications through this course, which then qualify them to receive a Verified Credit. Second year students gain commercial experience by completing design projects for Digital Imaging & Graphics Studio (DIGS), a business run through the class.

Prerequisites
One of the following is required for Level 1:
• Art 1 and 2
• Computer Graphics
• Business Desktop Publishing/Multimedia
• Technical Drawing
• Academy Teacher approval based on portfolio

Recommended entry-level skills of the student:
• Basic knowledge of computer hardware and graphical software (Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash)
• Knowledge of graphic file formats
• Basic knowledge of the elements and principles of design

Portfolio Guidelines
Criteria for Level 2 placement:
• Teacher approval based on portfolio or completion of Level 1
• Evidence of a variety of design and illustration projects executed through graphical software programs
• Evidence of a variety of 3D modeling images from a 3D software
• Evidence of strong creative/design skills

Careers
Designers are skilled in print graphics, film media, advertising campaigns, video game production, displays, multimedia production, and web development. They are self-employed or work for corporations, entertainment or government agencies, advertising agencies, design firms, and media organizations (journalism, TV, or film). The study of Professional Graphics Studio may lead to these careers:
• Animator
• Motion Graphics Artist
• Graphic Design Artist
• Illustrator
• Multimedia Author
• Video Game Artist
• Web Designer/Developer
• 3D Concept Artist

Cynthia Joyce
Instructor
CBJoyce@fcps.edu

Instructor's Bio:
Cynthia graduated from the Corcoran College of Art, specializing in Visual Communications. She spent a number of years working as a Designer and Art Director for several graphic design and public relations firms in the DC Area. Her industry projects included work for clients such as the Smithsonian Institution, National Cancer Institute, United Way and an assortment of associations and private companies. In addition, Cynthia has operated her own freelance design business for many years, retaining relationships with many of her agency clients. She enjoys seeing her students’ enthusiasm for learning new skills and challenging concepts, and appreciates their willingness to explore new avenues of creativity in the class.

Curator: Roxanne Kaylor
Co-Designed By: Vinh Le