Graphic Communications

(Honors Level Course)

Mrs. Cheryl Bennefield

Graphic communication is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of skills, including art, design, technology, and business. Graphic communication involves using computer software programs to design, create, or layout artwork for print and digital media. A graphic communication degree can open various career opportunities, including art, animation, web design, commercials, film, and video. The graphic communications industry is one of the largest ones in the US; it globally facilitates a variety of platforms, including printed forms, digital imaging, and the Internet. It encompasses everything from commercial printing to book and magazine publishing, creative design, web design, and more.

Graphic Communications is part of the South Carolina Arts, A/V Technology & Communications Career Cluster. Students enrolled in this honors-level program earn two high school credits each semester and can earn a combined total of eight credits upon completing the two-year program. Credits earned will count as electives needed for the SC high school graduation requirements. One of the credits earned may fulfill the CATE/Foreign Language requirement for SC high school graduation.

If you are interested in meeting Mrs. Bennefield and taking a tour of our Graphic Communications lab, we invite you to request a program tour. After-school program tours are available to prospective students and their parents in December, January, and February. We would welcome a chance to give you a tour of our programs.

Year One Courses

Classes are held in the morning and are open to 10th and 11th-grade students

Graphic Communications 1 (Honors Level Course)

In this introductory class, students will learn to use digital cameras, scanners, and Macintosh computers. Students will begin to use graphic software such as Adobe Illustrator to develop design and editing skills that will form the foundation of the digital skills learned in the program. Emphasis is placed on design principles, color theory, and typography.

Graphic Communications 2 (Honors Level Course)

Students will build upon skills learned during 1st semester by designing and creating images and logos using their creative skills to produce products related to the Commercial Graphics industry. Students will begin to use Adobe Indesign and Photoshop. Emphasis is on designing a project and taking it all the way through the commercial printing process while learning to operate standard printing equipment.

Year Two Courses

Afternoon classes open to 11th and 12th-grade students who earned Graphic Communications 1 & 2

Graphic Communications 3 (Honors Level Course in 2025-2026)

This course expands into the theories, vocabulary, principles, techniques, media, and problem-solving skills required in design. Students will be introduced to advanced photography skills as well as the print production process.

Graphic Communications 4 (Honors Level Course in 2025-2026)

This course serves as the capstone for the Graphic Communications program. Students are expected to be able to apply each of the skills learned over the last three semesters across a variety of scenarios and situations. Students who excel in their program may participate in work-based learning. The WBL experience combines classroom-based education with on-the-job training experiences to help students prepare for and explore career objectives. A work-based experience must be planned and supervised by the school and employers so that it contributes to a student’s education and employability. Students must have access to reliable transportation.

Career Opportunities

Press Operator

A press operator or printer oversees job setup, operation, and production. They must maintain a close eye on image registration and quality control throughout the print job. Operators are also responsible for basic equipment repairs as well as daily maintenance. They will install and load image carriers/plates, substrate, and ink while ensuring that the printed pieces are produced to optimum quality.

Salary - $40,520 per year on average, or $19.48 per hour

Photographer

Photography has a very wide spectrum of specialties and responsibilities ranging from an artificially lit studio shoots to traveling for on-location sessions or occasions. They must have an eye for looking at an everyday objects or situations and capturing them to make them exceptional. Photographers use their technical expertise, creativity and composition skills to produce memorable images made to capture a story or record an event.

Salary- $41,070 per year on average, or $19.75 per hour

Graphic Designer

Graphic designers create visual concepts using digital images and computer software to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They are trained to develop overall layouts and production designs for various applications such as advertisements, brand identity, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.

Salary - $49,450 per year on average, or $23.77 per hour

Job Skills & Requirements

Each skill and trade requires a specific skill set to master the content and job tasks. Below are a few critical skills and requirements needed to succeed in the program and throughout a career in this field.

Creativity: Creativity is essential in any design or photography field as they require out-of-the-box thinking and unique perspectives. Whether creating logos, posters, advertisements, or print media, all must appeal to their target audience. Designers and Photographers must be able to imagine what the design or photo will look like as an idea or concept before it has run through to completion. This allows them to easily translate their ideas into reality using a team or the tools at their disposal.
Communication: Communication skills are important in graphic design as it allows designers to explain a message or concept visually to the public or their team while designing artwork with a team to aid in their direction for the job.
Attention to detail: Attention to detail is important for designers as their roles often involve knowing the technical specifications of a design in a way that allows them to produce artwork with precision and accuracy. For example, they might design a circle with exact dimensions to place on the header of a website page. Having attention to detail also allows them to notice small errors or design flaws within their work and others. A photographer’s attention to detail is more immediate and in the moment. They must notice small items, such as a person's eye looking away from the camera in a group photo. It is a detail that can be easily corrected but just as easily ruin an image.
Technology: Knowledge of your equipment or technology, such as software programs, is also essential in a creative field. Without understanding your camera, press, computer, or editing software, you will never be able to achieve the outcome of a job to its full potential. This includes printing, image capture and editing, design layout, and production.
Time management: Time management is important because you must operate on project deadlines in any creative field. Any information, images, or approval delay can cost the company and the customer money. For example, they may manage a team to ensure that each member knows what expectations exist for them. If they don’t meet that expectation, it delays the following teammate.

Available Certification Opportunities

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Local Work-Based Learning Partners

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NOTE: Credits earned will count as electives needed for the SC high school graduation requirements. One of the credits earned may fulfill the CATE/Foreign Language requirement for SC high school graduation. Most 4-year colleges will NOT accept career center courses as a substitute for the foreign language college admissions requirement.