The WEST Prep allows students to explore a career in Graphic Design by enrolling them in the Digital Design program.

In this program, students will learn how to create print media, such as posters, business cards, logos, brochures, flyers, product designs, and more.

Throughout the year students will have the freedom to create unique designs based on their interests. Also, they will learn how to create designs by hand and digitally using a Wacom drawing tablet.

The Digital Design program is a three-year college and career-ready course with many student recognition opportunities through design competitions and achievement awards. Each industry certified student will earn college credit every year they pass an industry certification exam.

Students will learn to create logos, business cards, product designs, digital art, and more using the Adobe Suite.

The following year you will learn how to create posters, brochures, flyers, photo manipulation, and surrealistic digital artwork using the Adobe Photoshop program.

Finally, in year 3, you will begin your career with a college-ready resume & portfolio showcasing all of your work using Adobe InDesign.

Each year you have the potential to earn a certification. Not only that, but each of the exams you pass is equivalent to one college-level elective course; therefore, you will be finishing your degree faster and saving money.

Curriculum Breakdown

Digital Design 1:

Digital Design 2:

Digital Design 3:

Quarter 1:

  • Graphic Design Terminology
  • Learning to Draw using Perspective and Shapes

Quarter 2:

  • Beginner: Introduction to Illustrator
  • Practicing the Illustrator Program

Quarter 3 & 4:

Advanced Graphic Design projects

Quarter 1:

Graphic Design Terminology

Basic Photography Technique

Quarter 2:

Beginner: Introduction to Photoshop

Practicing the Photoshop Program

Quarter 3 & 4:

Advanced Graphic Design projects

Quarter 1:

  • Graphic Design Terminology
  • Advanced Photography Techniques
  • Online Digital Portfolio – Website

Quarter 2:

  • Beginner: Introduction to InDesign
  • Practicing the InDesign Program

Quarter 3 & 4:

  • Portfolio Creation
  • Creating more projects using both Illustrator and Photoshop to fill out your portfolio
  • Career professionalism
  • Career and college research
  • Resume Creation

Certifications Offered

Digital Design 1

ACA Graphic design & illustration using Adobe Illustrator
(Earn 3 college credits; 1 elective class)

Digital Design 2

ACA Visual design using Photoshop
(Earn 3 college credits; 1 elective class)

Digital Design 3

ACA Print & digital media publication using Adobe InDesign
(Earn 3 college credits; 1 elective class)