Frequently Asked Questions
Please review the frequently asked questions prior to contacting the Graphics Program with questions.
General FAQs
What classes do I have to take to earn my AS Degree in Graphic + Interactive Design?
We’ve designed a visual FLOW CHART for students to better show and describe our degree requirements. Make sure you’re
using the correct flow chart for the year you declared your degree in Graphics as
we are continually updating and improving our program in order to ensure our graduates
are current, marketable, and competitive. The exact classes you will be required to
take depend on the catalog year in which you declared your degree.
Each course listed on the FLOW CHART summarizes what software we cover in each course and to what degree that software is covered. Please note that we are not a “technical school” in which only software is covered. It is important to develop skills in visual communication, conceptual thinking, design thinking and creative problem solving to be successful in our field. If technical skills are all you’re seeking, you might be interested in pursuing a technical certificate only – however, please keep in mind our technical certificates don’t lead to a finished portfolio – and a competitive portfolio is required in order to find a job in our industry.
What AS (Associate in Science) Degree Specializations and Technical Certificates are
offered?
The AS Degree in Graphic + Interactive Design offers two specializations: Graphic
Design (with a focus on advertising, branding, and print design) and Interactive Design (with
a focus on web design, interactive design, and user interface design). Many Graphic’s
students choose to select BOTH specializations because it makes them extremely marketable
and competitive for jobs and because it would only require students study for 2 additional
semesters to complete both specializations.
We also offer 4 technical certificates. Our technical certificates are best for people who are already working in the industry and who are just needing to be re-introduced to industry standard software and tools to keep their skills fresh. Our technical certificates don’t lead to a finished portfolio – and a competitive portfolio is required in order to find a job in our industry. Students just learning graphic design who are wanting a career in graphic design or web design will need a competitive portfolio and will need to complete our AS Degree in order to get a job in our industry.
How long does it take to earn an AS Degree in Graphic + Interactive Design?
Students who are attending FULL-TIME for the fall, spring, and summer terms, can complete
our degree in 2 years (6 semesters). Full-time students not taking classes during
the summer terms can complete our degree in 3 years. Part-time students can, naturally,
expect to take longer to complete our program depending on how many classes they are
able to take each semester.
Am I required to submit a portfolio to declare a major in Valencia’s Graphic + Interactive
Design Program?
Unlike a typical 4-year program, we do not require a portfolio submission or special
application for you to declare Graphics as your chosen degree path; we have an open
door policy when it comes to our first semester courses. Also, in contrast to a typical
4-year degree pathway, we don’t require you take two years of general education courses
before you can apply to be a Graphic’s major. You will notice that our students have
the opportunity to be exposed to industry basics their very first semester enrolled
in our program and do not have to wait until “they are a junior” or are “accepted
into our program” before they can give graphic design classes a whirl. This also means
students who are uncertain about whether or not this is the right major for them,
can give it a try by registering for any of our semester one courses before they declare
a degree in our area to see if it’s a good fit for them.
Do you offer your degree online?
Only two of our courses are offered online: GRA 1413 Professional Development for
Designers and DIG 2100C Web Essentials. All other courses in our area will require
you attend classes.
If I am already a Graphic’s major, how do I know which flow chart to use for my catalog
year?
When Valencia students declare their major, they are automatically placed in the catalog
requirements for that year; where the requirements stay the same for the next 5 years. When
changes are made to a degree major, the changes only affect students who are declaring
their major for that NEW catalog year and generally do not affect the degree requirements
for students who are in older catalogs. The only exception to that rule is when course
prerequisite requirements change; this affects ALL students who are required to take
that course as a part of their program degree requirements because they will still
need to take any new prerequisites before they can take that course. Here are the
flow charts for the current and previous academic years (catalogs) for the past 5
years:
2019/2020 FLOW CHART
2018/2019 FLOW CHART
2017/2018 FLOW CHART
2014/2015, 2015/2016, 2016/2017 FLOW CHART
Graphic + Interactive Design Career Information
What types of jobs are available for Graphic + Interactive Design majors? What does a portfolio look like for a Graphic + Interactive Design graduate?
While enrolled in our AS degree program, our students are required to create a professional portfolio (while taking GRA 1951C Portfolio Review). The portfolios you see (links below) are of our AS degree graduates. A professional portfolio is a requirement for placement in our industry. You simply cannot get work in our industry without a competitive portfolio.
Our graduates find themselves working as graphic designers, UI/UX designers, art directors, freelance designers, and web designers in the creative and advertising industries. Here is a nice random selection of student portfolios to give you an idea of what type of portfolio we expect of our graduates and the type of projects students have the opportunity to work on while they are with us:
https://angelyndesigns.com/
http://aleithacreat.es/
https://www.loiskamandulis.com/
https://www.behance.net/bglisson2802f
http://canzalone.com/
https://www.rhettwithey.com
https://liannehayre.myportfolio.com/work
https://saltydoodle.com
http://arliana.myportfolio.com
https://www.behance.net/holaimalex
http://stephaniedesousa.com
http://www.cz-designs.com
http://www.48savvysailors.com
http://www.behance.net/chrisreath
http://www.instagram.com/aasmith64
http://renderedthreads.com
http://christinemariecreations.com
https://dribbble.com/leishascallan
http://www.laurenfloresdesigns.com/
https://www.behance.net/adamdifruscio
https://www.behance.net/aarish93b86c
You can also view photos that contain printed versions of our graduates’ portfolios
here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/vccgraphics/albums
Why should I choose to major in Graphic & Interactive Design?
With the increase growth in technology there is a higher demand for graphic, interactive,
and web designers. Those choosing to major in Graphic & Interactive Design desire
career satisfaction and possess qualities including creativity, capable of solving
problems, good communication skills, ability to meet deadlines and manage projects,
and willingness to work hard. Those that have made the decision to major in Graphic
& Interactive Design are often artistic and have experience with computers.
What type of job would I be able to work once graduating with a Graphic & Interactive
Design degree?
Graduates work in positions such as web designers, graphic designers, graphic artists,
web production designers, layout designers, user interaction designer, user experience
designer, interaction designer, publication designers, production artists, and digital
media designers.
What type of salary should an entry-level Graphics graduate expect?
The estimated salary range for a Graphics major in the Central Florida area is $32,000
to $45,000 per year, however, salary depends a great deal on location, portfolio quality,
soft skills, and technical skills. This is fantastic considering our program only
costs approximately $10,100 (including books/supplies).
What ways can I get involved in the local creative industry?
We strive to keep our students constantly informed of extracurricular activities on
our Valencia Graphics Facebook page. Students are encouraged to take advantage of
the opportunity they have to learn beyond the classroom and join organizations such
as Valencia’s Graphic’s Hangouts, the Creatologists, the Orlando Chapter of AIGA (American
Institute of Graphic Arts), AAF Orlando (American Advertising Federation), and AD2
Orlando. Throughout the year all organizations hold seminars, workshops, portfolio
reviews, mentorships, and guest speakers which benefit students majoring in graphic,
interactive, and web design. By joining these organizations students have the opportunity
to network with other individual’s in the graphic design industry and learn from professionals
outside of the classroom.
I registered for a 3 credit hour course; why is the class nearly 4 hours long?
There is usually one hour of lab time factored into most class times. During this
time instructors are available to answer questions and provide assistance to students.
Students may also be given this additional time to work on course projects.
Technical Requirements
Do I have to purchase a computer to be a Graphic’s major?
It’s important to note we do not require students purchase a computer or purchase
the software needed to complete projects and assignments for class. This is because
we offer open graphic’s labs in which our students can do all of their work. If students
were preferring to purchase a computer and software so they can work from home, it
would be best to purchase an Apple computer (either a Macbook Pro laptop with the
largest monitor available or an iMac) as well as purchase an Adobe Creative Cloud
subscription. Although both vendors offer student discounts, the cost for purchasing
a computer and software is quite a significant financial investment (which is why
we offer open labs).
Although we don’t offer personal tours, you’re always welcome to visit our open Graphic’s Lab facilities to ask our students, lab assistants, and lab supervisors any questions you’d like about our labs and our program. We offer classes and have separate labs on three Valencia Campuses: East: 1-213, West 3-150, and Osceola 1-244.
Do keep in mind our labs are funded through student lab fees, so only students registered for Graphic’s courses are able to use our labs.
I want to make sure I go to the lab when the lab is open, is there any way I can find out when the lab is open? We keep our East, West and Osceola lab hours posted on our website/blog here: Valencia Graphic + Interactive Design Lab Information
Prerequisite FAQs
Why can't I take a class such as Electronic Imaging or Adobe Illustrator before taking
Graphic Design Essentials?
Graphic Design Essentials is required prior to taking most other Graphics courses
so it is highly recommended that students enroll in this course early in the program.
This course will overview software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign. An emphasis
will also be placed on the use of typography, design, layout, color, pre-press production.
Prior to completion of Graphic Design Essentials students will undergo a timed, hands-on
competency exam. Graphic Design Essentials provides a fundamental understanding of
programs such as photoshop and illustrator and therefore it is a prerequisite for
classes such as Electronic Imaging and Adobe Illustrator.
What if I wish to take a class but I haven't taken the prerequisite course required
to for the course?
It is highly recommended that students enroll in prerequisite courses prior to ensure
they are adequately educated and prepared for each course. In some special circumstances,
such as a student transfering from another school, students are able to take a course
without the prerequisite course. Students desiring to take a course without taking
a prerequisite course must demonstrate sufficient experience to take the course which
requires a prerequisite. Students who feel they are capable of taking a course without
prior completion of a prerequisite course may request an override which will be approved
or disapproved by the program director based on the students competency for the required
course demonstrated in their portfolio, by way of taking a competency exam and/or
by way of transfer credits from another college-level institution.
Override FAQs
What is an override?
An override may grant a student permission to take a course if they have not taken
the required prerequisite course or if the course is filled at the time of registration.
The program director is responsible for approving and disapproving overrides.
How is it decided who receives an override?
Students closest to completing their degree are given higher priority when override
decisions are made. Students requesting overrides due to lack of completion of prerequisite
courses should demonstrate competency to take the course requiring an override via
a portfolio review and proof of college-level instruction from another institution.
When are override decisions made?
Overrides decisions are made after the payment deadline purge date prior to the beginning
of each semester.
The class I wish to take is full on West Campus but not on East Campus. Can I request
an override to take the course on West Campus?
No overrides requests will be accepted for courses if the same course is not full
on another campus.
Portfolio FAQs
When is the best time to take portfolio?
Portfolio Review is to be scheduled during your graduating semester and you should
not take any other classes that semester except for Internship.
What should I expect during portfolio review class?
Although the course is only one credit hour, this is undoubtedly one of the most
demanding and time consuming courses Graphic & Interactive Design students face during
their degree. During this course students prepare their past projects for their portfolio
and often rework past projects. All of this hard work culminates during their portfolio
review with professionals in the industry interviewing them and discussing their final
portfolios. Students should expect to also take a timed competency exam in GRA 1180C
Portfolio Prep before being able to take GRA 1951C Portfolio Review.
What is the competency exam and why do I have to take it to complete the Portfolio
Prep course?
The competency exam is a timed examination where student will be evaluated for their
ability to design and use necessary software to produce a printed publication or a
website with files they are supplied with. The competency exam measures students technical
capabilities and readiness to execute professional quality work so they may begin
work immediately upon graduation. After completing the competency exam students should
feel confident that they are capable of working in an entry-level position as a Graphic,
Interactive, or Web Designer.
Internship FAQs
When is the best time to take the internship course?
The best time to take the internship course is during your last semester while you
are taking Portfolio Review.
What do I need to do to register for the internship course?
To get the best idea of how to register for internship and what to expect from the
interning experience, students are required to view this orientation prior to being
registered: http://valenciagraphicdesign.com/2013/06/plan-to-internship-nextsemester/