Frequently Asked Questions about the Graphic Design Program
Can I learn enough in this program to get a job? The LCC Graphic Design program teaches entry level skills but, of course, can't guarantee employment. Locally, most entry level jobs involve the production of someone else's design, with most of this work now being done on the computer. LCC offers a very strong foundation in production skills and technology as well as in computer skills.
What percentage of the program's graduates get jobs? According to follow-up data provided by LCC Research and Planning, almost 60% of the graduates of the program work in the field of graphic design within a year after graduation.
What do I have to do to be admitted into LCC's Graphic Design Program? Any LCC student can take the courses required for the first year of the graphic design program. Room is limited, however, for those who wish to take the second year courses. Each June, students interested in the second year of the program must go through an official application process.
What is involved in the admission process for the second year of the program? Admission into the second year involves filling out an application, providing transcripts, preparing an assignment, writing an essay, and submitting a portfolio of your work. The different components in the application process are weighted as follows: a) Portfolio 60%, b) Essay 20%, and c) GPA 20%. This process takes place during the last two weeks of Spring term of each year. Information about specific dates and requirements will be available online in this site or in the Art Office, building 11, starting Spring term. Contact the Art Department for an Application Packet.
How does the Portfolio Review work? The application portfolio consists of pieces representing various categories such as color, drawing, typography, and pasteup. There is also an assigned project that all applicants must complete. Each portfolio is submitted anonymously and is independently evaluated by two to three reviewers. (Guidelines for the portfolio review are available in the Art Office. In addition, an information session will be held early Spring term to discuss the process.)
How many people apply each year for the second year of the program and how many spaces are there? There is room for twenty full time students in the second year of the program. However, since many students attend part-time, there is usually room for a several more in the program. Roughly thirty five students apply each year.
What if I apply for the Program and am not accepted? Those students who are not accepted into the program have a number of options.
They can ask for a meeting with the Program Coordinator to discuss their admission scores.
Some then decide to spend the next year working on areas of weakness in order to reapply the following year.
Others who were thinking of going on to a four year institution can investigate early transfer.
Others transfer to graphic design programs at other community colleges, such as Linn-Benton in Albany or Chemeketa in Salem.
Some students, however, decide that this career may not be right for them and investigate other career options such as Lane's Multimedia Design program.
Do I need to have a lot of drawing ability to be a graphic designer? Although drawing skill is an advantage, especially in a small market, it is not a requirement for a career in graphic design. Drawing classes are required for all first year students, however, because they are a great way to develop technical skills as well as visual sensitivity.
Does LCC's program offer much preparation for illustration? An introduction course in illustration is offered each year. We are also developing independent study options for students interested in illustration. If this is a particular interest, however, you might want to investigate schools that specialize in this area.
How do I get more information about the Graphic Design Program at LCC? This Web Site contains a lot of information about the Program. For more information, Jefferson Goolsby, Media Arts Coordinator, can be reached at (541) 463-5371. You can also talk to the Administrative Coordinator of the Art Department (541) 463-5409, or Christina Salter, Counselor for the Art Department (541) 463-5813. A good resource on the field of graphic design is Graphic Design: A Career Guide and Education Directory, edited by Sharon Helmer Poggenpohl. In addition, a one credit course called Introduction to Graphic Design is offered every year (usually in Fall term).
