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Program facts 
Prepare for a career in the graphic arts/fashion industry with this 21-credit-hour certificate program. Focus on fashion illustration by taking courses designed to give you beginner’s knowledge of the graphic arts industry for print along with the illustration needs of the fashion industry. You’ll also get training in the latest computer software, illustration and production techniques.
Areas of study include fashion design illustration, digital imaging and illustration, introduction to graphic arts technology, graphic arts desktop publishing and graphic design.
You can sharpen your creative skills in one of Harper College’s three state-of-the-art graphic arts labs, equipped with Mac computers and the latest creative software. Classes are led by knowledgeable instructors who are industry experts in the field. After graduation, you’ll be ready to start your career or continue your studies with one of Harper’s degree programs.
This 21 credit-hour certificate program is designed to prepare students for direct employment in the graphic arts/fashion industry with a fashion illustration specialty. These graphic arts and fashion courses are designed to provide students with basic knowledge of the graphic arts industry for print as well as the illustration needs of the fashion industry. This program covers the latest computer software, illustration and production techniques.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| FAS 105 | Fashion Design and Illustration I | 3 |
Description: Introduces basic and advanced techniques in rendering the fashion figure, garments, details, and textiles using various media with a focus on application of color and texture. Students will begin to develop a personal illustrative style. Students will be introduced to technical drawing and flat sketches for use in spec sheets, presentations, and story boards. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 4 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| FAS 210 | Advanced Fashion Illustration II | 3 |
Description: Emphasizes work on a professional studio level. Focuses on work sketches as well as finished art. Studies illustration for advertising, publicity, promotion and display. Includes preparation of professional portfolio. Prerequisite: FAS 105 and GRA 112 with grades of C or better. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 4 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| GRA 101 | Introduction to Graphic Arts Technology | 3 |
Description: Provides students an overview of past, present and future graphic arts processes including graphic applications for design/layout, imaging, photography, prepress, print and finishing. Direction is provided on occupations in the Graphic Arts industry and the use of digital applications related to producing print materials. Provides a hands-on understanding of desktop publishing software through lab and lecture. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| GRA 102 | Graphic Arts Desktop Publishing | 3 |
Description: Presents a clear understanding of graphic desktop software and their many functions in the printing industry. Provides hands-on training using the most current desktop publishing software. Focuses on project work, page layouts and output functions. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in GRA 101. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| GRA 103 | Digital Imaging I | 3 |
Description: Covers fundamentals of professional image-editing software (Adobe Photoshop). Emphasizes skills to manipulate photos using current software tools and special effects filters. Explores program tools, color correction, channels, layers and masks. Strong computer skills are required for success in this course. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| GRA 112 | Digital Illustration I | 3 |
Description: Presents vector graphics software and its applications to the graphic arts industry. Explores tools and functions within the current software. Focuses on creating illustrations, working with type, color, and all tools needed to create multi-colored illustration and separation. Emphasizes techniques to create illustration files for use in digital print production. Strong computer skills are required for success in this course. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| GRA 120 | Graphic Design I | 3 |
Description: Focuses on beginning fundamentals of graphic design utilizing all design principles and involves an overview of design and layout rendering techniques. Focuses on typography, images and graphics, utilizing design processes (including research and sketching), and current graphic software for print. Projects are critiqued for aesthetics and production for print. Prerequisite: GRA 102 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Total Hours | 21 | |
Students interested in graphic arts design and technology may also be interested in:
For more information about the Fashion Graphic Arts Certificate program, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.