Here’s a list of helpful notes for students in their second year of the Digital Arts program at HGTC:

FALL SEMESTER 

 1. ARV 261; Advertising Design I:

• Master the Basics: Reinforce your understanding of design principles. Focus on typography, layout, color theory, and brand identity.

• Real-World Applications: Practice creating ad campaigns that could realistically be used in the industry. Work on both print and digital media.

• Critique Sessions: Embrace feedback during critiques. Learning to accept and implement constructive criticism is crucial for your growth.

• Stay Current: Keep up with current advertising trends. Look into the latest tools, techniques, and trends in digital marketing.
  
  

 2. ARV 163; Graphic Reproduction II:

•  Technical Skills: Hone your skills in prepress and production. Pay close attention to detail and accuracy in your work.

•  Understand Printing Processes: Get familiar with different printing methods (offset, digital, screen printing) and their applications.

•  Color Management: Learn about color calibration, proofing, and how to manage color consistency across different mediums.
  
  

SPRING SEMESTER 

 3. CGC 250; Special Project in Commercial Graphics

• In the first five weeks we will review Web Site Design and development - complete your portfolio web site

• In Week 6 you will pick one piece of software or pitch your professor a project you would like to complete by the end of the semester. You will provide the professor with the project sheet. All projects MUST be approved by professor BEFORE you start on this project.

•  Project Planning: Start with clear objectives and timelines. Break down your project into manageable tasks and set deadlines for each.

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 4. Special Projects in Graphic Arts - Capstone Class:

• Team Collaboration: This class simulates a real-world agency. Learn to collaborate effectively with your peers, just as you would with coworkers in a professional setting.

• Role Assignment: Identify and embrace your role within the team. Whether you’re leading the creative, strategy, or production side, ensure you contribute fully.

•  Brand Development: Focus on building a complete, cohesive brand. From logo design to marketing materials, ensure every element is consistent and reinforces the brand identity.

• Presentation Skills: Develop strong presentation skills, as you'll be required to pitch your brand to your instructors and outside professionals.
  
  

 5. ARV 219; Multimedia Techniques - Animation and Video Creation:

• Software Proficiency: Get comfortable with industry-standard software like Adobe After Effects, Audition, and Premiere Pro. Projects created will improve your proficiency.

• Storyboarding: Develop your storyboarding skills. This helps in planning out animations or video sequences efficiently.

• Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and techniques. Innovation can set your work apart from others.

• Sound Design: Pay attention to sound effects and music. They are essential components of any multimedia project and can enhance the viewer's experience.
  
  

 6. ARV 264; Advertising Design II: Student Showcase Preparation:

• Project  Curation: Carefully select pieces that best represent your skills and growth over the course. Quality over quantity is key.

• Presentation: Prepare to speak confidently about your work. Practice explaining your design choices, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them.

• Networking: Treat the showcase as an opportunity to network. Bring business cards/resume and be ready to engage with potential employers and industry professionals.

• Feedback Gathering: Use this opportunity to gather feedback from industry professionals. It can provide valuable insights into how your work is perceived outside the classroom.

 General Tips:

• Time Management: Balancing multiple projects and deadlines is crucial. Use planners or digital tools to keep track of assignments and progress.

• Stay Inspired: Regularly visit design blogs, follow industry leaders on social media, and participate in design challenges to keep your creativity flowing.

• Continuous Learning: The digital arts field is always evolving. Keep learning new tools and techniques even outside the classroom to stay ahead.