VCOM 1250 — 3 UNITS SURVEY OF VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS

A survey of the visual communications industry and how image and corporate identity run through all visual media. Students examine and analyze visual marketing, graphic identity, e-commerce, fashion styling, event planning, exhibit design, trade show promotion, vendor manufacturing, retail store planning, retail theme environments, and visual merchandising.

VCOM 1350 — 3 UNITS IDEATION SKETCHING

An introductory course in which students learn how to execute loose, quick, freehand sketches beginning with observed, existing spaces, simple elevations and plan views without perspective and to advanced invented visuals, illustrating solutions to various design and visual merchandising problems. Emphasis is placed on speed, confidence, clear communication, use of notation, credible scale, and research. In-class and homework assignments consist of many small sketches as students communicate and use appropriate methodology to develop and express ideas. Prerequisite: GNST 1230

VCOM 1480 — 3 UNITS PERSPECTIVE SKETCHING

Students learn skills and techniques which enable them to use perspective to create dramatic and effective sketches, drawings, and computer images. Prerequisite: VCOM 1350

VCOM 1550 — 3 UNITS CRITICAL CONCEPTS FOR VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS

This course is designed to teach students basic problem-solving methodology in visual communications, from definition and clarification of the essential problem, through exploration of multiple solution concepts, to selection and adoption of a single appropriate solution. Prerequisites: VCOM 1480, VCOM 2180

VCOM 1850 — 3 UNITS TRENDS: PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE

This course introduces students to the methodology behind tracking and forecasting trends for the fashion and design industries. Students analyze key movements in design and the wider cultural events influencing them from the late 19th century through the 21st to develop an understanding of what drives consumer behavior and how design professionals track trends. Prerequisite: MMKT 1550

VCOM 1900 — 3 UNITS DRAFTING TECHNIQUES FOR VISUAL PRESENTATION

An introduction to basic architectural drafting techniques and skills as they relate to store planning. Prerequisite: VCOM 1350

VCOM 2020 — 3 UNITS LAYOUT & DESIGN

This course introduces the formal elements of line, shape, color, texture, and composition as well as the principles of design—balance, scale, emphasis, repetition, and unity. This course integrates image and type use to communicate meaningful concepts for visual presentation. Prerequisites: VCOM 2180, VCOM 2350

VCOM 2180 — 3 UNITS COMPUTER RENDERING

An introduction to Adobe Illustrator as a design and rendering tool. This course provides students with hands-on experience using the computer to create graphic collateral, fixture diagrams, and store layouts.

VCOM 2220 — 3 UNITS MATERIALS & PROPS

This class exposes students to a variety of materials, including plastic, wood, metals, and tile, and their application to the industry. Students explore methods, materials, and techniques for producing visuals for the industry. Includes a three (3) hour lab. Prerequisites: VCOM 1250, VCOM 1900

VCOM 2350 — 3 UNITS COMPUTER GRAPHICS

An introductory computer graphics course in which students learn PC applications of Adobe Photoshop, analyze problems of visual thinking, design, and graphics, and present creative solutions. Prerequisite: VCOM 2180

VCOM 2380 — 3 UNITS ADVANCED DIGITAL IMAGING

Students learn intermediate-to-advanced features of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and enhance their software skills to digitally create professional quality pieces to include in their visual communications portfolio. Prerequisite: VCOM 2020

VCOM 2420 – 3 UNITS DESIGN FOR SOCIAL MEDIA BRANDING 

Using design principles and technology, students develop brand campaigns for online and social media formats. Existing brands are evaluated to determine effectiveness of brand messages; research will provide critical analysis for creating new brand campaigns in specific markets. Prerequisites: VCOM 2010, VCOM 2020

VCOM 2460 — 3 UNITS DESIGN INSTALLATION

An introduction to the crafts of visual presentation. Students receive hands-on experience in working with the tools and materials used to produce merchandise presentations and window displays. Standards of excellent craftsmanship are stressed as students design and install portfolio-quality visual presentations. Includes a three (3) hour lab. Prerequisite: VCOM 2220

VCOM 2510 – 3 UNITS E-COMMERCE & VISUAL MERCHANDISING 

Students will explore the future of visual merchandising and key innovations in areas of virtual and augmented reality, creating an experience for the consumer. Students will also explore through case studies the importance of understanding customer needs and look at the changing demands in visual merchandising for retail brick and mortar and e-commerce businesses. Prerequisite: VCOM 2020

VCOM 2640 — 3 UNITS PUBLIC RELATIONS FOR ENTERTAINMENT & FASHION

An introduction to public relations, marketing, and event planning. Students will learn the basic skills used to create a full marketing and public relations campaign and put together a successful event. The course will incorporate the creative and strategic thinking involved in a full-fledged communications plan. Students will examine how marketing, including events, and public relations can increase exposure and media attention for a company, organization, product, individual, or program. Through case studies, guest speakers, hands-on projects, workshops and discussions, students will learn how to plan and execute effective public relations and marketing campaigns and plan and produce events. Prerequisite: MMKT 1550

VCOM 2780 — 3 UNITS PORTFOLIO PREPARATION & PRESENTATION 

This class assists students in preparing and developing a professional portfolio of their work. Students learn to deliver presentations with practical techniques on how to structure the material to be presented, create visual aids, and speak with confidence. Prerequisite: VCOM 2460

VCOM 2820 — 3 UNITS FASHION STYLING & COORDINATION

A course which explores job options and the process for both finding work and preparing for a shoot or event. Students survey the work of important contemporary designers, photographers, and stylists. The class culminates in a fashion shoot.

VCOM 2840 — 3 UNITS ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR VISUAL PRESENTATION

Students understand the financial data essential to making informed business decisions. Basic financial statements and their interpretation, cost analysis, and relationship to the visual communications industry are included.

VCOM 2950 — 3 UNITS INTERNSHIP

Through on-the-job training, students gain valuable insight as they apply theory and skills learned in the classroom to actual work situations and explore career options. An internship blends theory and practice, combining academic training with employment in fields related to their course of study.

VCOM 3000 — 3 UNITS PREPRODUCTION SKETCHING

This course teaches students to create credible representations of various set design concepts using perspective as a tool to establish depth, scale, mood, and point-of-view. Emphasis is on understanding the basic principles of perspective to generate effective sketches and drawings, rather than the technical process of drafted images.

VCOM 3050 — 3 UNITS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT INTERIOR STYLES

A survey of the historical styles of furniture and room settings in western culture from Egypt through the 20th century. The course includes research and analysis designed to educate the student in the relevant concepts and terminology related to the history of interior furnishing styles. Movie references are included so that students can see the application of interior design knowledge to creating authenticity in set designs. VCOM 3110 — 3 UNITS

VCOM 3110 — 3 UNITS ART DIRECTION

Students will learn to design for mainstream entertainment in film, television, commercial, and video. The emphasis will focus on basic tools and principles for scenic drafting and visualization, beginning with soft drafting, finished drafting, and culminating with the latest information on computer illustration and digital 3-D modeling in set design.

VCOM 3300 — 6 UNITS ESSENTIALS OF FILM PRODUCTION

In this course, students experience, survey, and identify the jobs and careers in movie, television, commercial, and music video production. Students learn all areas of pre- and post-production, from how to budget a script to understanding how each film production department functions and interacts. The course is highlighted by a number of guest lecturers from the industry.

VCOM 3310 — 3 UNITS DESIGN THEATRE

From Sophocles to Shepherd, from the lobby to the loading dock, focusing on the collaboration of a scenic designer and the team of artists that creates a live theatrical performance. Students analyze and breakdown text to explore specialized production elements of live theatre, including lighting, costumes, sound, and scenery. The course underscores the unique requirements of a live theatre production as well as other types of live entertainment. Learn about the first sets and the stories they helped tell.

VCOM 3460 — 6 UNITS PRODUCTION & SET DESIGN

Students discuss the elements of design with the practical considerations of different entertainment media: television, commercials, feature films, videos, and still campaigns. Students become acquainted with prop houses and theory versus real-life experiences, supplemented by guest lecturers from a wide range of viewpoints within the industry.

VCOM 3710 — 3 UNITS ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS PRACTICES

Students learn how to properly plan for the production of a film or television series during the pre-production stage. Theory, discussion, and practical application will provide students with basic working knowledge of the skills of the business of managing the set design element of productions. Students will also learn about detailed budget analysis and planning.

VCOM 3760 — 6 UNITS SET DECORATING

This course focuses on the mechanical aspects of the set-decorating craft while exposing students to the traditions and artistic dialogues developed throughout film/television history. Students compare the various creative and integral processes used in the development of current and past television and film productions, including the breakdown of the script, lay out of furniture plots, shopping for furnishings and accessories, and creation of budgets and schedules.

VCOM 3800* — 6 UNITS INTERNSHIP

Through on-the-job training, students gain valuable insight as they apply theory and skills learned in the classroom to actual work situations and explore career options in set design and set decoration. *Internship taken in 2 of the 3 quarters (12 units total).

VCOM 3880 — 6 UNITS DESIGN FOR THEATRE

A course in set design that examines how a scenic designer collaborates with a team of artists to create a living theatrical experience. Students break down texts to identify the specialized production requirements—such as lighting, sound, scenery, and costume—of plays and other types of live entertainment from Sophocles to Shepherd.

VCOM 3920 — 3 UNITS DESIGN: THE CAMERA'S VIEW

A course in which students gain the valuable experience of preparing a project for the camera lens. Students learn the basics of art direction and set decoration techniques by preparing a set for filming using: lighting, foreground, background, balance, and perspective.