Design & Visual Communications
In the North Quincy Design & Visual Communications career prep program, students immerse themselves in the world of visual design, mastering the use of images, typography, color, and layout. From creating eye-catching digital and print publications to illustrations, web graphics, logos, signs, billboards, and animation, our students gain a comprehensive understanding of design principles.
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Diverse projects: Social media, logos, digital photography, packaging design, advertising, web design, print production, storyboarding, videos, and graphic novels.
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Real-world experience: Collaborate on projects for the community, QPS schools, and non-profit clients.
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Job skills focus: Develop teamwork, conceptual thinking, sketching, meeting production deadlines, and understanding end-user needs.
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Senior internships: Gain valuable industry insights through internships in the graphic design field.
Post-Graduate Opportunities
Upon completion of our Visual Design & Communications program, students are well-prepared for further education or direct entry into the workforce. Graduates can choose to pursue 2- or 4-year college programs in special effects, computer animation, video game design, web design, illustration, video editing, and graphic arts.
As part of their studies, each student creates an online portfolio of animation, illustrations, videos, photos, and logos, helping them gain a competitive edge for admittance to college programs.
Careers
Our program opens doors to a multitude of exciting career paths. Graduates can explore opportunities in graphic design, start their own freelance business, or venture into related fields such as game design, digital video editing, illustration, web design, photography, and more.
Most graphic and visual designers work for design firms, ad agencies, publishers, and related support service companies. Some designers may work in-house for larger corporations. A small percentage work for engineering and technology firms. About 19% of graphic designers do freelance work in addition to or as their primary employment.
Average Salary
In Massachusetts, average salaries for art and design workers reach $71,770, while design directors and design firm owners average an impressive $100,800. Web developers earn an average salary of $83,190.
Industry/Career Outlook
Job growth over the next 10 years is expected to be about 3%, slower than most other fields. Job competition will be keen. Designers with an outstanding portfolio, good computer skills, and experience in web design, animation, or specialized skills will have the best job opportunities.
Equipment/Software Training
Students at NQHS will learn to use Mac computers and their standard applications: Adobe Creative Cloud, including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Animate; digital cameras; state-of-the-art color printer, scanner, and large format printers.
Certifications/Licenses
Students may graduate from our program with the following certifications:
Articulation Agreements
Students may earn college credits and/or scholarships via local colleges:
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising – 12 credits
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GRPH 1100 Desktop Publishing – 3 credits
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GRPH 1300 Computer Illustrations – 3 credits
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GRPH 1250 Design 1 – 3 credits
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GRPH 2780 Digital Photography – 3 credits (Testing required)
Recommended Course of Study
Grade 9
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English
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Foreign Language
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Mathematics
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Science
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Social Studies
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Physical Education
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Pathways
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Art 1
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12