Graphic Communications
Create, Communicate, and Produce
Graphic Communications combines art, design, technology, production, and business. Professionals in this field use creative thinking and technical tools to develop visual messages for print, digital media, advertising, publishing, photography, branding, video, and other communication platforms.
Enoree’s two-year Graphic Communications program is part of the South Carolina Arts, Entertainment, and Design Career Cluster. This honors-level program gives students advanced training in design and production while preparing them for college, technical education, industry certifications, and careers in the creative economy.
What Students Learn
- Graphic design, layout, typography, and color theory
- Digital imaging and photo editing
- Adobe Creative Cloud applications
- Commercial printing and production processes
- File preparation for print and digital media
- Branding, publishing, photography, and digital design
- Client communication, project planning, and deadline management
Certification Opportunities
- Tier 1: OSHA 10-Hour
- Tier 2: Adobe Certified Professional credentials in approved applications
- Tier 3: Advanced Adobe or other approved industry certifications
Program Credits
Students earn two high school credits each semester and may earn up to eight credits during the two-year program. These credits count as electives toward South Carolina high school graduation requirements. One credit may fulfill the CATE/Foreign Language graduation requirement.
Visit the Program
Prospective students and their families may have opportunities to meet Mrs. Bennefield and tour the Graphic Communications lab during the recruitment season. Contact Enoree Career Center for current tour dates and availability.
Year One: Building the Foundation
Graphic Communications 1 and 2 | Morning Session at Enoree
Year one introduces students to the foundations of visual communication, design, and production in an honors-level course that combines creativity with technical skill. The program is open to rising 10th- and 11th-grade students who are prepared to make a two-year commitment.
Students learn the safe and effective use of industry-standard software, computers, cameras, printing equipment, and production tools. Instruction emphasizes design principles, page layout, digital imaging, color, typography, and the preparation of artwork for print and digital platforms.
Students gain hands-on experience with Adobe Creative Cloud applications while developing the organization, accuracy, and problem-solving skills required to complete professional-quality projects.
As students progress through Graphic Communications 2, they apply design principles to more advanced projects involving typography, color theory, digital imaging, photography, publishing, and commercial production.
Instruction balances classroom learning with project-based experiences. Students practice interpreting project requirements, developing creative concepts, revising designs, preparing files correctly, and producing finished work for specific audiences and purposes.
By the end of year one, students should have completed several projects that demonstrate their growth in art, design, technology, and production. These projects begin forming a portfolio that can support future certification, college, and career opportunities.
Year Two: Advancing the Skills
Graphic Communications 3 and 4 | Afternoon Session at Enoree
Year two builds on the creative and technical foundation developed during the first year. Students complete advanced design and production projects that require greater independence, accuracy, creativity, and attention to professional standards.
Training expands into branding, digital publishing, commercial printing, advanced image editing, layout, photography, digital media, and other production processes. Students learn to combine multiple design tools while maintaining consistency across different formats and platforms.
Students are expected to interpret project goals, manage deadlines, communicate clearly, revise work based on feedback, and prepare client-ready files and finished products.
Students in Graphic Communications 3 and 4 complete real-world-style assignments that integrate design, photography, production, file preparation, and communication. Projects may involve logos, brand systems, advertising, publications, packaging, digital graphics, print materials, or multimedia content.
Eligible students may also have opportunities to participate in work-based learning with local design, printing, photography, marketing, and production businesses. These experiences help students understand workplace expectations and apply their skills in professional settings.
By the end of year two, students may be prepared to pursue Adobe Certified Professional credentials in applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign. Students leave with a portfolio of professional-quality work, industry experience, and preparation for technical college, four-year college programs, apprenticeships, or entry-level employment.
Career Opportunities
Graphic Communications can lead to careers involving visual design, photography, commercial printing, branding, publishing, digital media, and production. Some positions require additional education, experience, or specialized training.
Graphic Designer
Graphic designers create visual concepts for advertisements, publications, websites, packaging, brand identities, social media, and other communication materials. They combine design principles, software skills, and client needs to communicate ideas effectively.
Photographer
Photographers use cameras, lighting, composition, and editing software to create images for portraits, events, advertising, journalism, products, publications, and digital media.
Press Operator
Press operators prepare, operate, monitor, and maintain commercial printing equipment. They evaluate registration, color, image quality, materials, and production consistency throughout the printing process.
Production Artist
Production artists prepare and revise artwork for final output. They check dimensions, color settings, fonts, images, file organization, technical specifications, and consistency before a project is printed or published.
Skills for Success
Successful students and professionals in graphic communications combine creativity with technical skill, organization, communication, and attention to detail.
- Creativity: Develop original visual ideas that communicate effectively and meet the needs of a specific audience.
- Communication: Understand project goals, explain design decisions, accept feedback, and work effectively with clients and team members.
- Attention to detail: Identify errors involving spelling, alignment, dimensions, image quality, color, and file preparation.
- Technology: Use computers, cameras, printing equipment, editing software, and production tools safely and effectively.
- Time management: Plan projects, organize files, meet deadlines, and respond to revisions without sacrificing quality.
- Problem-solving: Evaluate design and production challenges and identify practical solutions that support the project’s purpose.
Portfolio Development
Students create and refine a portfolio throughout the program. A strong portfolio demonstrates technical growth, creativity, versatility, attention to detail, and the ability to complete work that meets professional expectations.
Certification Opportunities
Select a certification below to learn more about Adobe and workplace-safety credentials.
Local Work-Based Learning Partners
Local design, printing, photography, and production businesses help students connect classroom instruction with professional projects and workplace expectations.
Graduation and college admission note: Credits earned through this program count as electives toward South Carolina high school graduation requirements. One credit may fulfill the CATE/Foreign Language graduation requirement. Most four-year colleges do not accept career center courses as substitutes for foreign language courses required for college admission. Students should review graduation and college admission requirements with their school counselor and Mrs. Bennefield.