Digital and Graphic Arts

Graphic designers are people who like to be creative, can sketch and communicate ideas, and enjoy seeing their designs in everyday applications.

Interested in this program?

Why should I choose this program?

The Digital and Graphic Arts program at HFC is designed to foster your ability to communicate ideas visually and creatively for a multitude of purposes and platforms. We offer you the skills required for entry-level design positions, as well as certificates in illustration and animation. Our program will provide you with confidence in your work; the ability to design professionally for print, web, and motion; and the skills necessary to gain employment or transfer to a four-year college/university design program!

Graphic Design

We offer courses in print, front-end web design, motion graphics, digital photography, illustration, and animation. You will gain experience using software and equipment used in the industry, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

Illustration

Illustration is one of the two certificate programs offered within the Digital and Graphic Arts program. It is based in art foundations and continues through to digital illustration. You will sharpen your drawing and painting skills, then move into painting in Photoshop and creating vector graphics.

Animation

The Animation certificate program provides you with introductory to intermediate training in animation, character design, story telling and 3D model building. This program is designed to supplement your graphic design skills or serve as a basis for further study at a four-year college/university.

What skills will I learn and improve?

  • Print design
  • Front-end web design
  • Motion graphics
  • Digital photography
  • Illustration
  • Animation.
  • Adobe Creative Suite

What are my career opportunities?

Median Salary

Graphic designers work in many positions, including:

  • Front-end designer
  • UX / UI designer
  • Publication designer
  • Art Director

Program features and benefits

  • Student Work Gallery

    You will have an opportunity to participate in a graduating student Art Exhibition presented at the Sisson Art Gallery.

  • Co-op opportunities

    Graphic Design student co-ops design the print publication of the Looking Glass, HFC's literary arts magazine.

  • Professional Digital Equipment

  • Internship Opportunities

    If you are motivated, you may be able to obtain internships at well-known agencies such as Team Detroit and Yazaki.

Testimonials and Endorsements

Emily R.

Student

Henry Ford College was the perfect stepping stone for my education. The Graphic Design program has great teachers and a fantastic leader, Vicki Shepherd. I joined the student-run newspaper, "The Mirror News," where my graphic design skills landed me a job as layout assistant. The newspaper's creative team also had a side project. I was assigned lead designer for "The Looking Glass" and I couldn't have done it without the skills I learned from this program.

Joe F.

Graphic Designer

The Graphic design program at Henry Ford College was a great learning experience. The program is structured to develop each student’s skill-set both creatively and technically. I really appreciated the focus on the creative process from start to finish and the demand for quality work for each and every project. What I have learned from the program has helped me become a better graphic designer. My portfolio helped me obtain a great long term co-op and a sizable scholarship to continue my education.

Jerry M.

Freelance Designer

I loved how the Graphic Design program started to shape into a more career-driven program; we learned the most from critiquing each other’s work. My last semester in the HFC Graphic Design program was amazing. I built up my portfolio and showed it to my friends, family, and peers, and I had my digital art displayed in the show. It was a great way to show everyone my passion.

Faculty

Lists the faculty associated with this program and their contact information.

FT Faculty - Graphic Design
vashepherd@hfcc.edu
313-845-6487
Art - Adjunct Faculty
laduskin@hfcc.edu
Art - Adjunct Faculty
najaber@hfcc.edu
Art - Adjunct Faculty
kavoltz@hfcc.edu