Mark Lemhouse (2009) designed a recent box set release by the group Black Francis. Frank Black wrote and performed a new score to the 1920’s silent film The Golem, which is included in this five-dsic set. Lemhouse designed the unique package, and helped printed the 500 letter-pressed signature pages (pressed at a local letterpress museum). A making-of video, featuring Lemhouse, is posted on Black Francis’ YouTube channel.

We will soon have two degrees to offer our students: Graphic Design or Graphic Design with an option in Interactive Media (encompassing Web design, Flash animation, and digital video). We’ll have the new curriculum and application forms up soon.

Already applied for the program? No worries, we’ll help you transition to the new course of study. Can’t decide? Don’t have to. You’ll still apply to the Visual Communications Program and have the entire first year before needing to decide which path to follow. New information should be up by mid-March.

Call or email with any questions. We’re excited about the changes and look forward to sharing them with all of you.

Chemeketa’s Visual Communications Program continues to offer popular afternoon and evening classes in their graphics lab and in online classes. You do not need to be a Visual Communications student to enroll in these courses, but some classes do have prerequisites. All classes fill very quickly.

For more information about the Visual Communications program contact Christine Linder at 503.399.6473. Check the schedule timetable for additional information needed for registration. All courses listed meet for the full ten week term.

VC is proud to present a Masters Photography Workshop with Mick Briscoe. Join Mick for one or both sessions as he demonstrates his advanced techniques in silver gelatin fiber-based printing. Limited to 12 students, $125 per session.

Part 1: Feb. 6 & 13 9am–5pm

Evaluating negatives, understanding contrast, making work prints, modifying and crafting final prints in the darkroom.

Part 2: Feb. 20 & 27 9am–5pm

Negative enhancements, advanced printing techniques; toning, spotting, mounting prints.

During summer of 2009, the we upgraded many of our software applications, allowing access by our students to the latest technologies while keeping us current with industry.

Our biggest upgrade was to move the latest version of the Adobe Creative Suite: CS4. This purchase upgraded six of our most-used applications (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Flash, and Acrobat Pro) and provided one new application (Fireworks). The Creative Suite is our most important software suite, and we are pleased to continue to be on the cutting edge of the creative industry.

We also purchased upgrades to Apple’s Final Cut Express 4.0 for our digital video classes and Suitcase Fusion 2 for font management.

Finally, all of our lab iMacs were upgraded to Mac OS X 10.6 (aka Snow Leopard) in September.

VC also purchased a new, large-format printer for our digital photography students (Epson Stylus Pro 4880), as well as updated video and photography hardware.

All of these upgrades directly benefit the students by ensuring that Visual Communication graduates continue to enter the job market with the best and most-current skill set, better preparing them for today’s challenging job market.

If you would like information about the Visual Communication at Chemeketa, we invite you to attend an overview session. In these sessions, we talk about the program, show student work, provide information about the application process, and discuss transfer and career options. You will also be able to meet some of our faculty members and current program students.

The Summer overview dates are:

• Tuesday, August 11th, 2009 (Two times: 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM)
• Last Minute Registration Day Tuesday, September 15th, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (see below)

All sessions on campus in Building 4, room 279. Everyone is welcome and no reservations are required.

How To Apply

A packet of information is available online or on campus in Counseling and Career Services in Building 2.

Final Fall Application Deadlines

September 15: 10 am–4 PM. SAME DAY ASSESSMENT AND PORTFOLIO REVIEW.

If there is space available in the program for fall, we will offer a day of instant approval. With your application materials in hand, complete a Student Advising and Recommendation (SAR) assessment with a counselor, attend a program overview, have your portfolio reviewed and get an answer all in one day. Download the application PDF at vc.chemeketa.edu.If you’re a new student, take the placement tests and bring the scores with you so you’re ready to talk. Your application should include the VC application, the SAR form, transcripts of any previous college work, the required essay, examples of your work and the portfolio assignment. Details are located here.

• Open advising: Aug. 11: 10–4 p.m. Bldg. 4, Rm. 284.
• ASSESSMENT AND PORTFOLIO REVIEW: September 16: 10 am–4 PM.
• Applications will be accepted until Sept. 18, although the program may be filled at any time
• Notification usually will take about two weeks but will be no later than Sept. 24

The Chemeketa Community College Visual Communications graduating student Portfolio Show is June 4th, 2009 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The event will take place in Building 4/279.

Two Visual Communication students — Jessican Lyon and Erasmo Giron — were featured this past school year on the Chemeketa Web site. Read there stories (links to Jessica’s and Erasmo’s stories) and learn more about their stories and the Visual Communication Program in general.

According to the Oregon Employment Department, “among art and design occupations in Oregon, graphic designers are expected to add the most new jobs through 2014. Graphic designers, also known as graphic artists, possess a unique skill set that requires…”

Read the entire article here: Graphic Designers Face High Job Growth and Technological Change