CFCC Graphic Design Student Turns Project into Freelance Opportunity
Cape Fear Community College Continuing Education student Joe Covas has been working with the Noni Bacca Winery to create labels for their locally produced wines. He began working with the winery for a student project, and ended up with a freelance contract.
As a student in the graphic design program at CFCC, Covas has been learning how to create meaningful visual messaging, and about promoting his work in a business setting. In the Adobe Design II class, students are tasked with designing beverage labels. To take the class project a step further, they contact area businesses to offer their assistance. CFCC instructors provide guidance on how to connect to area businesses.
“I’m incredibly humbled to have my work chosen by Noni Bacca Winery,” said Covas. “In my short time at CFCC, I’ve learned so much from my instructors. They’ve helped me develop the skills needed to take on challenging assignments and have also encouraged me to seriously pursue graphic design as a full-time career.”
“Working with Joe, especially during this pandemic, has been very nice,” said Toni Invorvaia of Noni Bacca Winery. “The least I could do was help someone in my own community. Joe is extremely talented. He was very responsive and his artwork is spot on. We are so glad to partner with Cape Fear Community College.”
“Our talented faculty has a vast amount of design-industry experience among them, and the students are benefiting from their expertise. Our boutique graphic design program lets students work one-on-one with their instructors. Students complete this program with a highly-respected industry certificate and an extensive professional portfolio. What’s more, many of our students graduate from this program with employment offers and/or freelance contracts, like Mr. Covas. We look forward to seeing where this certificate takes his career,” said Liz Riepe, Coordinator for CFCC’s Workforce Development and Corporate Training Division.
“My positive experience with Toni at Noni Bacca furthers my desire to succeed in this field,” said Covas. “I hope her customers can connect with the imagery I create and have their imagination sparked over their next glass of fine wine – I recommend the Raspberry Zen.”
CFCC’s Graphic Design Certificate program was designed for individuals looking to enhance their graphic design skills and/or begin a career in the industry. The program can be completed in just over a year (students take two courses per semester). Students learn design principles, color theory, web design, Adobe Creative Suite programs, and create a professional portfolio.
Interested in earning your certificate in graphic design like Joe Covas? Get started today!
