Graphic Design
Cape Fear Community College offers a graphic design certificate program consisting of 7 courses and 312 hours of instruction. The coursework will focus on graphic design principles, Adobe Design software, and web applications for graphic designers. Students can expect to learn about current design and technology. Using state of the art software and resources, the Graphic Arts faculty will train students in all areas of design as well as logo creation, color theory, and newly emerging areas in the field. Take a look at some of our student artwork!
Please note: Supplies are required for the Foundations of Design course. Please click the hyperlink below to access the list.
Student Artwork
Foundations of Design Supply List
- #2 or softer pencil
- Three to five color markers (fine and medium tips)
- White eraser
- 12” metal ruler
- 18″ plastic t-square (available at Hobby Lobby)
- 10″ triangle
- Masking tape or not so sticky tape
- Layout tablet or 8.5” X 11” copier paper
- Compass (inexpensive)
- Small wire bound sketchbook
- Small cutting mat (12″x 18″)
- Exacto knife and #11 blades
- 2 sheets of approximately 11″x14″ illustration board
- 1 pad of 11×14 bristol board
- 5 small tubes of gouache or acrylic paint: Black, white, red, blue yellow.
- Several small flat-tipped and pointed paint brushes
- Smartphone
| Class | Prerequisites | Corequisites |
| Foundations of Design | None | None |
| Adobe Design I | Foundations of Design | Foundations of Design |
| Adobe Design II | Foundations & Adobe Design I | Adobe Illustrator |
| Adobe Illustrator | Foundations of Design & Adobe I | Adobe II |
| Adobe Photoshop | Foundations of Design, Adobe I, Adobe II, Adobe Illustrator | Web Applications |
| Web Applications | Foundations of Design, Adobe I, Adobe II, Adobe Illustrator | Adobe Photoshop |
| Capstone Portfolio | Foundations, Adobe I, Adobe II, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Web Applications | N/A- Final course in the series, all other courses listed above must have been successfully completed prior to taking Capstone Portfolio. |
Program Plan
Students can take a maximum of two classes at a time. Below is the required program plan for students taking two classes per semester.
| Class | Semester |
| Foundations of Design | Semester I |
| Adobe Design I | Semester I |
| Adobe Design II | Semester II |
| Adobe Illustrator | Semester II |
| Adobe Photoshop | Semester III |
| Web Applications | Semester III |
| Capstone Portfolio | Semester IV |
*Courses are subject to cancellation due to low enrollment.
*WiFi/internet access and general (intermediate) computer knowledge/skill is required.
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Instructor Bio
The program is led by Associate Professor Marsha Mills, who brings 30 years of experience in graphic design including 11 years as a professor at the Art Institute and 12 years at Wake Tech Community College. Marsha is a member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and has been a designer for several major corporations. Her teaching highlights include logo design, typography, print production, portfolio creation, and much more.
“My focus is to create a program that is affordable, informative, and practical,” said Professor Mills. “My students graduate with a strong working knowledge of graphic design principles, typography, layout and information organization.”
To learn more about Marsha Mills, visit her web page: Marsha Mills
