For the past 17 years, Andrea Young (Graphic Design ’98) has been sharing the gospel through a Sunday school curriculum. At D6 Family Ministries (under Randall House), Andrea leads a team of three designers. “I am a ‘working manager’ as they call it,” she said. “While I assign jobs, keep production schedules moving, create marketing print pieces and web graphics, I also design products for the curriculum.”
Because of her undergraduate training at Pensacola Christian College, Andrea felt prepared to succeed in her field. “I remember my professors helping me understand principles and procedures. They had a heart for helping the student; they cared for us, and you could tell,” she recalled. “I like to think that I pass on to my employees the same sense of helping them succeed and overcome any obstacles.”
Like Andrea, students in PCC’s program develop foundational and creative problem-solving skills while completing projects and internships. They also broaden their expertise by producing a portfolio exhibit and by using advanced tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud. With their degree, graphic design graduates are prepared to lead in their field. They’re equipped to influence design in ministries, businesses, and even as freelancers through digital or print media.
“One advertising class exercise taught me to create a design within two hours,” said Justin Ellis (Graphic Design ’06, M.A. Commercial Art ’08). “That practice has come into play in my present job.” As a designer at High Resolutions in Knoxville, TN, Justin enjoys serving his clients. “By the grace of God, I’m able to create something that is beyond what they were expecting,” he said. “I love the opportunity to help people by creating amazing graphics for them.”
“When you enroll in PCC’s Visual Arts Department, you join a family of other creatives,” said Greg Hewitt, the Visual Arts Department chair, considering prospective students. “Your instructors, award-winning artists and designers with years of experience, will teach you the principles and methods necessary to create work that stands above the rest. And your peers, each on an artistic journey similar to yours, will engage you along the way.”
Brad Keller (Graphic Design ’03) saw the quality of the Visual Arts program and was drawn to PCC. “The overall training I received was essential, from my art classes to grammar and speech,” he said. As vice president at loanDepot, a mortgage lending company, Brad manages the brand and how it comes to life for their audience. “As I work with my team to complete initiatives, I realize how much my undergrad courses prepared me to lead calls with business leaders and provide solutions,” he said. “And a foundation in grammar and design has helped provide sound feedback to my team.”
With a foundation in liberal arts, the graphic design concentration offers a well-rounded understanding of each design stage. “As a Christian college, our perspective starts from a biblical worldview, which we readily apply to the arts,” Mr. Hewitt said. “Our program is deeply connected to biblical principles relating to expression, visual communication, service to the audience, personal work ethic, and the purpose of bringing glory to God.”
“The [graphic design] field is wide open, exciting, and continuously growing and changing,” said Mr. Hewitt. The possibilities with a graphic design degree are endless. And PCC provides solid support to help students design in the creative world.