LCC Holds Graphic Arts Camp

For the sixth year, the Graphic Arts & Imaging Technology program at Lenoir Community College recently offered graphic arts training in the form of a summer camp. The camp was designed to introduce students, ages 12-18, to the many facets of the graphics industry.

The students had the opportunity to explore graphic design, digital photography, computer publishing, computer animation, screen printing, offset printing, and bindery operations through hands-on activities. They used industry-standard software, including QuarkXPress and Adobe Photoshop. Projects produced included screen-printed T-shirts, personalized notepads, computer animations, and even several thousand dollars of funny money, featuring their picture.

GRAPHIC ARTS CAMPERS - Attending Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology Camp at LCC were: left to right, front row, Dwight Downie, Graphic Arts Camp Co-Director, Tiffany Nobles, Sara Farmer, Hayden Huggins, Jessica Hoover, Krystin Glass, Kylie Downie, Amber Tyndall, Daniel Statum, Dustin Downie, and Kelly Statum, Graphic Arts Camp Co-Director; back row, Amanda Moore, Chelsea Sutton, J. T. Tilghman, Courtney Harrell, Mary Beth Barwick, Suzanna Smith, Jay Statum, Joshua Lovick, and Will Jarman.

The camp co-directors, Dwight Downie and Kelly Statum, explained the businesses that make up the industry and discussed the planning, design, and production steps that are a necessary part of publishing and printing. Related educational and career opportunities were also discussed. The job possibilities are almost endless, according to Statum, Graphic Arts & Imaging Technology instructor.

"This industry is made up of graphic designers, computer operators who create graphics and page layouts, and press operators, to name just a few," she said. "It is a diverse business, where nearly every printed job is unique. The pace is fast due to frequent changes in technology, software, and customer expectations. "The graphics industry needs bright and energetic people who can keep up with its exciting changes. I hope that, in the future, the students attending our camp will seriously consider the educational opportunity available at Lenoir Community College for graphics training close to home," Statum said.

"The camp has been a successful way of introducing the curriculum to local middle school and high school students who might not otherwise learn about career opportunities in graphic arts," said Downie, Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology program head. "There is quite a demand for well-trained people, both locally and regionally. When our graduates leave the program, they leave with some very diverse and marketable skills. It is our hope that the students attending the camp will think about the possibility of a career in this field."

Graduates of the GAIT program have hands-on training in all phases of graphic arts including graphic design and layout, desktop production, photo manipulation and image editing, prepress, offset printing, bindery, and screen printing. LCC graduates are employed across the state as computer graphics specialists, desktop publishers, electronic prepress technicians, sheet-fed and web press operators, bindery technicians, screen printers, and graphic arts instructors. Many have gone on to open their own businesses. Others have transferred to four-year colleges to further their education.

To learn more about the Graphic Arts & Imaging Technology program, contact Downie at (252) 527-6223, ext. 607. You may also visit the GAIT department on the web at http://www.lenoircc.edu/business/gait/graphics.html.