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Office of Professional Technical Programs
General Education Requirements
Publishing Arts
Certificate
Publishing Arts is a new program for learning how to plan, create and publish. The program-a unique combination of creative and technical-links the latest publishing software with advanced color computer labs (PC and Macintosh) and a full range of digital imaging technology.
You will learn all about the publishing industry through a hands-on, team-based experience, earning an associate of applied science (A.A.S.) degree or a one-year certificate. Publish your own designs in the form of posters, brochures, notecards, books, T-shirts and many other commercial-quality products. House your digital portfolio on the web. Develop professional-level skills in color management, using specialized imaging software, project management, customer service, and maintaining a small computer network.
Career Opportunities
This dynamic program will prepare you to select from the huge variety of specializations continuing to grow out of the digital revolution. Training will qualify you for employment in the following corporate environments:
- Publishing companies
- Retail, corporate or in-house graphics
- Software development
- Commercial printing and packaging
- Screen printing
- Image editing/stock photography
- Digital printing and publishing
- Graphic production
- Production design
- Prepress services
Industry professionals wishing to upgrade their skills are welcome, including those interested in estimating, sales, and management careers. Publishing Arts enjoys a strong industry reputation, demonstrated by new equipment contributions and employment offers for graduates. Student work is internationally recognized in professional competitions and articles.
Information Sessions
Information sessions are conducted each quarter so interested students can meet faculty and learn more about the program. Please call 206 587-3830 or check the quarterly class schedule for information on these sessions.
Entrance Requirements
- COMPASS test and documentation of eligibility for ENG 101 and a 100-level or above math course.
How To Get Started
Because registration dates are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, completion of the admission process is encouraged as soon as possible. There is no charge for admission to Seattle Central Community College.
- Complete the Standard Procedure for Admission to the College
- Testing If you have not had college-level math and English, within the last three years, testing will be required. Testing is conducted in room BE1108. There is a $12.00 fee per testing session (each session can include more than one test). No appointment is necessary; however, you will need to allow plenty of time to complete the tests. Testing can take from 1 to 2.5 hours. Please bring photo ID, $12.00 testing fee, and your Student Identification Number, which will be assigned once the admission process is completed.
- Transcripts/Test Scores After completing the above test(s), students must take the results and any previous college transcripts to the assistant director of Advising for Professional Technical Programs in room BE 1107H. Test scores and transcripts will be evaluated to determine academic readiness to enter the program. Please call 206 587-4065 for an appointment.
- To Enter the Program Once all previous steps have been completed, bring documentation of academic readiness (received from the assistant director of Advising) to BE 3176. Documentation will be evaluated, and your name will be placed on the Approved List. Program entry is first-come, first-served after you bring documentation of academic readiness to room BE 3176.
- Financial Aid Inquiries regarding financial aid must be made to the Financial Aid Office, room BE 1101, 206-587-3844.
Students may choose to graduate either under the program of study requirements stated in the college catalog at the time they first enter this program, or under the requirements listed in the catalog in effect at the time they apply for graduation-unless more than five years have elapsed since the student entered the program, and providing that the courses required for completion are still offered.
Estimated Training Costs
Subject to Change
- Tuition
- Photo ID Card (one-time fee)
- Student Activity Fee (per quarter)
- Transportation Mgmt Fee (per quarter)
- Computer Lab Fee (per quarter)
- Universal Technology Fee (per quarter)
- Materials Fee (per quarter) $30.00
- IMC Fee (per quarter) $30.20
- Books and Supplies (average per quarter) $75.00
- Tools (for two years) $100.00
Curriculum
| 1'st Quarter | Cr | |
| IMC 297 | INTERGRATED MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS I | 5 |
| Project-based three-quarter course. Includes the design and production of a magazine, and provides beginning students with design and business principles, writing, computational and teamwork skills. For students in the disciplines of Apparel Design & Services, Graphic Design & Illustration, Commercial Photography, and Publishing Arts. | ||
| PUB 101 | HISTORY OF PUBLISHING | 3 |
| Covers a history of the major printing processes plus graphic design, typesetting, photography and basic reproduction principles of the industry. Study traditional image preparation, film, other historical prepress materials and equipment, and the advent of the computer, operating systems and desktop applications. Explore career options and employment skills. | ||
| PUB 110 | INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHIC PRODUCTION | 3 |
| Intro to digital prepress, imaging and finishing processes. Learn concepts of color (CMYK, RGB, spot colors) by mixing printing inks, using loupes and densitometers. Study resolution, RIP and imaging devices and ?follow the path of the dot?. Learn maintenance, calibration and safety of production equipment. | ||
| PUB 111 | INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL INPUT | 3 |
| Focuses on basic terminology (PPI, DPI, SPI), scanning and digital camera operation. Use the most current software to evaluate originals, make adjustments during scanning and manipulate. Learn object-oriented (vector) graphics and bitmapped (pixel-based) images through illustration and layout applications. | ||
| PUB 112 | INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL OUTPUT | 3 |
| Learn preflight software, fonts and font management. Create files with the most current layout applications. Learn to generate output ready files, output files to various devices and understand their purpose in the digital workflow. | ||
| 2'nd Quarter | Cr | |
| IMC 298 | INTEGRATED MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS II | 7 |
| Project-based three-quarter course. Includes the design and production of a magazine, and provides beginning students with design and business principles, writing, computational and teamwork skills. For students in the disciplines of Apparel Design & Services, Graphic Design & Illustration, Commercial Photography, and Publishing Arts. | ||
| PUB 120 | GRAPHIC PRODUCTION | 3 |
| Experience real world production by reviewing tickets, creating preflight files and assessing needs. 2nd-year students write up production projects, manage and mentor as students fix provided files, keep an open communication and produce jobs from imposition to proof to final output. Learn PDF workflow. | ||
| PUB 121 | DIGITAL WORKFLOW | 3 |
| Study both design and production aspects of the most current software layout applications, with emphasis on final output. Learn imposition and trapping of digital files. Create and output multi-color files. Gain experience with resolution, layout applications, proofing and overall digital workflow. | ||
| PUB 122 | INTRODUCTION TO IMAGING | 3 |
| Learn operation, maintenance, cleaning and safety of small offset presses, concepts of a press sheet (gripper, guide, work and turn), printing inks, press chemistry, plate types and paper, using 1 and 2 colors. Study basic principles of offset lithography: dot gain, densitometry, ink/water balance and ink traps. | ||
| PUB 123 | INTRODUCTION TO FINISHING | 3 |
| Intro to basic paper handling and terminology, calculating paper cuts and safe operation of bindery equipment (cutting, simple folding, drilling, stitching and mechanical binding). Intro to imaging companies and careers through visits and guest speakers. | ||
| 3'rd Quarter | Cr | |
| PUB 130 | GRAPHIC PRODUCTION II | 3 |
| Work with 2nd-year students to create live product, including press-related production: prepress, proofing/plating, imaging and finishing. Also work independently with production projects and PDF workflow. | ||
| PUB 131 | DIGITAL WORKFLOW II | 3 |
| Work with state-of-the-art applications on multi-page documents, working with style sheets, templates and libraries. Focus on font usage, utilities and file storage organization; delve further into resolution and output, links, fonts and packing files for output. Proof files to a variety of devices before final output. | ||
| PUB 132 | IMAGING II | 3 |
| Work with 2-color, 2-sided printing projects using accurate positioning and registration. Emphasis on safe operation and equipment maintenance. Study printing screen tints and halftones, working with different paper stocks, practicing press work styles, and ink mixing using Pantone Matching System (PMS). | ||
| PUB 133 | FINISHING II | 3 |
| Builds on PUB 123. Includes more complex mechanical binding, folding, and programming and practicing paper cuts. Learn about specialized bindery/finishing techniques: scoring, perforating, die cutting, embossing, foil stamping, and book binding. Explore letterpress printing. Emphasis on safety and effective communications, including record keeping and interpreting instructions. Includes guest speakers and field trips. | ||
| 4'th Quarter | Cr | |
| PUB 210 | INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT | 4 |
| Explore real world job workflows and develop customer service skills. Compare estimates to actual job files, write-up job tickets and follow jobs through typical print production processes. Use software to preflight customer files, modify job parameters and produce actual jobs. Learn to manage projects, vendors, clients and production personnel. | ||
| PUB 211 | ADVANCED DIGITAL WORKFLOW | 4 |
| Review graphics applications and learn advanced aspects of digital workflow, including scanning, image manipulation, imposition and trapping. Intro to more complex documents, including multi-color, multi-side and signature work. | ||
| PUB 212 | PRODUCTION IMAGING AND FINISHING | 4 |
| Study advanced multi-color imaging and finishing, including various work styles and signatures. Learn the ramifications of presswork on bindery functions (scoring, perfing, folding). Emphasis on mechanical, chemical and electrical safety. | ||
| PUB 214 | ADVANCED DIGITAL PROCESSES | 2 |
| Learn networking and client/server based applications, including those that simplify getting files from point A to B (file compression, FTP, email, Internet). Create PDF files for proof and for print. Includes online applications for digital asset management and proofing. | ||
| PUB 215 | INTRODUCTION TO ESTIMATING AND ENGINEERING | 2 |
| Learn the basics of planning print production projects: job cost estimating, planning and scheduling production equipment. Use paper specification books, equipment manuals, the latest software and consult with industry professionals. Begin to engineer jobs, specify paper, schedule printing and bindery equipment. | ||
| 5'th Quarter | Cr | |
| PUB 220 | ADVANCED GRAPHIC PRODUCTION | 4 |
| Focus on leadership of production personnel and project management. Handle production requirements in groups. Complete simple job estimates, job tickets and billing requests. Contact clients directly for specs and proofing. Mentor 1st year students on preflight, imposition, file manipulation, output, imaging, finishing and delivery. | ||
| PUB 221 | ADVANCED DIGITAL WORKFLOW II | 4 |
| Builds on PUB 211. Focus on advanced use of graphics applications for all aspects of digital workflow, including scanning, image manipulation, imposition and trapping. Emphasis on more complex documents, including multi-color, multi-side, process color and signature work. | ||
| PUB 222 | PRODUCTION IMAGING AND FINISHING II | 4 |
| Produce process-color imaging and finishing projects. Learn accurate color using densitometry and spectrodensitometry along with proper ink traps and gray balance. Apply advanced and specialized finishing processes (die cutting, foil stamping, embossing). May include letterpress. Field trips examine challenging imaging and binding work. | ||
| PUB 224 | ADVANCED DIGITAL PROCESSES II | 2 |
| Covers more advanced digital workflow and highly technical prepress issues. Build hot folders, learn about UCR/GCR, tone reproduction curves and how to set up network volumes. Emphasis on color management principles. | ||
| PUB 225 | PROJECT MANAGEMENT | 2 |
| Builds on PUB 215. Learn the real job costs, relationships with vendors and scheduling jobs using both a manual job board and software. | ||
| 6'th Quarter | Cr | |
| PUB 230 | ADVANCED GRAPHIC PRODUCTION II | 4 |
| Builds on PUB 220 with more complex projects. Work directly with production manager in creating estimates and engineering layouts for actual campus jobs. Manage jobs with both a manual job board and software. Work directly with clients for file, costs and scheduling. | ||
| PUB 232 | PRODUCTION PRACTICUM | 4 |
| Produce a variety of advanced projects, including work in prepress, imaging, finishing and specialized processes (foil, emboss, digital letterpress, screen). Focus on mastering skills and working efficiently. May work on projects of students from Graphic Design or other related programs. | ||
| PUB 234 | ADVANCED DIGITAL PROCESSES III | 2 |
| Covers the most recent trends in the graphics industry. Explore emerging technologies through field trips, guest presenters and media. Gather recent products from local industry and identify the processes used. Explore unfamiliar procedures. | ||
| PUB 235 | PORTFOLIO | 2 |
| Plan the year-end portfolio show, including choosing the venue, preparing marketing materials and coordinating all event activities cooperatively with 2nd year Graphic Design students. Finalize projects and select the best for display. | ||
| PUB 236 | CAREER BUILDER | 2 |
| Prepare for successful entry into the workforce. Prepare for job seeking by building comprehensive, flexible resumes and cover letters. Develop and practice interview skills in class and mock interviews with industry representatives. | ||
| Any Quarter | Cr | |
| PUB 197 | WORK EXPERIENCE - PUBLISHING ARTS | 5 |
| Cooperative Education offers on-the-job learning for college credit. Gain practical experience and explore publishing arts occupations. Credits based on hours worked per week in conjunction with assessment by an on-the-job supervisor. Minimum 2 credits work experience required during 2nd year. | ||
| IMC Breaks Out To | Cr | |
| BUS 185 | SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT | 5 |
| Qualifications needed by the small business manager and entrepreneur; planning, organizing and marketing activities; forecasting methods and sources of financial resources; tools for decision-making. | ||
| IMC 100 | MEDIA PUBLICATION | 3 |
| Intro to writing types and principles associated with professional activities in media-based industries. Covers writing fundamentals, basic business writing, reviews and articles for publication. Includes designing and creating publications. | ||
| IMC 101 | DESIGN FOR THE VISUAL ARTS | 3 |
| Covers fundamentals of basic design and creative problem-solving, exploration and application of design principles. | ||
| MIC 101 | INTRODUCTION TO MICROCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS | 4 |
| Intro to microcomputer applications for Windows. Includes an overview of Windows, the Microsoft Office System featuring Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Internet Browsers, email, along with emerging software application topics and concepts. | ||
| SOC 120 | SOCIOLOGY OF THE MEDIA | 5 |
| Sociological perspective of print and electronic media, including television, film, news, and advertising. Analysis of media institutions and the way they affect social, political, and cultural discourse and identities. Examines way in which American identity shapes and is shaped by the media and the changes in this identity from one period to another. | ||
| Total Credits = 119 | ||
Students must maintain a grade of 2.0 or better in every class to remain in this program.
Related instruction electives from courses offered in areas outside of but related to the student's major area of study. For this program, related instruction courses may be selected from any of the following areas:
- Courses in other visual arts programs
- Courses in business-related areas
- Courses in the arts or liberal studies
- Other courses approved by the Dean, Communications and Design Division Contact the Advising Center or Communications and Design Division counselor.
For Further Information:
Publishing Arts Program
Business, Information Technology & Creative Arts
Seattle Central Community College
1701 Broadway, Room BE5166
Seattle, WA 98122
PHONE: (206) 587-3830
FAX: (206) 516-3130