New Haven High School’s Graphic Design course merges artistic skills with business practices in order to give students experience on what it means to be a graphic designer. Students use numerous programs from the Adobe Suite, especially Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, to learn the design essentials and tools to create in each program.

The students scaffold their skills until they master the basic techniques and procedures. Student assignments allow students to blend their interests and visions with assignment requirements and learned techniques in order to create original works that they appreciate and enjoy. Students also learn the concept of working on commission and meeting the requirements expected by a client.

This year, New Haven Elementary reached out with a request for Graphic Design to create a mural idea for their calm room.

This assignment challenged students and provided industry experience by having the opportunity to create work at the request of a client. Students were presented with images of the blank room and brainstormed numerous concepts from color to content in order to come up with ideas that could create a calm, comforting environment for NHE’s younger students. Students presented a variety of ideas through sketches. Using their knowledge of Adobe Illustrator’s pen tool, students created final versions of their mural proposal.

For sophomore Anabella learning to use Adobe Illustrator was a groundbreaking moment: “I’ve mostly been using Canva before this, which is okay, but it doesn’t let me have as much freedom. Illustrator allows me to be more creative and draw my own art.” Penelope, a senior and second year graphic design student, added that the program helped her develop an eye for design: “Taking graphic design taught me what looks good when it comes to organizing my work. Being able to receive critique and feedback from peers, teachers, and professionals who work in the graphic design field has been helpful in learning how to improve.”

The program provides more than just artistic and technical skills; it is a class to grow creativity, resilience, and develop a sense of professionalism that sets students up for success in the ever-evolving design industry.

Anabella, who plans to pursue a career in graphic design, expressed how the program is helping her prepare for the industry. Penelope emphasized the broader applicability of what she’s learned: “The programs we’ve been using are industry standard, and the art and design concepts will transfer to whatever I choose to create in the future.”

As the students at NHHS continue to develop their talents, these young designers utilize their skills to take on the world, equipped with both the knowledge and confidence to tackle any creative challenge that lies ahead.