Q1: Which classes should I take first?

A: Begin with VCOM 48, 50, 51, and 52. VCOM 50 and 51 are accelerated courses that pack a semesters’ worth of information into approximately 8 weeks of coursework each. Each is offered in the same time slot so they can be taken sequentially. VCOM 52 introduces Typography, a topic necessary in all additional courses. Depending on your time frame, experience and endurance, you may also take VCOM 53, 54, 55 and/or 56 concurrently. These core courses provide a solid background that will help you develop design and technical skills, and prepare you for challenging client-based work.

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Q2: Can I take VCOM classes if I have no art background?

A: Yes, but having an art background or knowing that you are a creative person certainly helps. In the VCOM program students learn how to draw and “paint” using software, and get an excellent foundation in design. We cannot, of course, guarantee anyone will become the next “Da Vinci.” We encourage students to take traditional art classes, especially drawing, Art 2A, 2B and 2C, although these courses are not required for the AA or certificate degrees. To see examples of VCOM student artwork, visit the Gallery in this website.

Q3: How much time will each class take?

A: The approved curriculum guideline for a 3-unit course is 2 hours of lecture, 4 hours of assigned practice, and 6.8 hours of study/homework per week although time spent varies according to your learning style and the project assignments. If you are serious about learning graphic design and multimedia skills, you must make a time commitment in view of learning a new career rather than simply taking a class at the local community college.

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Q4: What sort of students are in the VCOM program?

A: The student make-up of the program is diverse; our students come from various backgrounds, countries and circumstances. There is a place and an opportunity for everyone. The average age of VCOM students is mid-thirties; we welcome young students as well as students who are in retirement. Successful students in the program seem able to conceive and create a visual story. As with any field of study, passion plays a big part in a student’s success.

Q5: What if I am a high school student?

A: Las Positas College offers a concurrent enrollment program for high school students. Contact your high school counselor for information. High school students follow the same attendance and grading criteria as college students. The transcript follows with high school students to universities in the same manner that it follows transfer students.

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Q6: Can I complete the VCOM program and receive a certificate in one year?

A: It is extremely difficult to complete a certificate in less than 18 months especially in these times of limited budget. Several courses are not offered every semester. Some students come to Las Positas College with design and/or technical skills and have graduated with a certificate in one year. If you believe you are extremely talented, quick to learn, have already mastered Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver or Flash and can enroll in approximately 6 courses per semester, contact Fredda Cassidy for an assessment of your skills and portfolio. Please be aware that it may not be possible to complete a certificate in a short time frame, even if you have advanced design and/or technical skills, due to course cancellations or other unforeseen restrictions.

Q7: What is the focus of the coursework?

A: All courses are taught project based, even when they indicate technical skills learning in the course name or outline. You will learn how to use specific software as it would be used in the industry. As an example, in VCOM 59, ADVANCED TECHNIQUES IN DIGITAL DRAWING AND ILLUSTRATION you will learn Adobe Illustrator techniques while you learn to plan, organize, design, and create illustrations suitable for a variety of media.

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Q8: Are all students working toward a career?

A: No, but many are. The level of instruction is geared toward students interested in a career, however, many students consider themselves serious hobbyists. All students are welcome, but the expectation of your time and effort is pretty high. In return, you will receive our faculty’s time and effort. If you are not interested in a degree or certificate you may take courses for “Credit/No Credit.”

Q9: I don’t want a degree. Can I enroll in a technical skills class to learn Illustrator, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, InDesign, Quark or Flash?

A: Yes, if you are not enrolled in the AA or certificate program and you only want to learn specific software application(s) or ramp up your existing technical skills, you may enroll in any courses that start with the number “100.”

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Q10: I already know Photoshop or Illustrator, Dreamweaver, QuarkXpress, InDesign. Can I just ramp up my skills?

A: Yes. Enroll in any VCOM skills development courses (credit/no credit) starting with the number “100.” This series was designed for professionals and community members who wish to learn new technical skills, or ramp up skills in the latest versions of Adobe™ design applications-Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, Dreamweaver, Bridge and Flash. These credit/no credit courses have identical content and are scheduled simultaneously with their corresponding VCOM program courses. The prerequisite course sequence has been relaxed to allow easy online registration access. Please refer to the course descriptions of these courses for details of skills necessary for success. Please note: credit for these courses cannot be applied to the degree or certificate.

Q11: I have work experience and/or I have attended a design program elsewhere. I need advice as to what steps I need to take to skip prerequisite or co-requisite coursework and receive credit for the coursework.

A: Please make an appointment with Fredda Cassidy for assistance.

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Q12: I am having trouble enrolling online? What should I do?

A: Please see a counselor for assistance. Sometimes the enrollment software will not recognize your previous earned units.

Q13: What books are required for VCOM courses?

A: Books vary according to class and instructor. All VCOM books are chosen so that they will serve as “inspiration” and guidance, and are available in the Las Positas College bookstore.

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Q14: What do I do if I want to enroll in a closed course?

A: Attend the first class meeting and tell the instructor you wish to add the class. Each instructor decides whether there is room available to add students. If there is room in the class, you will obtain instructions for enrollment from the instructor.

Q15: How do I participate in an internship?

A: If you are in the certificate programs, you will enroll in at least one internship course. The instructor will facilitate your internship. If you are not in the certificate programs but wish to do intern work, contact Fredda Cassidy in office 1325, building 1320.

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Q16: Do I need to own a computer and software?

A: Not really. You will have enough class and lab time to complete your work in each course. Additionally, there is a pod of computers loaded with VCOM software available in room 803. This area is open during hours when the VCOM lab is not available.

Q17: Where can I purchase design software? It is so expensive.

A: Las Positas College students can present student ID to qualify for academic pricing at online stores that offer this discount. Your instructors will have details for the best priced software.

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Q18: What computer do you recommend I buy?

A: We do not recommend any brand or platform of computer. We encourage you to purchase a computer that is upgradeable with as much processing power and memory as you can afford. VCOM design software is identical on both Mac and PC platforms with few exceptions. If you decide to make a hardware purchase, check in the bookstore or online for academic pricing

Q19: I have a PC at home, how will that affect my taking a class on a Macintosh?

A: If you comfortably use a PC, you will have no trouble working on a Mac. Transitioning is easy. All VCOM students are encouraged to learn both platforms; most potential employers seek applicants who use both. Design software is identical across the platforms except for fingering hand commands: the Mac “Command” key corresponds to the PC “Control” key; PC right-clicking corresponds to option-clicking on the Mac, or holding down the mouse button. All students are required to take a .3 unit tutorial to learn how to use the studio and its hardware and software. Students who own the appropriate software may bring their laptops to class.

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Q20: Do I need art supplies?

A: Each instructor will advise you of any supplies necessary in class.

Q21: Do I need an LPC print card?

A: NO. You need to purchase a “VCOM Color Printing Card” in the bookstore if you don’t have access to a color printer outside of school. Your instructor will give you details in class.

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Q22: Will my VCOM courses transfer to another college or university?

A: We work with you to help you achieve your transfer goals. All universities accept our units as electives, and several of our lower-numbered courses articulate to other colleges and universities. It has been our experience that 4-year colleges want students to take advanced level coursework in their environment. Our program has developed a reputation; when the receiving school sees our students’ portfolios, they often make exceptions on an individual basis. You are encouraged to make an appointment early-on with the receiving college, and we will provide the curriculum, so the counseling department at your new school can weigh whether or not they will accept the class or if they will give you more challenging work. Our students successfully transfer to CSU East Bay, San Jose State University, San Francisco State and other public and private schools.

Q23: I haven't been to school in a long time, will I succeed in the program?

A: The average age in our program is mid-thirties. We welcome young students as well as students who are in retirement. Success in the program seems related to loving to create, learn, and visually tell a story. As with any field of study, passion plays a big part in a student's success. The student make-up of the program is quite diverse: our students come from various backgrounds, countries and circumstances. There is a place and an opportunity for everyone.

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Q24: What's happening with the job market?

A: The jobs are there, but expectations are significantly high. Our curriculum reflects industry standards, especially for students enrolled in the certificate programs. We work with you to enhance your opportunities. As reported in the recently released Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook, 2008, the graphic design field is projected to grow robustly through the middle of the decade. The number of (employed) graphic designers will rise by almost 10 percent from 2006 (when the study began) to 2016, bringing the total, for good or ill, to an astonishing 270,000. See Design Shop for more information about employment opportunities.

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