Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology
Graphic arts and imaging technology is where creativity and technology meet in the form of printing manufacturing. Printing is America’s third largest manufacturing industry. It employs 1.1 million people nationwide and has annual sales of over $640 billion. The industry is active locally, with North and South Carolina employing 12,357 and reaching annual sales of $2.2 billion. The Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology curriculum at Central Piedmont is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the printing, publishing, packaging, and related industries.
What You Will Learn
In the graphic arts and imaging technology program, you will receive hands-on training in:
- flexography
- ink and substrate testing procedures
- wide format
- pre-press and digital imaging design software and color management
- finishing
- package engineering and design
- screen printing
- emerging printing technologies
- common design and print programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Acrobat Professional
Most courses also include custom printing of your personalized designed art.
Graduates should qualify for a career in the printing industry and in subsector print products, such as T-shirts, books, product labels and packaging, magazine covers, brochures, business cards, signage, and promotional materials. Performed support activities include data imaging and design, platemaking services, technical assistance and troubleshooting, as well as supportive roles such as sales and marketing.
Why Choose Central Piedmont
To prepare you for meaningful employment, our graphic arts and imaging technology program stresses giving you ample opportunity to complete excellent printed samples of your work. Our program is also approved for workplace learning opportunities while you are in school — Central Piedmont has an entire department dedicated to connecting students with applicable work based learning opportunities such as cooperative education (co-op), internships, and/or apprenticeships. You will also have the opportunity to join the Phoenix Challenge graphic arts and imaging technology club to compete against four-year institutions. The Central Piedmont club is the only two-year program in the competition. The intent of the Phoenix Challenge College competition is to engage college-level students in creatively solving a current, industry-relevant flexographic problem. This projects allows you to practice and showcase your research, problem solving, design, and print production skills. The goal is to inspire academic programs to grow and improve their level of instruction and research.
Real World Education
At Central Piedmont, your education goes beyond what you learn in class. We offer numerous opportunities for you to enhance your learning — and to make friends, network, and pursue your passions — through clubs and organizations, sports, events and activities, leadership opportunities, job experience, volunteer experiences, visual and performing arts, and even international experiences.