The Dalles High School Empowers Career Exploration in Graphic Design
Paula Long spent on of her prep period sharinv with us what her students have been working on.
by Stephanie Bowen
Graphic design is another career path booming with the growth of technology.
To master the art of visual communication, graphic designers need the knowledge and skills of visual art concepts mixed with communications and, of course, ever-changing digital processes. Designers are expected to develop complex concepts and tell virtual stories relating to diverse brands, businesses, and professions over the course of their careers.
A t-shirt made in Paula Long’s Graphic Design class.
Schools across the nation are reviewing their Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to meet the response of new technologies, and in-demand tech jobs like graphic design. While these classes may be on the rise around the nation, it’s old news to TDHS teacher Paula Long, who has been at the helm of these courses at the high school for over two decades. Long is passionate about the field and preparing her students for the increasingly competitive graphics world.
Long’s lessons start with the basics in graphics software - such as Adobe Photoshop, but her students quickly advance to some of the more technical equipment found in the classroom, like the Glowforge.
The most recent addition to the class, the Glowforge, is a laser cutter & engraver that uses a beam of light to cut, engrave, and shape student designs. The remnants of student projects and other ‘works in process’ can be seen throughout the classroom - wood burned signs, vinyl stickers, and t-shirts to name a few.
While students often work on projects that they develop themselves, the class also has another unexpected benefit. Long’s classes help facilitate ‘swag’ requests for Riverhawk gear from across the district. Today, a pile of shirts for the swim team are on the docket.
Working on the T-shirts means not only do students get real-life production and business experience but the Riverhawks swim team gets logo wear at a more cost-effective price. It’s a win-win for the students and the school.
Riverhawks Swim team logos all printed out at ready for transfer!
Experience is critical in this competitive field, so Long’s students are getting a leg up by participating in her class. Her class offers solid experience to help students build their post-graduation resumes, and explore the field before committing to the career path. Her program is one of many CTE pathways offered at TDHS which aim to help students explore their career interests, grow, and develop real-world skill sets.
