Visual communications program opens doors to multiple creative jobs

When he was in high school in the 1980s, Anthony Randolph thought an arts career meant a job drawing, painting or sculpting. But teachers introduced him to other choices, such as drafting and architecture. At Indiana University his career options were expanded even more.

“I was majoring in architecture, but then I started getting into computing and taking design classes,” said Randolph, chair of the visual communications department at Atlanta Technical College. “I can remember when the department got its first Mac computer and everyone just ran to see it.”

Randolph switched his major to graphic design and his career choices really opened up. In 15 years in the graphic arts industry, he worked as a typographer, graphic designer, illustrator, Web designer, interactive designer, animator and graphic film technician.

Along the way he went to graduate school to study computer animation and visual effects. He worked for the U.S. Department of Defense, an Internet startup company, a digital animation company in San Francisco and Industrial Light & Magic, a division of Lucasfilm, Ltd. His film credits include “The Day After Tomorrow,” “Bourne Supremacy,” “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” and others.

Four years ago Randolph came to Atlanta Technical University to grow its visual communications program. “I had a lot of experience in this industry and I wanted to pass it on to a new generation,” he said.

Randolph’s mission was to upgrade the curriculum, bring in new technology and prepare students with industry-standard skills to work in commercial art studios, design firms, print shops and advertising agencies.

“One of the goals we’ve accomplished is to make visual communications an associate degree program so that our students can better compete for jobs,” Randolph said.

Students in the program take courses in drawing, design, typography, digital photo editing, photography, advertising layout, printing and print production, Web design and Web animation. The learning is hands-on, with plenty of demonstrations in the computer lab. Students complete a portfolio of designs and projects to showcase their skills to potential employers.

“It can be challenging for students to learn so many different kinds of software,” Randolph said. “I encourage them to draw their creative sketches by hand first, and then see if the software can do what they want it to do. You need to be artistic and creative first, and then learn how to make the software accomplish your vision.”

Currently, students can choose between graphic design and Web design specializations. The curriculum will expand when the Technical College System of Georgia converts to the semester system next year.

“They’ll also be able to choose interactive media, pre-press design, motion graphics, computer animation and Web interface design,” Randolph said. “We’re also imbedding an internship into the program to give students more industry experience.”

A degree in visual communications can lead to many careers.

“What I love about this industry is that it’s always changing. I teach my students to embrace the change and find their niche — the one thing they can do well and make uniquely their own,” he said.

Job opportunities have decreased during the recession, but the market is beginning to pick up.

“We’re seeing more freelance opportunities, especially for photographers,” Randolph said. “I encourage my students to go on for a bachelor’s degree at one of the state’s four-year universities.”

Some graduates of the program have gone on to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design, Georgia State University and the Art Institute of Atlanta.

“I advise them to freelance while they’re in school,” Randolph said. “They’ll learn how to deal with clients and accumulate a body of professional work. Then they’ll really be ready for the job market.”