Visual Communications is what my major is in school at FIDM. I am going to post some things below that come from their website (http://fidm.com/) that I thought might be helpful to some of my family and friends that didnt really understand what Visual Communcications was and was interested in knowing.
What is it?
The Visual Communications program offers its students a diversified, creative business background in visual presentation, exhibit/trade show design, retail and special event display, and store planning, with an emphasis on the fashion and entertainment industries. Students benefit from exposure to practical and theoretical visual merchandising techniques. Courses include presentation design, color theory, concept visualization, merchandise trend analysis, and computer graphics.
What careers do people usually do with this degree?
Creative Director Creates the visual image of a store or chain of stores through the use of store displays, advertising campaigns, fashion events, store graphics, and fixturing. Tremendous variety of work and some travel.
Store Visual Manager Responsible for creating a visual theatre in which merchandise will be sold. Determines which colors, props, and fixtures will best complement the store’s image and merchandise.
Fashion Stylist Works with advertising, editorial, and special events staff to select appropriate wardrobe, props, and accessories to be used in photos, videos, television, movies, and live performances. May also organize and direct fashion shows.
Exhibition Designer Responsible for designing and often organizing events such as traveling exhibits, trade show events, fashion shows, and galleries. Often involves a diverse clientele and the opportunity to travel.
Freelance Visual Designer Hired by specialty stores, boutiques, and wholesale showrooms to create exciting windows, displays, and appropriate atmospheres for the merchandise being sold.
What classes do you take to obtain an AA in VisCom?
Associate of Arts Professional Designation Curriculum
Course Description Units
GNST 1230 Color & Design Theory 3
GNST 2980 Professional Practices 3
MMKT 1550 Marketing & Brand Development 3
VCOM 1250 Survey of Visual Communications 3
VCOM 1350 Ideation Sketching 3
VCOM 1380 Introduction to Digital Imaging 3
VCOM 1550 Critical Concepts for Visual Communications 3
VCOM 1850 Trends: Past, Present, & Future 3
VCOM 1900 Drafting Techniques for Visual Presentation 3
VCOM 2180 Computer Rendering 3
VCOM 2220 Materials & Props with Lab 3
VCOM 2330 Visual Presentation 6
VCOM 2350 Computer Graphics 3
VCOM 2380 Advanced Digital Imaging 3
VCOM 2480 Marketing Events 3
VCOM 2660 Brand Product Placement –OR– 3
VCOM 2720 Lighting Techniques
VCOM 2780 Portfolio Preparation & Presentation 3
VCOM 2800 Home Product 3
VCOM 2820 Fashion Styling & Coordination 3
VCOM 2880 Technical Planning for Visual Presentation 3
Total Units of Credit 63
**A professional designation is when you already have a degree from another college and you dont have to re-take your core classes (i.e. english, math, etc). You only have 15 months of schooling rather than 24 months, yet you obtain an AA in VisCom the same.