Greetings, my name is Rachael Dudley and I am the Graphic Design Instructor at the Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy.

I am a native Albanian and proud graduate of Monroe Comprehensive High School. I am also a graduate of Albany State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management, Troy State University with a Master of Science degree in Management, and Thomas University with an Education Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership.

I am a 14-year veteran educator beginning my career as a business education instructor and later transitioned to marketing education at Monroe High School. Prior to beginning my career in education, I managed cases for the Georgia Department of Family and Children's Services. Working with those children and families is what led me to my unbeknownst passion for working with students and parents. I am a local and state award-winning CTSO advisor, preparing my students for the world of work and the ability to compete against other students from across the state.

As the Graphic Design instructor, I am able to utilize all of my talents in assisting students to grow a business, marketing, and graphic design mindset.

The Graphic Design pathway is found under the Arts, A/V Technology, and Communications Georgia CTAE career cluster area. Students are able to work and gain hands-on experiences in our school-based enterprise, 4C Printing, where they create, design and print live work for real customers from our community. Students completing the Graphic Design pathway can earn a nationally recognized certification as an Adobe Certified Associate. Students will be able to take what they learn in the pathway and apply it to any occupation.

9th and 10th Grade

PATHWAY OVERVIEW

The Graphic Design pathway is designed for students who wish to pursue knowledge in the area of computer-generated design. In these courses, students focus on the understanding and use of two industry-standard software packages – Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. These two drawing and imaging software packages are used today by all major advertising and publishing companies. In these courses, students begin to explore the power of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator by learning the functionality of the various tools contained within the toolboxes. Students also learn how to apply various filter effects to both drawn and photographic images, how to use and enhance scanned images, and how to import and export both drawn and photographic images, so they can be combined with text to create aesthetically pleasing designs.

Course 1: Introduction to Graphics and Design
Course 2: Graphic Design and Production
Course 3: Advanced Graphic Design
Course 4: Advanced Graphic Output Processes

REAL-WORLD OPPORTUNITY

Students operate our school-based print shop. They design and create various projects such as posters, advertisements, tickets, stickers, notepads, and business cards. Students also operate various print shop equipment such as copiers, wide-format printers, direct-to-garment print machines, and laser printers.

11th and 12th Grade

INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS

Adobe Certified Associate in:

• Visual Design using Adobe Photoshop CC
• Graphic Design and Illustration using Adobe Illustrator CC

The Adobe Certified Associate Certification demonstrates mastery of the following skills:

• Working in the Design Industry
• Project Setup and Interface
• Organizing Documents
• Creating and Modifying Visual Elements • Publishing Digital Media

Internship opportunities are available with area businesses for qualified students.