Skip To Main Content

Commercial Art 1 & 2

Create. Design. Produce.

Commercial Art is a two-year Career and Technical Education (CTE) program that combines creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship to prepare students for careers in graphic design, visual communications, marketing, product design, and creative production.

Students learn how art and design are used in the real world to communicate ideas, promote products, build brands, and create visual experiences. Through hands-on projects and production-based learning, students gain experience using professional equipment, design software, and industry-standard production techniques.

The program emphasizes creativity, technical skill development, teamwork, and workplace readiness while helping students build a professional portfolio of work.

Program Structure

Commercial Art I (First Year)

Commercial Art I introduces students to the fundamentals of visual communications and production design. Students learn:

  • Design principles and composition

  • Color theory

  • Typography

  • Branding and marketing design

  • Digital design tools

  • Product development

  • Visual communication

  • Workplace readiness skills

  • Production planning and organization

Students develop foundational skills while working alongside second-year students in a collaborative studio environment.

Commercial Art II (Second Year)

Commercial Art II builds upon the skills developed during the first year and focuses on advanced production, leadership, and portfolio development.

Students learn:

  • Advanced design and production techniques

  • Client-based design projects

  • Production management

  • Portfolio development

  • Business and entrepreneurship concepts

  • Team leadership

  • Project management

  • Marketing and product sales

Second-year students take on leadership responsibilities and mentor first-year students while helping manage production projects and equipment operations.

Learning Through Production Teams

Commercial Art I and Commercial Art II are taught during the same class period and operate much like a professional design and production studio.

Students work in specialized production teams that may include:

  • Laser Engraving and Production

  • Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing

  • Sublimation Printing

  • Screen Printing

  • Design and Marketing

First-year students learn equipment operation, safety procedures, and production techniques while second-year students provide leadership, training, and project management support.

This structure allows students to develop both technical and leadership skills while producing real products and completing authentic design projects.

Hands-On Learning

Students gain practical experience through projects such as:

  • Graphic and logo design

  • Custom apparel production

  • Laser engraving projects

  • Promotional and marketing materials

  • Product branding

  • Signage and visual displays

  • School and community projects

  • Business and entrepreneurial ventures

Students learn the complete production process from concept development and design to manufacturing and final product delivery.

Industry Recognized Credentials

Students have the opportunity to earn valuable industry-recognized credentials, including:

  • CareerSafe Employability Skills Certification

  • YouScience Career Readiness Credentials

  • Additional industry and workplace readiness certifications as available

These credentials help demonstrate workplace readiness and prepare students for future educational and employment opportunities.

Graduation Pathway and Program of Study

Commercial Art I and Commercial Art II form a state-approved Career and Technical Education Program of Study. Students who successfully complete the two-course sequence may use the program as part of a Washington State CTE Graduation Pathway.

By completing the pathway, students develop technical skills, professional work habits, leadership experience, and a portfolio of work that can support college admissions, technical training programs, apprenticeships, military service, or direct entry into the workforce.

Career Opportunities

Students completing the Commercial Art pathway gain experience relevant to careers such as:

  • Graphic Designer

  • Commercial Artist

  • Marketing Designer

  • Production Artist

  • Sign and Print Designer

  • Apparel Designer

  • Multimedia Designer

  • Brand Development Specialist

  • Entrepreneur

  • Creative Services Professional

The skills developed through Commercial Art are valuable in both creative industries and modern business environments.

Preparing Creative Professionals

Commercial Art provides students with an opportunity to transform creativity into practical skills and career opportunities. Through hands-on learning, teamwork, leadership development, and real-world production experiences, students learn how creative ideas become products, brands, and businesses.

Students leave the program with technical skills, professional experience, and a portfolio that showcases their creativity and accomplishments.