Patriots can show their own creativity alongside the excitement of competing through SkillsUSA Graphic Design, a program that provides excellent opportunities for students interested in the visual arts and digital media.
Graphic Design is a selected program that competes yearly in SkillsUSA with different criteria each year. Competitions often require students to create a portfolio of their work, which is crucial for job applications and showcases their abilities to potential employers.
Skill development, such as hands-on learning about technical proficiency, benefits Graphic Design. Participants enhance their skills in industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, learning design principles and best practices.
With this also comes real-world experience, including project-based learning, where students tackle real-world design challenges, simulating a professional environment where they meet deadlines and client needs, as well as receiving feedback from judges, which helps them refine their work and understand industry expectations. Students also learn how to navigate through design challenges through critical thinking and innovative solutions, which are essential skills for any designer. Presenting work and competing in competitions also boosts self-esteem and public speaking abilities, which are also valuable traits in any profession.
Requirements to enter the SkillsUSA program include enrolling in a CTE Course (Career Technology and Education.) Courses include Cosmetology, Graphic Design, Cyber Security, etc. SkillsUSA would participate in competitions related to their selected course, where students go head to head to compete against different work for judges to evaluate.
Students have expressed how much they like participating because it allows them to work in a familiar business environment as a student.
“The program allows me to get experience in working with real people who need graphic design while remaining comfortable,” said senior Sinai Alejo De La Vega.
By participating in SkillsUSA’s graphic design competitions, students can develop their artistic talents, gain essential skills, and prepare for a successful career in an ever-evolving industry. Success in competitions can lead to awards that enhance a student’s resume and potential scholarships for further education in graphic design.
