Curriculum

Computer Graphic Artist Curriculum

Penn Foster’s online Computer Graphic Artist curriculum consists of courses geared toward helping students gain foundational knowledge to prepare for a career in the field. Your classes cover an introduction to design, graphic design and production, and how to market yourself as a graphic artist.

Computer Graphic Artist

Career Diploma

10 months

As low as $59/mo

Full Program Overview

1-800-275-4410 (9AM - 9PM ET)

Computer Graphic Artist Curriculum

6 courses
33.0 continuing education units (CEUs)
18 exams
2 submitted projects

Estimated completion time:

Fast track = 10 months
Average time = 12 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.

Today’s technology enables just about any properly trained individual to create highly sophisticated images using a computer. At the same time, the demand for trained digital artists has increased dramatically.

Digital art is used to describe art that is or presented using digital technology. To get a complete digital painting experience, you’ll need a combination of both hardware and software components. The principles of art represent how the artist uses multiple elements of art to create an effect and to help convey the artist's intent.

In this study unit, you’ll discover the benefits of using computers for artistic purposes. You’ll learn about a number of tools for creating and using digital art. You’ll also discover the benefits of using computers for artistic purposes. You’ll also learn about a number of tools for creating and using digital art. Identify different career options available to digital artists.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Identify skills needed to be a confident and independent online learner
- Describe some of the most common uses of computers in creating artistic works
- Discuss different career options available to digital artists
- Explain the term digital image and describe common digitizing tools
- Identify other devices used to generate digital art
- Identify system tools that support the creation of digital art
In this course, you’ll explore color theory and learn how the world is affected by an interplay of light and shadow. Understanding the concepts of color will help to heighten your awareness of color and its many subtleties. In addition, you’ll be introduced to the world of computer graphics. You’ll learn about graphic file formats, popular graphics software, the electronic publishing process, and multimedia.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Identify the primary, secondary, and intermediate colors, as well as the colors considered “warm” and “cool” on a color circle
- Describe the differences between additive and subtractive color and how this affects art on a computer
- Provide examples of color hue, color value, and color intensity
- Create a color circle consisting of primary and secondary colors
- Explain how color temperature determines the color produced by a given source of light
- Use complementary colors to create shadows
- Draw in color from still-life arrangements
- Describe and implement different color compositions
- Define computer graphics
- Differentiate between raster graphics and vector graphics
- Explain how a computer works with existing graphics, original graphics, and photographs
- Give detailed definitions of video capture, animation, and virtual reality
- Discuss the different types of graphics software available
- Explain the components and steps involved in publication design
- Define multimedia and explain its components
In this course, you’ll be introduced to the world of document and online design and learn about the steps graphic designers take to prepare documents for publication. You’ll also learn about the different kinds of illustrations used by graphic artists and the criteria they use to select, size, and place art in documents.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Describe the factors that must be considered before a document can be laid out in a page layout program
- Identify a variety of typefaces and describe how to select the most suitable typeface for your document
- Identify the various components of a typical page
- Explain how the spacing between letters, lines, and words can be used
- Identify the various components of a document
- Describe how to use style manuals, style sheets, and specifications
- List key elements of a well-designed web page
- Define the term illustration and its applications in the world of graphic design
- Understand the role of graphic images in a publication in terms of evoking the reader’s response
- Describe the different types of illustrations commonly used in graphic design
- Identify the popular computer graphic formats used by most page layout software
- Explain how to select illustrations based on their appropriateness, quality, consistency, and production cost
- Discuss today’s most popular graphics software packages and their various applications
- Explain what it means to import and export art electronically
- Discuss the legal aspects of using illustrations in documents
- Describe how to place illustrations into a document in a logical and attractive manner
- Explain how to crop and scale an illustration
- Discuss how color is used in publication design
In this course, you’ll learn the basics of design and what distinguishes good design from poor design. You’ll be introduced to the different components you’ll use in your designs, such as the basic design principles, using color, and designing with type. You’ll also be given tips and tricks on how to create various pieces.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Identify the four basic principles of design and the ways they’re used in a variety of projects
- Recognize color relationships
- Explain the essential aspects of typography, including contrasts and categories
- Demonstrate skill at incorporating proximity, alignment, repetition, contrast, color, and type into a design
This course places emphasis on the conceptualization of computer illustration techniques using Adobe Illustrator^® and its implementation in page layout.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Identify the tools and components of the Illustrator workspace
- Describe how to use artboards as well as how to create basic and complex shapes using the Pen tool
- Create, edit, and apply color, text, gradients, blends, patterns, and brushes
- Explain how to use the Appearance, Graphic Styles, and Symbols panels
- Work with imported images and masks
- Export assets
In this course, you’ll learn about what it takes to run a well-organized home-based business. You’ll also find tips for improving your work-life balance and making your business a success. In addition, you’ll learn about the best ways to market yourself as a computer graphic artist. You’ll develop an understanding of the tools and techniques of self-promotion and learn what clients expect when they hire you.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Discuss advantages and disadvantages of working from home
- List the equipment you’ll need to work from home
- Develop strategies for organizing and managing your home office
- Create a plan to develop a proper work-life balance
- Outline procedures for successfully marketing your home business
- Explain the various functions of a portfolio
- Describe common methods of presenting artwork
- Identify key elements of a professional résumé
- List the three different ways to promote yourself
- Explain the difference between a headhunter and a representative
- Discuss the role of client expectations

Note: We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.