Manufacturing, Engineering & Technology Cluster
Design & Media Communications
About This Program
In Design & Media Communications, artistic and technical skills are developed through the creation and presentation of graphic and multimedia projects. Students will become versed in principles of design such as color theory, composition, and illustration. They will learn the basics of page layout and design, typography, digital photography, video production, storyboarding, web design and communication with a client. They learn to take an idea from concept to preflight and understand the principles of prepress and outsourcing, as well as the practical aspects of the printing processes, silk screening, and various bindery equipment. Students design and produce communication products using the latest Adobe Creative Cloud software and Macintosh computer hardware, outputting files to a wide format printer, digital copier, vinyl cutter or silk screen. Integral to the program is a student-run design and copy center that trains students in customer service and business-related procedures. See below for full course descriptions.
Career Paths
- Graphic Designer
- Web Designer
- Illustrator
- Motion Graphic Artist
- Photographer
- Fashion Designer
- Game Designer
- Advertiser
- Video Producer
- Videographer
- Film Designer
- Interior Designer
- Press Operations
- Digital Printing
- Wide Format Printing
- Prepress and Preflight
- Marketing and Sales
- Digital Photography
- Web Design
- Screen Printing
Industry Partnerships
- Danvers Community Access TV
- Peabody Access TV
- Lightstream
- Essex County Sheriff’s Department
- SkillsUSA
- Staples Print & Design
- Peabody Access TV
- Danvers Cable Access TV
- Lightstream
- Lightshed Photography
- Shawmut Communications
- Saugus Embroidery
- Ben Franklin Tees
- White Light Design
Certifications
- OSHA 10 Hour General Industry
- Adobe Certification
Articulation Agreements
- Central Maine Community College
- Southern Maine Community College
- North Shore Community College
Advisory Committee Members
- Jessica Bukhovko
- Michael Chiusano, Chiusano Photography
- Catherine Chiusano, MIT
- Jay Duchin, Duchin Productions, Inc.
- Robert Haigh, Access AV
- Kathy Kilroy-Moran
- Al Mallette, Lightstream
- Angel McRae-Damato, Reading Elementary School
- Ken McTague, Concept Signs
- Lisa O’Brien, Photographer
- Linda Thompson, Pitman
Meeting Documents
- Design and Media Communication Fall 2019 PAC Meeting Minutes
- Design and Media Communication Spring 2018 PAC Meeting Minutes
- Design and Media Communication Spring 2019 PAC Meeting Minutes
- Design and Media Communication Spring 2021 PAC Meeting Minutes
- Design and Media Communication Spring 2022 PAC Meeting Minutes
- Design and Visual Communication Fall 2017 PAC Meeting Minutes
- Design and Visual Communication Fall 2018 PAC Meeting Minutes
- Design and Visual Communication Fall 2020 PAC Meeting Minutes
Student Outcomes
Angel McRae-Damato, Class of 2008
Accomplishments since 2008
- Earned BA in Art Education
- Illustrated a book for a local author
- Freelanced commissioned pieces ranging from banners, tattoo concepts, decorations, and so much more
- Collaborated with another alumnus on an Exquisite Corpse Accordion with other artists that displayed at Mass Art
- Became a Lead Teacher/Art Specialist in an extended day program
“The years I spent in DVC, under the influence of amazing teachers and friends, where I forged partnerships I still maintain today. I was instilled with work ethics, values, and quality of workmanship, all while under the pressure of deadlines. This proved to be invaluable training as I entered college and the working world with a wealth of practical skills and knowledge.”
Kirstin Morse, Class of 2010
Where are they now? Staples
What is their job title? Print & Marketing Manager
“Essex North Shore opened my eyes to the endless possibilities within Graphic Design and the confidence to explore them. I cannot accurately describe the impact Mr. Blanchette & Ms. Brunaccini had on my high school career/experience and the years since. When people talk about teachers who inspired them and changed their lives, I can only think of these two individuals who are so deserving. I am forever grateful for them and even more grateful that we have stayed in touch.”
Meet the Design & Media Communications Teachers
Ms. Tessa Amoroso
Design & Media Communications Teacher
TAmoroso@essextech.net
Mr. John Mejia
Design & Media Communications Teacher
JMejia@essextech.net
Mr. Steven Patno
Design & Media Communications Teacher
spatno@essextech.net
Design & Media Communications Course Descriptions
| Course Number | Name | Credit | Grade Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| dm101 | Design & Media Communications Exploratory 9 | 1 | Grade 9 |
| dm103 | Design & Media Communications 10 | 10 | Grade 9 |
| dm200 | Design & Media Communications 10 | 16 | Grade 10 |
| dm201 | Design & Media Communications Theory 10 | 4 | Grade 10 |
| dm300 | Design & Media Communications 11 | 20 | Grade 11 |
| dm301 | Design & Media Communications Theory 11 | 4 | Grade 11 |
| dm305 | Design & Media Communications Cooperative Education 11 | 12 | Grade 11 |
| pmet301 | CTAE Pathway: Communication & Career Essentials | 2 | Grade 11 |
| pmet302 | CTAE Pathway:Business Finance Professional Financial Literacy | 2 | Grade 11 |
| dm400 | Design & Media Communications 12 | 20 | Grade 12 |
| dm401 | Design & Media Communications Theory 12 | 4 | Grade 12 |
| dm405 | Design & Media Communications Cooperative Education 12 | 24 | Grade 12 |
| pmet401 | CTAE: Civic Humanitarianism | 2 | Grade 12 |
| pmet402 | CTAE Pathway: Professional Portfolio Presentation | 2 | Grade 12 |
Design & Media Communications Exploratory 9
Course # dm101 | Credits: 1
This five-day cycle exploratory course introduces grade 9 students toAdobe Premiere and Adobe Photoshop as well as to the traditional design process. Students create an advertisement campaign for a product of their choice through video editing, graphic design in Photoshop following the design steps, including research, storyboarding, sketching, producing and exporting. Students also create, print, and bind a memo pad.
Design & Media Communications 9
Course # dm103 | Credits: 10
This semester-based course prepares grade 9 students for a multitude of employment opportunities in the visual communications fields of digital and traditional publishing methods. Students learn foundational design skills that are essential for the design industry, such as the design process, elements and principles of design, and an introduction to Adobe Software. Students demonstrate their understanding through projects using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Premiere and Adobe InDesign as well as through painting, drawing, and practicing fine-art techniques.
Design & Media Communications 10
Course # dm200 | Credits: 12
This full-year course expands upon the foundational design skills students were introduced to in grade 9. Students will design effective communications using the latest Adobe Creative Cloud software, working towards Adobe Photoshop certification by the end of the school year. Students will practice skills in photography, filming, video editing and graphic design. Students will also gain experience in the copy center that trains students in customer service and business-related procedures. Students will demonstrate learning through illustration projects, self-portraits, videos, photography and graphic design projects.
Design & Media Communications 10 Theory
Course # dm201 | Credits: 4
This full-year, classroom-based course will focus on safety in a working production environment that includes OSHA standards, personal protective equipment, proper handling of chemicals, and ergonomics as well as other topics pertaining to working safety in a production environment, helping prepare students for their OSHA 10 hour card. In addition, students will focus on developing entry-level design skills through design and layout, color theory, and typography. Students will also prepare for the Adobe Certified Associate Certificate in InDesign and an option for Photoshop as well.
Design & Media Communications 11
Course # dm300 | Credits: 12
This full-year course will focus on deeper conceptual development and communicating messages through media. Students will design effective communications using the latest Adobe Creative Cloud software, working towards Adobe Illustrator Certification by the end of the school year. Students will develop and refine their skills through projects such as the Adobe Illustrator Self-Portrait, short films, and PSA campaigns that will be an essential aspect of developing content creation skills.
Design & Media Communication Theory 11
Course # dm301 | Credits: 4
This full-year, classroom-based course will help students design a web page based on their portfolio of work including computer graphics, illustrations, and printing projects. Students will practice interview skills and will focus on their employability skills. Students will also research job opportunities in their chosen area of Design and Media Communication.
Design & Media Communications Cooperative Education 11
Course # dm305 | Credits: 12
This semester-based course provides qualified students with a career technical employment opportunity. The program is designed to allow students on-the-job training by involving them in work that is directly related to their technical area of study. Cooperating employers provide additional training, pays students, and reports their performance to the school for every cycle. Please note that juniors are eligible for Cooperative Education during third and fourth quarters only.
Design & Media Communications 12
Course # dm400 | Credits: 20
This full-year course will focus on portfolio development. Students will design effective communications using the latest Adobe Creative Cloud software, working towards Adobe Certification in a program of their choice. In addition, students work on creating a portfolio website, portfolio book, concentration pieces, and overall projects that suit the industry students want to pursue upon graduation.
Design & Media Communication Theory 12
Course # dm401 | Credits: 4
This full-year, classroom-based course will help students learn by designing a media communications project and create their own animation. Students will also learn videography by writing scripts and plans for a video project. Students will focus throughout on team-building skills and will continue to work on employability skills as part of career preparation.
Design & Media Communications Cooperative Education 12 Course # dm405 | Credits: 24 This full-year course provides qualified students with a career technical employment opportunity. The program is designed to allow students on-the-job training by involving them in work that is directly related to their technical area of study. Cooperating employers provide additional training, pays students, and reports their performance to the school for every cycle.