SWFC Tampa Campus Design Studies Program Manager: An Interview with Mike Coldwell

Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) is not just for architecture – it’s also for mechanical drafting and other career opportunities! Southwest Florida College Program Manager for Design Studies, Mike Coldwell, discusses all the opportunities for design students at our Tampa campus. Learn more about the mechanical drafting, architectural design and drafting, interior design, and graphic design programs that are all available at our Tampa campus.

Start a new future today by learning more about Southwest Florida College. Southwest Florida College is a private and accredited senior college with campuses in Tampa, Ft. Myers, Port Charlotte and within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. Prepare for a career that's in high demand learn more about what Southwest Florida College has to offer you. Call us today at (888) 279-2342.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free (877) 493-5147 or visit http://www.swfc.edu/graphicdesign.

Student Poster Designs

Students in Advanced Concepts will be developing multiple design pieces for a single client. Their design challenge started with the selection of a local event taking place at either the Barbara B. Mann Hall for Performing Arts or the Naples Philharmonic. After selection, the students were required to complete a creative brief. The first design application of idea was for a poster advertising the event. Here is a sample of student solutions.

To learn more about becoming a Graphic Designer, please visit the Southwest Florida College Digital Design/Computer Animation Program website at http://www.swfc.edu/graphicdesign or contact us at (877) 493-5147.

Digital Design Students

Digital Design students learn their way through the Adobe Illustrator program with skills such as live trace/ live paint, text on a path, clipping masks, and 3-d revolve. Students were tasked with creating a logo for a company, create a product for that company including label and 3d product. Here is an excellent student example of the powers of a vector program.

To learn more about becoming a Graphic Designer, please visit the Southwest Florida College Digital Design/Computer Animation Program website at http://www.swfc.edu/graphicdesign or contact us at (877) 493-5147.

SBDAC and college students partner for “Race 2 the Finish” Gala

Fort Myers, March 16, 2010 – A group of Southwest Florida College students helped design the Official Program booklet of the SBDAC spring Gala, “Race 2 the Finish.” The March 27th event will raise funds to complete the remaining $2 million renovations on its downtown historic building headquarters.

Gala programs play a crucial role in advertising and sponsor appreciation notes. This year’s booklet was designed by Southwest Florida College students in Shell Redfern’s Publication Design class. Ms. Redfern, adjunct professor at the college, is Creative Director of the marketing group, Get Groovy, which works closely with SBDAC.

"This is a terrific opportunity for the students to learn first-hand what it’s like in the real world. From deadlines to working with budgets to last minute changes, this is the real deal. The experience gained from this project cannot be taught in a classroom," said Ms. Redfern.

The partnership benefits both sides, says Jim Griffith, Executive Director and CEO of SBDAC. "It's been a wonderful experience for all involved. The students have great ideas and contributed a lot to our event, both inside and outside of the program they designed," he said. The students will also volunteer at the Gala.

Gala Director, Kimberly Becker, explained this year’s unique approach to the Gala. “Galas tend to be high-priced, strictly black-tie events. But this year we’ve designed a gala fit for this economy. We looked for ways to involve everyone. This year’s Gala will be just what the community needs, an upscale relaxing, outdoor event to celebrate our strengths and look forward to the future,” said Ms. Becker.

Student Christine Johnson enjoyed her experience working with the nonprofit organization. "This was great! It moved us from the imaginary realm to the reality of business. Kim met with us several times and really listened to what we had to say. I saw our suggestions used in the final product - that was the best part. No, actually, the best part is that I designed the back cover!” she said.

The newest auction items include a Private Tour of the Joe Gibbs Racing Team Headquarters in North Carolina hosted by Don Meredith, executive vice president of Joe Gibbs Racing. The Gala will feature an array of cars, motor sport fundraising activities, a taste of the track, and music by Clint Wiley’s Band, None Other.

For tickets and more information, visit www.Race2theFinish.com, www.sbdac.com, or call 239.333.1933.

About The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
Founded in 1997 by Jim Griffith as Florida Arts, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center holds the annual Florida Arts Festival and numerous other exhibitions, gala events, and performances. The Art Center’s mission is to nurture innovation and excellence in the visual and performing arts through these events and community outreach programs. Volunteers are needed for the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center to assist with the 2010 Gala, Race 2 the Finish and other scheduled seasonal events. Contact Kathy Robinson at 239.333.1933 for more information.

Southwest Florida College Students Design for Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center's Spring Gala.

A group of Southwest Florida College students helped design the Official Program booklet of the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (SBDAC) spring Gala, “Race 2 the Finish.” The March 27 event will raise funds to complete the remaining $2 million renovations on its downtown historic building headquarters.

Gala programs play a crucial role in advertising and sponsor appreciation notes. This year’s booklet was designed by Southwest Florida College students in Shell Redfern’s Publication Design class. Ms. Redfern, adjunct professor at the college, is Creative Director of the marketing group, Get Groovy, which works closely with SBDAC.

"This is a terrific opportunity for the students to learn first-hand what it’s like in the real world. From deadlines to working with budgets to last minute changes, this is the real deal. The experience gained from this project cannot be taught in a classroom," said Ms. Redfern.

The partnership benefits both sides, says Jim Griffith, Executive Director and CEO of SBDAC. "It's been a wonderful experience for all involved. The students have great ideas and contributed a lot to our event, both inside and outside of the program they designed," he said. The students will also volunteer at the Gala.

Gala Director, Kimberly Becker, explained this year’s unique approach to the Gala. “Galas tend to be high-priced, strictly black-tie events. But this year we’ve designed a gala fit for this economy. We looked for ways to involve everyone. This year’s Gala will be just what the community needs, an upscale relaxing, outdoor event to celebrate our strengths and look forward to the future,” said Ms. Becker.

Student Christine Johnson enjoyed her experience working with the nonprofit organization. "This was great! It moved us from the imaginary realm to the reality of business. Kim met with us several times and really listened to what we had to say. I saw our suggestions used in the final product - that was the best part. No, actually, the best part is that I designed the back cover!” she said.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-279-2342 or visit http://www.swfc.edu/graphicdesign.

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Southwest Florida College's Program Manager Chip McElroy Explains the Graphic Design Degrees Available

Southwest Florida College's Program Manager for Graphic Design, Chip McElroy, MFA explains the two associates degrees available for Graphic Design students. Southwest Florida College prepares digital design students for a successful career in both design and production through an emphasis on developing the student's capacity for critical thinking, and stimulating imagination and innovation.

The critical skills of perception, interpretation, and inventiveness are fostered as well as an understanding of digital design business practices. Industry standard software applications are used while solving design problems, planning, and executing solutions. The Students focus is to sharpen their ability to visually translate ideas of an intended message to a targeted audience.

Learn more about Southwest Florida College's Program Manager for Graphic Design, Mr. Chip McElory. His experience and knowledge are true assets for the school and its students. Visit our Graphic Design program page at http://www.swfc.edu/graphicdesign. Start a new future today by learning more about Southwest Florida College. Southwest Florida College is a private and accredited senior college with campuses in Tampa, Ft. Myers, Port Charlotte and within the Miromar Design Center in Estero.

SWFC Graphic Design Program: Digital Design Portfolio Roundtable Event

SWFC's 2009 Digital Design Portfolio Students

The Graphic Design Program at Southwest Florida College held Digital Portfolio Roundtable event where we invited local business leaders as our guests to hold mock job interviews with this quarter's graphic design portfolio students. Usually, it is their last class and it is up to each designer to present themselves with a clear and creative vision.

Our honored guest "employers" with Aaron Belchamber and Jan Rhonehouse from Career Services

With our 12 "employers," each job interview lasted about 4 minutes and put the spotlight on our students' creativity while providing them a challenging exercise in performing a confidence-building job hunt.

Brendan Stanley and Brian Thompson from Alliance Digital Solutions & www.CapeCoral.com interview Jarred Gaddis

According to Aaron Belchamber, the Digital Design Portfolio Instructor, "All students were under a tight deadline. In 10 weeks they had to collect the best of their materials and create new designs, produce a compelling portfolio in digital form as a stand alone website, design and print their resumes and business cards and mentally prepare for the Portfolio Roundtable Event. Mr. McElroy, myself, and all the Graphic Design adjuncts are very proud of our Graphic Design students."

Students begin another round of interviews

As a wrap-up after the event, the employers were gracious enough to spend some time providing constructive feedback for our graphic designers. This event was an incredible opportunity for our graphic design students to learn from real business people with a real world perspective.

"The roundtable"

When asked about her experience, Belinda Duclos replied: "We were all pretty nervous, but when it was all over, I felt pretty good about myself."

All students who participated received all the comments the job interviewers evaluated them on and a copy of their feedback was emailed to them. Some of the comments are worth noting:

"Her design skills are beautiful!" ~ "Great stuff, this guy is going to be a start!" ~ "Needs to be stronger at selling her work" ~ "Outstanding! Well rounded in all aspects" ~ "Student needs to use SPELLCHECK!" ~ "Needs specific call to action, has great stuff."

Here is a list of all of our "Guest Employers" who conducted the interviews. Thank you so much for your time!

• Brian Thompson – Alliance Digital Solutions – (Co-owner) also owns Cape Coral.com
• Nichol Blanco – Associate for Larazza Films
• Daniel Herrera – Producer, Director for Larazza Films
• Brendan Stanley – Alliance Digital Solutions – Creative Director
• Scott Jacobs – Allstar Marketing – President
• Katie Romano – Get Groovy – CEO
• Jodi Hopper – G.M.P. Employers Retiree Trust/Dzine Gallery
• Shell Redfern – Get Groovy – Creative Director
• Manzie Lawfer – 2 Way Radio Express – Owner/President/Book Author
• Denise Spence – Dunbar High School – Magnet Grant Technology
• Nancy Coker – Child Care of SW Florida – COO – Early childhood services in 10 counties

A lot of the student samples can be viewed on the SWFC's Graphic Design student website at http://www.creativesouthwestflorida.com/. Special thanks to Brooke Fisher from Marketing for providing photos from the event.

Learn more about becoming a graphic designer by visiting our website at http://www.swfc.edu/graphicdesign!

Aaron Belchamber

Web Design & 3D Animation Instructor

Southwest Florida College

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private, nonprofit institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the International Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-526-7973 or visit http://www.swfc.edu.

Graphic Design Club: Cartoon Character Animation Workshop

Phil Rood provided this character, Tipper the Turtle, for a basic animation workshop I am putting on at Southwest Florida College for their Graphic Design Club. We will cover character creation, proper methods, animation basics, and producing useful animations for broadcast, whether on conventional television or for the web.

In 45 minutes, Aaron Belchamber, the Web Design & 3D Animation instructor, demonstrated to students how to use source vector artwork of a character, designed in Adobe Illustrator, and brought it into Adobe After Effects and produced this animation. Students learned the basic steps to animate a cartoon character and the proper, time-saving techniques to produce impactful animations that will make them more valuable graphic designers/visual communication producers.

To learn more about becoming a Graphic Designer, please visit Digital Design/Computer Animation Program website at www.swfc.edu/gd or contact Mr. Chip McElroy, Program Manager, at (239) 939-4766.

Graphic Design Program: Straight From the Students

Southwest Florida College prepares digital design students for a successful career in both design and production through an emphasis on developing the student's capacity for critical thinking, and stimulating imagination and innovation.

The critical skills of perception, interpretation, and inventiveness are fostered as well as an understanding of digital design business practices. Industry standard software applications are used while solving design problems, planning, and executing solutions. The Student’s focus is to sharpen their ability to visually translate ideas of an intended message to a targeted audience.

Special thank you to Phil Rood, Angeli Chin-Franz, Jessica Kelly and The TJ Kelly Band! 3D animations in this video were modelled and produced in 3Ds Max by Aaron Belchamber, the Graphic Design Department's full time web design and 3D animation instructor.

To learn more about becoming a Graphic Designer, please visit the SWFC website at www.swfc.edu or contact Mr. Chip McElroy, Program Manager, at 888-279-2342.

Naples International Film Festival Team Up with SWFC Graphic Design Students

Southwest Florida College Graphic Design students have teamed up with the Naples International Film Festival to design creative marketing and promotional materials for this first international film festival. Daniel Herrera was kind enough to grant us an interview as we learn more about NIFF (http://www.naplesfilmfest.com/ ) and the kinds of exciting roles our designers play marketing and helping this fledgling enterprise become successful.

SWFC wishes the Naples International Film Festival, and our outreach contact and mentor Daniel Herrera all the success for this year and succeeding years' film festival.

To learn more about becoming a graphic designer, call us today at (888) 279-2342 or visit our website at http://www.swfc.edu/gd!