Digital Arts is an excellent choice if you’re a visual, creative, and hands-on person interested in a career in the arts. As a Digital Arts student, your personal vision and individual artistic aesthetic are nurtured and encouraged. Come explore communication and visual language through project-based activities, learning to use technology as a vehicle for personal imagination and expression.
This is a college-bound program where you develop a portfolio of your work for the college application process. The Digital Arts curriculum and specific lessons are based on introductory college courses. As part of your learning experience, you have the opportunity to work with clients creating media that best promotes their products, gaining real-life experience while building a strong college portfolio.
What We Do
The class often functions as an advertising agency/production house. Working with Stafford as a client, students create and design marketing strategies that appeal to their clients.
Program Instructor
Karen Kysar
Karen Kysar came to Stafford Technical Center in 1998. She taught Video Multi Media from 1998-2001. In 2002 she created the concept and curriculum for a Digital Arts program which opened in the fall of 2002. Karen received a Bachelors of Fine Arts from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. She has taught for Castleton State College and CCV. She worked as an Artist in Residence in Minnesota from 1990 to 1998 working extensively with learners with disabilities and at risk communities. Karen is very passionate about teaching and technology. She believes in exploring technology as a vehicle for personal vision and imagination as well as a form of communication.
[email protected]
770-1430
Doug Stewart, Class of 2004
What I got from STC was a great foundation. I already knew so much before I ever set foot at university and because of that when so many of my friends and classmates were struggling under deadlines I was relaxed and in control. I knew what I needed to do and how to do it. After graduating high school, I went to London to study design at the University of The Arts, London where I received a BA(Hons) in Digital Media.
Program Advisory Committee
| Name | Business |
|---|---|
| Dave Townsend | Sports Car Art |
| Michael Woods | 3D Design |
| Bill Ramage | Castleton University |
| Gil & Chris Wideawake | Photo Tech |
| Mike Napolitano | Awesome Graphics |
| Greg Youkov | Five Fire Media |
| Donna Goodhale | Expressions by Donna |
| Anthony Edwards | Freelance Photographer |
Dual Enrollment/College Credits
Up to twelve college credits are available through Community College of Vermont, fifteen credits through Lyndon State College, and three credits through Castleton University.
Certifications
American Heart Association HeartSaver® First Aid/CPR with AED
Average Career Salaries
| Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Graphic Design | $45,226 |
| Illustration | $43,140 |
| Animation | $62,152 |
| Video Game Design | $65,965 |
*Average Salaries for Vermont taken from Zip Recruiter (ziprecruiter.com) in October 2020.
Requirements For This Program
Recommended Prerequisites: Fine arts and computer applications classes; college preparatory coursework
Reading Level of class materials: Grade 10 – 13
Scales for standards assessed are found here.
Essay Requirement for Digital Arts: Please address the following in a 1-2 page essay: Why do you want to enroll in the Digital Arts program at Stafford Technical Center? What are your career goals? Please describe any artistic and/or computer experience that you have (i.e. classes, extra curricular activities, hobbies, or influences). Portfolios or examples of work are highly recommended. This could be a photocopy of a drawing or and address to a web page that you created. The instructor recommends that students write the essay after their visit to the program.