As Halloween draws near, students in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Graphic Design Pathway at Christian County are embracing the season by diving into one of their most creative projects yet. Guided by Graphic Design teacher Griffin Moore, Digital Imaging scholars took on the task of transforming ordinary celebrity photos into spine-chilling zombie posters. This project goes beyond festive fun; it’s a powerful exercise in advanced Adobe Photoshop techniques and real-world graphic design skills.
In the “Zombie Poster Project,” students selected celebrity images and used Adobe Photoshop to bring them to life as eerie, undead figures. Under Moore’s expert guidance, they applied advanced photo-editing tools, including blending modes, adjustment layers, and texture overlays, to create realistic zombie effects. Techniques like adding texture to skin, hollowing out eyes, and creating wounds required not only technical skill but also artistic vision – skills essential for any aspiring designer. Moore’s approach to instruction empowered students to experiment with these techniques, balancing structure with creative freedom, allowing students to develop their own unique styles.
The Value of CTE Courses in Graphic Design
Guided by educators like Moore, CTE courses go beyond teaching software proficiency; they build real-world skills in creativity, problem-solving, and technical expertise. Adobe Photoshop, a cornerstone of the graphic design industry, can be daunting for beginners, but Moore’s instruction and supportive classroom environment helped students learn this powerful tool. Through projects like the Zombie Poster, students gain confidence as they become familiar with industry-standard software and develop skills that will serve them in college, internships, and future careers.
The Graphic Design Pathway prepares students for a range of potential careers by equipping them with both the technical and artistic skills needed in today’s job market. From entertainment to advertising to digital media, the skills learned in Moore’s class have broad applications. By working on projects that simulate real-world design challenges, like creating compelling visuals and learning to blend art with storytelling, students leave with a competitive edge and a portfolio that showcases their capabilities.
Engaging Students Through Experiential Learning
The Zombie Poster Project exemplifies how experiential learning can captivate students’ interest while teaching them critical skills. Moore designed this project to challenge students’ creativity while guiding them to build competence in using tools like adjustment layers, layer masks, and selective coloring – techniques that require focus, patience, and problem-solving. Through the process, students discovered how to turn an ordinary image into something eye-catching and emotional, which is a core aspect of impactful graphic design.
Such immersive projects allow students to see firsthand the power of their creativity. Moore’s emphasis on blending fun with educational rigor demonstrates the heart of CTE: preparing students not only to succeed academically but also to thrive in creative, fast-paced industries.
Celebrating the Talent of Our Young Designers
While the final posters may be spooky, the learning and dedication behind them are truly impressive. Moore’s students have achieved more than a seasonal activity; they’ve honed technical skills, built confidence, and deepened their understanding of design. Through projects like this, they have a chance to explore their potential and are encouraged to stretch their creative limits, knowing they have the support of an experienced instructor who values both their individual growth and their skill development.
Kudos to our Digital Imaging scholars for their hard work and to Griffin Moore for his dedication to fostering a vibrant, engaging learning environment. This project not only celebrates the Halloween season but also exemplifies how hands-on learning in CTE courses can lead to meaningful skill development. Thanks to Moore’s guidance, students in the Graphic Design Pathway are well-prepared for their futures in the creative industry, one chillingly creative project at a time.
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