Colorado's Graphic Design pathway develops creative and technical skills in visual communication and branding. Colorado's advertising and creative industries create diverse opportunities for graphic designers.
Students master design principles, typography, color theory, digital design tools, branding concepts, and portfolio development. They work with industry-standard software and create designs for real clients.
Graduates work as graphic designers, creative professionals, or design specialists with design studios, agencies, or as freelancers. Many continue studies in design or pursue specialized design certifications.
Graphic Design at a Glance
3
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Colorado's graphic design standards align with industry design practices and professional design standards. Standards cover design thinking, software proficiency, and creative communication.
Students complete portfolio-based assessments demonstrating design competency, creative problem-solving, and technical proficiency in design software. Assessment includes design quality and client feedback.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Design Foundations and Principles |
| Digital Design and Software Mastery |
| Professional Design and Portfolio Development |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Graphic Designer
Entry LevelSalary range: $54,070 - $83,610
Visual Designer
ExperiencedSalary range: $54,070 - $83,610
Art Director
ExperiencedSalary range: $78,060 - $125,570
Creative Director
ExperiencedSalary range: $78,060 - $125,570
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern with design studios, advertising agencies, corporate marketing departments, printing companies, and digital agencies throughout Colorado.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Colorado CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Colorado Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Colorado's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Colorado standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Colorado
Digital Design & Media
Colorado's Digital Design & Media pathway develops creative and technical skills in digital content creation, design, and multimedia production. Colorado's growing creative industries create diverse opportunities for design professionals. Students master design principles, multimedia tools, digital storytelling, animation basics, and creative production. They work with industry-standard software and create projects for real clients through school and community partnerships. Graduates work as digital designers, multimedia specialists, or content creators with design studios, creative agencies, corporations, or as freelancers. Many continue studies in design or specialized digital fields.
STEM, Arts, Design & Information TechnologyWeb Design & Development
Colorado's Web Design & Development pathway prepares students for careers in web design, web development, and digital experiences. Colorado's technology sector creates strong demand for web professionals. Students develop competency in web design principles, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, user experience design, responsive design, and web development practices. They build actual websites and gain experience through partnerships with web agencies and technology companies. Graduates work as web designers, web developers, or front-end engineers. Many establish freelance web businesses or work with design agencies and technology firms. Colorado's tech-savvy economy ensures good career prospects.
STEM, Arts, Design & Information TechnologyReady to Build Graphic Design Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Graphic Design in Colorado.