Design and Digital Arts in Missouri prepares students for creative careers in graphic design, user experience design, digital illustration, and multimedia creation. This pathway addresses demand for creative professionals in Missouri's growing digital media and design industries, particularly in St. Louis and Kansas City. Students gain expertise in design software, design principles, digital media creation, and visual communication.
The curriculum covers design fundamentals, color theory, typography, digital illustration, UI/UX design, and multimedia production. Students work with industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and design software. Projects progress from basic design exercises to complete professional portfolios. Emphasis on creativity, technical skill, and professional standards is integrated throughout. Students learn to solve design problems, communicate visually, and create compelling digital content.
Graduates work as graphic designers, UI/UX designers, digital artists, web designers, or creative technicians. The pathway positions students for careers in digital media and creative industries.
Design and Digital Arts at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Missouri's design and digital arts standards require competency in design software, design principles, digital media creation, and visual communication. The curriculum aligns with creative industry standards and professional design practices.
Students must demonstrate proficiency in design software, design theory application, digital asset creation, and portfolio development. State standards incorporate current industry software and design trends.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Introduction to Fashion and Design |
| Fashion Construction and Textiles |
| Interior Design Principles |
| Fashion and Interior Design Portfolio |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Video Design Specialist
- ✓Unity Certified User - Programmer
- ✓Unity Certified User - Artist
- ✓Unity Certified User - VR Developer
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Photoshop
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Illustrator
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - InDesign
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Premiere Pro
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: $43,250 - $66,140
Adjusted for cost of living: $47,134
Digital Artist
Entry LevelAdjusted for cost of living: $54,490
UX/UI Designer
ExperiencedSalary range: $58,900 - $99,530
Adjusted for cost of living: $83,173
Design Director
ExperiencedSalary range: $43,250 - $66,140
Adjusted for cost of living: $55,471
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Internships with design agencies, marketing firms, advertising agencies, tech companies, and creative studios throughout Missouri.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in DECA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Missouri CTE Programs
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Missouri Standards Built In
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Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Missouri standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Missouri
Commercial Art
Commercial Art in Missouri prepares students for careers creating visual content for advertising, marketing, and business communications. This pathway addresses demand for artists and designers in Missouri's advertising agencies, marketing departments, and design studios. Students gain expertise in illustration, digital art creation, design principles, and commercial production. The curriculum covers art fundamentals, digital illustration, design software, advertising principles, and commercial production. Students develop portfolios demonstrating commercial art skills and creativity. Projects progress from concept development to final commercial deliverables. Emphasis on client communication, professional standards, and commercial viability is integrated throughout. Students learn to work within client constraints, manage revision cycles, and produce publication-ready artwork. Graduates work as commercial artists, illustrators, graphic designers, or advertising designers. The pathway positions students for careers in creative and marketing industries.
Arts, Entertainment, and DesignFashion and Interiors
Fashion and Interiors in Missouri prepares students for creative careers in fashion design, interior design, visual merchandising, and home furnishings. This pathway addresses demand for designers in Missouri's retail, hospitality, and design industries, particularly in major metro areas. Students gain expertise in design principles, color theory, fabric knowledge, spatial design, and design software. The curriculum covers fashion and interior design fundamentals, sketching and illustration, materials and textiles, CAD for design, color and composition, and trend analysis. Students develop design portfolios featuring collections and interior spaces. Projects progress from concept sketches to complete design presentations. Emphasis on creativity, technical skill, and professional standards is integrated throughout. Students learn to work with clients, understand design constraints, and create functional, aesthetic spaces and garments. Graduates work as fashion designers, interior designers, visual merchandisers, or design consultants. The pathway positions students for creative careers in design industries.
Arts, Entertainment, and DesignGraphic Communications
Graphic Communications in Missouri prepares students for careers in print production, publishing, and multimedia communication. This pathway addresses demand for professionals who can manage graphic design, production, and publishing workflows in Missouri's media and print industries. Students gain expertise in design software, prepress operations, production management, and quality control. The curriculum covers graphic design principles, digital publishing, prepress production, printing technologies, and project management. Students work with industry-standard software and equipment. Projects progress from design concepts through production and finishing. Emphasis on quality control, efficiency, and professional standards is integrated throughout. Students learn to prepare files for printing, manage color, and oversee production workflows. Understanding both traditional print and digital publishing is essential. Graduates work as graphic designers, production coordinators, print technicians, or publishing specialists. The pathway positions students for careers in graphic communications industries.
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