USB, USB-C, lightning cable, or however you roll, this is a must for digital art courses. Keep your files at hand wherever you work, but don’t rely on these as your sole method of backup!

Nowadays, Dropbox, Google Drive, and other services provide great backup flexibility. I suggest you back up in multiple locations and often to avoid last-minute issues.

Start your design “kit” the right way — these are the tools which you will use throughout your time in print classes. Don’t borrow stuff — get a little case and stock up on these goods: X-Acto Knives, Scissors, Bone Folder, and a Metal Cutting Ruler.

Presentation is important, get the tools now so you are ready on the day of the critique.

All are available from Graphaids, (one of the only legitimate art/design supply stores in Ventura County) ask for a student discount with your student ID.

These items are easy to pick up for your presentation, and available at Graphaids or Michaels (or possibly even The Cove). Take note of the requirements for each crit — they will be different.

Get the good board — black on black — it’s cheap and it looks sharp. Avoid the white core blackboard or board that has any sort of “shine” to it.

There will be projects where you may want to use spray mount or rubber cement, but generally, double-stick tape is the best for all-around basic usage.

In conjunction with projects, you will need to “show your work,” in other words, you will need to present your ideas as they develop on the page. A fair amount of drawing will take place in conjunction with projects and in-class investigations.

The most inexpensive method for developing ideas is newsprint, and you’ll need room. (Available from Graphaids, Michaels, Joann, etc.)

The basic paper stock used in the classroom printers is essentially photocopy paper. Great for comping and test prints, horrible for final presentations.

Even slightly better printing stock from your local Staples, Office Depot, etc. will improve the look of your work.

You will be surprised to see how stock can seriously enhance your work. Recommended suppliers include Kelly Paper (locally), and French Paper (via the internet). Make sure the paper matches the printer you are using. Once you start using custom stocks you will never go back.

Off-campus printing for oversized or custom applications can be printed at any number of locations. Kinko’s is rarely your best option (you pay a premium because of the instantaneity of the production). Consider instead Big Shots, and/or Eyedentity Graphics. Two local favorites, and REAL print shops. They offer better quality, better finishes, and significantly better rates than Kinko’s, but typically take 24 hours to turn around your work.

(Note: Larger format Epson printers are for use only by advanced Upper Division designers enrolled in either Art 323 or Art 423. Advanced Photo students should not incorporate these printers into Lower Division design courses.)

Graphic design courses at CI are very technical in nature, but at times you may want to supplement or reinforce your skills with any number of resources. The “Visual Quickstart Guides” are a good place to start.

LinkedIn Learning (Formerly Lynda.com) is a great learning platform available for free to students via myCI.

Also highly recommended: Notes On Graphic Design and Visual Communication by Gregg Berryman

Finally, take note of which software applications are “backward compatible” and which version you are running.