What is computer graphics? At its core, computer graphics is everything from art in advertising, gum wrappers, textbooks, and even maps all using a computer. It’s also a class offered at Oakdale High school in levels 1-4 by Patrica Dobbin, who is also the advisor of the National Art Honors Society.

“Computer graphics is an overarching umbrella that encompasses so many professions, styles, subjects and creative processes. We encounter graphics EVERY day, ALL day. An artist has their hand in almost everything you come in contact with on a daily basis,” Dobbin communicated. 

For a long time she has always been interested in art as a form of self expression and appreciated its different forms. However, she quickly realized that utilizing computer graphics was almost essential in promoting herself as a photographer.

Her favorite thing about the class is the variety. “Not only do we create commercial art and fine art, but we also work in three different programs. The breadth of creative processes and types of projects is really limitless,” Dobbin explains. 

When it comes to the favorites among her students, their answers are often projects like package design, digital mandalas, and logo design.  

To complete assignments, students use digital art programs like Adobe Illustrator, In Design and Photoshop. This allows students to utilize their artistic skill to the fullest extent to design an end product, often based on a rubric set by the county.

“My favorite thing about graphics is the learning of the tools and the overall experience of the class,” freshman Addison Ashmore remarked. 

“You learn new tools everyday that help you create better projects and overall improve as an artist,” Ashmore continued. And that, in the future, computer graphics will become more widely available to the public and that the practice will be used in daily life.

Dobbin shares a similar sentiment,”EVERYONE comes in contact with graphic design, EVERY day. EVERYONE uses digital tools,” shares Dobbin, who has a similar outlook on the class.

 “The breadth and scope of career possibilities from learning graphic design is immense. The class offers a creative outlet while increasing 21st century skill,” she elaborated. 

If students wish to take this class, whether it is to prepare for a career in graphic design or just for fun, she encourages it greatly. This class translates in a multitude of ways in the real world to benefit you or someone else. Plus, digital art is a lot of fun!