Central Montco Technical High School
Course Description
CIP Code: 50.0402
Commercial and Advertising Art
Welcome to the Visual Communications Program — a.k.a. The Sketch Loudly Academy, where bold thinkers and fearless makers shape the future of design. This isn’t your average classroom. This is a launchpad for creatives who want to shake culture, challenge systems, and leave visual echoes that actually matter.
Here, you’ll learn to take risks that resonate, influence real decision-makers, and ignite social movements through branding, storytelling, and design solutions that refuse to whisper.
This program demands everything you’ve got — time, focus, energy, guts. We assume you’re not here for “good enough.” You’re here to build a foundation for a creative career that’s as unconventional as you are. The standards are high because the impact is real.
You’ll sharpen your communication skills (yes, both written and spoken), learn to analyze like a strategist, and design like a rebel with intent. Serious students — the ones hungry to grow, stretch, and sometimes fall flat on their faces before soaring — will find an environment built for exactly that kind of transformation.
Graduates of the Sketch Loudly Academy don’t just get jobs — they build futures. Many go on to further education, independent practice, or collaborations with top-tier industry creatives.
So if you’re ready to sketch louder, think bigger, and design like your ideas could shift the world — welcome home.
Quick Reality Check
Some of our students go on to crush it in animation, gaming, film, or interactive media after continuing their education — but let’s be clear: this isn’t a gaming or animation program.
Think of it more like the origin story of your future design studio — where you learn the creative strategy, visual language, and storytelling power that make any design field your playground. You’re building the brain, the voice, and the visual chops that let you lead, not just follow trends.
Level One: Foundation Year
Students will incorporate a broad spectrum of disciplines integrating art, technology, and academics.
Level Two: Portfolio Year
Students will implement what they have learned in Level One and work on real-world projects.
Level Three: Entrepreneurial Year
Students will focus their efforts on developing a freelance business model.
Click HERE for the Visual Communications Program Brochure.
Course Content
Topics of Study include:
-
Orientation
-
Safety
-
Drawing and Illustration
-
Color Theory and Application
-
Digital Imaging
-
Design, Layout, and Production
-
Typography
-
Digital Photography
-
Professional Practices
Related Occupations
-
Digital Designer
-
Multimedia Designer
-
Print Designer
-
App and Digital Platform Designer
-
Publications Designer
-
-
Web Design and SEO
-
Web Designer/Search Engine Optimizer
-
Internet Marketer
-
-
Social Media Design
-
Online Producer
-
Internet Marketing Consultant
-
-
Photography and Video
-
Photographer
-
Commercial Photographer
-
Photography and Video Editor
-
Social Media Editor
-
-
Traditional Arts
-
Fine Artist
-
Illustrator
-
Potential Certifications
Students in the Visual Communications Program may earn the following certifications:
-
NOCTI Commercial and Advertising Art PA
-
OSHA Certification
Post-Secondary Education
Recent graduates of Visual Communications are attending:
-
The Maryland School of Art and Design
-
Drexel University
-
The University of the Arts
-
Tyler School of Art
-
Columbus College of Art and Design
-
Montgomery County Community College
-
MassArt
SOAR/Articulation
Articulation Agreements are cooperative arrangements for granting admission and college credit to students who are continuing their education. Central Montco Technical High School has articulated its programs with a wide range of colleges and technical schools resulting in college credit or priority placement for CMTHS students.
Click HERE and select Commercial and Advertising Art 50.0402 and your year of graduation to see what Articulation Agreements are available for this program of study.
Required Uniform & Materials
Students will be provided everything they need for the class throughout the school year.