Courses

The Visual Media program at Seattle Central Creative Academy takes you from mastering the fundamentals of image-making to producing professional-level photography, video, and multimedia projects. Each quarter blends technical training, conceptual problem-solving, and real-world application—preparing you with the skills and portfolio you’ll need to launch a creative career.

Quarter 1

Foundations of Visual Media

VME 145: Digital Imaging I

3.5 credits

Learn the language and ethics of digital photography. Gain hands-on experience with HDSLR cameras, mastering exposure, composition, and file management workflows using Adobe Lightroom and Capture One.

VME 120: Lighting Techniques I

3.5 credits

Discover the art and science of light. Explore studio lighting fundamentals, from direct and indirect light to texture and form, while learning safe studio practices.

VME 150: Visual Media I

3.5 credits

Step into motion. Build a bridge between photography and video as you explore Adobe Premiere and DSLR video production through a series of short projects.

VME 110: Professional Practices I

3.5 credits

Begin exploring visual media career paths and industry trends. Learn the fundamentals of professional ethics, time management, and critique, while building your visual vocabulary.

NME 110: New Media I

6 credits

Work across disciplines in collaborative, project-based learning. This course connects you to real-world creative challenges, builds teamwork skills, and prepares you for the collaborative nature of today’s creative industries.

Quarter 2

Expanding Your Technical Skills

VME 146: Digital Imaging II

3.5 credits

Master image editing with Adobe Photoshop. Learn tools, layers, filters, retouching, and compositing, while preparing images for both print and digital platforms.

VME 121: Lighting Techniques II

3.5 credits

Take portrait lighting to the next level. Practice subject rapport, posing, and creative lighting narratives in a professional studio environment.

VME 151: Visual Media II

3.5 credits

Advance your production skills with time-lapse, slow motion, motion graphics, and professional audio recording techniques. Collaborate with classmates to produce polished projects.

VME 111: Professional Practices II

3.5 credits

Develop your storytelling skills through scriptwriting, pitches, and presentations. Learn to combine visuals, audio, and narrative for persuasive communication.

NME 120: New Media II

6 credits

Collaborate across Graphic Design and Visual Media programs on integrative assignments. You’ll strengthen your communication, production, and teamwork skills in a project-based environment.

Quarter 3

Developing Creative Solutions

VME 147: Digital Imaging III

3.5 credits

Dive into advanced Photoshop workflows—color correction, compositing, and high-level retouching. Produce a cohesive final project with professional polish.

VME 131: Conceptual Solutions I

3.5 credits

Sharpen your creativity with rapid assignments designed to challenge problem-solving and experimentation under tight deadlines.

VME 152: Visual Media III

3.5 credits

Expand your production capabilities with multi-camera setups, color grading, audio mixing in Pro Tools, and animation techniques for title sequences.

VME 160: Studio Techniques I

3.5 credits

Work like a creative professional, addressing client needs and audience goals. Produce multi-deliverables across still and motion media while honing campaign-level problem-solving.

NME 130: New Media III

6 credits

Capstone-style collaborative projects bring together everything you’ve learned so far. Build professional contacts while gaining real-world experience.

Quarter 4

Foundations of Visual Media

VME 220: Digital Imaging V – After Effects

4 credits

Enter the world of motion graphics with Adobe After Effects. Learn compositing, animation, green screen keying, and 3D/360 video integration while producing a professional final project.

VME 280: Special Projects I

4 credits

Take on your first major self-directed project. Research, plan, and execute a unique production that builds your portfolio.

VME 232: Conceptual Solutions II

4 credits

Continue solving fast-paced creative challenges with a focus on conceptual problem-solving and diverse presentation formats.

VME 250: Visual Media IV

4 credits

Experience advanced video production. Rotate through professional crew roles while producing documentaries, interviews, music videos, and studio productions.

VME 261: Studio Techniques II

4 credits

Explore corporate and editorial photography. Work on location to tell compelling visual stories, building skills in lighting control and conceptual storytelling.

Quarter 5

Storytelling & Professional Practice

VME 233: Conceptual Solutions III

4 credits

Focus on narrative storytelling in photography and video. Use production design and script elements like plot and character to create short-form, story-driven projects.

VME 281: Special Projects II

4 credits

Continue developing self-initiated work that deepens your creative voice and adds to your portfolio.

VME 262: Studio Techniques III

4 credits

Specialize in food and product photography. Experiment with lighting techniques for diverse materials and work collaboratively in production roles.

VME 251: Visual Media V

4 credits

Begin your capstone video production. Learn producing and directing fundamentals—concepting, scripting, casting, budgeting—and experiment with 360 video and VR storytelling.

VME 270: Professional Business Practices

4 credits

Step into client-based work. Write proposals, negotiate fees, and manage timelines while gaining experience in business practices and ethics.

Quarter 6

Professional Portfolio & Showcase

VME 245: Audio Production I

4 credits

Strengthen your skills in audio storytelling. Record, edit, and layer sound effects, ambiance, and dialogue into compelling soundscapes using industry tools.

VME 282: Special Projects III

4 credits

Complete your final self-directed project, showcasing advanced skills and a clear creative voice.

VME 276: Portfolio Show

4 credits

Collaborate with your cohort to brand, design, and launch the annual Portfolio Show. Contribute to marketing, social media, exhibit design, and more—while curating your own work for presentation.

VME 252: Visual Media VI

4 credits

Refine your editing skills with advanced techniques in compositing, color grading, effects, and sound. Conclude with a capstone video project.

VME 286: Portfolio

4 credits

Develop a professional portfolio that highlights your creative voice and technical expertise. Produce both print and digital self-promotion materials to launch your career.