Graphic Design Program

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​​It begins in the mind . . . as a feeling, an expression, a warmth. Small at first, it builds to creation. Real. Possible. A potentially powerful design ready for explosion into life, message and meaning.

The graduates of the Graphic Design Program at DMACC advance in pushing their ideas beyond the boundaries of the mind. They can unleash their thoughts and construct those ideas with precision and grace.

Develop your artistic gift. Explore new directions. Use your time for the important. Creativity. Thinking. Experimenting. IT IS TIME! See what DMACC can do for your artistic career and portfolio.

What We Offer

If you are interested in turning your passion for art into a career, or learning new skills, we offer:

  • A hands-on education
  • Design, Page layout, Adobe Photoshop image editing, Adobe Illustrator, Flash Animation, Illustration, Typography, and Web Design
  • Taught by professionals
  • State-of-the-art computer hardware and software
  • Culminating in a personal portfolio and AAS degree
  • At a price you can afford.

Sound Interesting?

This site contains crucial information you need to take the next step—building a professional quality portfolio and earning a Graphic Design degree, diploma, or certificate.

Student Testimonial

Yuuki Matsuyama

​Yuuki Matsuyama

Graphic Design '17
As a graphic design student I really love that my instructors have had experience designing for a firm or are freelancing because it gives them insight into the industry. They’re always learning as well and telling you about all the new developments in the field so as another creative that’s really exciting for me. You can tell that they’re passionate about what they’re teaching.
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Meet Your Professor(s)

Carin Murphy

Carin Murphy

Professor, Digital Design, Web Development Program
Ankeny Campus
Building 19, 17A
515-964-6600

Carin began her teaching career at DMACC in January 1998 as an instructor in desktop publishing for the Graphic Arts program.

She currently serves as Professor in Digital Design with the Web Development program. Carin teaches web design and development courses including Web Design, Photoshop, and WordPress. Carin continues work outside of teaching producing graphic and web designs for a variety of business and philanthropic entities.

Education: BFA in Graphic Design from Iowa State University; MA in Higher Education also from Iowa State University.

Primary teaching interests: Web design and development

Dave Beltrame

Dave Beltrame

Professor, Graphic Tech
Ankeny Campus
Building 19-2D
djbeltrame@dmacc.edu
As a DMACC graduate I can understand what students have to do to go to college, learn, and to compete to get a job in their respective field.  It is very satisfying to watch students attain their goals.

I have over 20 years of experience in the teaching field and numerous years in the trade in many aspects of the business.  That helps me in educating students in this area.

I teach in the Visual Communications Program and teach printing classes in screen printing, pressroom operations, as well as finishing and binding.  Often times this is a student’s favorite class and they also say that the class period goes by so quickly.
Melissa Rarick

Melissa Rarick

Professor, Graphic Design
Ankeny Campus
Building 15
515-964-6693
mmrarick@dmacc.edu
Melissa became a full time faculty member in the Graphic Design program in 2002. She teaches Communication Design, InDesign, Illustrator and Internship Preparation courses. Prior to teaching, her professional experience includes many years working as a designer on a wide range of projects in the Des Moines metro area. Melissa integrates community engagement pedagogies in her design classes that combine fundamental learning goals with community service. This provides opportunities for students to learn in real world contexts by collaborating with others to create effective human-centered designs. Outside of the classroom she is currently fascinated with sacred geometry and modular origami.

Education: Melissa received a B.A. from Iowa State University, College of Design.