When Ozzie Aguilar, manager of graphic design and printing company Titanium Prints, was looking for a new graphic designer, he interviewed 25 candidates. He overwhelmingly chose Johnny G., a recent graduate who had gone through a graphic design program at Learn4Life, a network of 80+ public charter high schools.
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Former Learn4Life student Johnny G., center, pictured with his boss and co-worker, unveils a storefront installation he designed. Thanks to his high school graphic arts classes, he was hired upon graduation and is flourishing in his chosen career.
“I was surprised that someone right out of high school would be so prepared for a job as a graphic designer,” said Aguilar. “Johnny arrived with a resume, portfolio and a ton of ambition – which is what set him apart from the others. Learn4Life had prepared him well and he has a great career ahead of him.”
Johnny loves his job and is learning more and more every day. He has designed and produced multiple high-profile designs for restaurants and retail outlets, plus car wraps, brochures and posters.
But things were not so rosy a few years ago – when he was struggling in high school and falling behind.
“I got in with the wrong crowd and was ditching class,” said Johnny. “I came to Learn4Life as a junior and liked that it was so different from my other school. I was able to be more independent and I didn’t have to sit and listen to one teacher talking.”
The three-part graphic design and multimedia CTE pathway at Learn4Life starts with the basics of industry-standard software such as Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop. He and fellow students were exposed to potential career opportunities in design disciplines, such as branding, advertising, editorial design, merchandise and packaging, signage and photo editing.
They then moved on to 2D animation, motion graphics and video production. Students learn how to build a portfolio, write a resume, handle a job interview and create a website.
“I always loved drawing, and these classes helped me take it to the next level and turn it into a career,” Johnny said. “I also took a children’s literature class, which combines a core English credit with art. I wrote and illustrated a book about a sheep that gets lost while following a butterfly.”
Johnny’s book is titled, The Lost Sheep and is available on Amazon.
For more information about Learn4Life’s career technical education opportunities, visit www.learn4life.org/about/programs/career-technical-education-cte/.
About Learn4Life
Learn4Life is a network of nonprofit public high schools that provide students personalized learning, career training and life skills. Each school is locally controlled, tuition free and gives students the flexibility and one-on-one attention they need to succeed. Serving more than 64,000 students through a year-round program, we help them prepare for a future beyond high school. For more information, please visit www.learn4life.org.
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