Creating a real-world design, printshop experience for RCHS students

Rancho Cucamonga, CA – The Media Arts lab at Rancho Cucamonga High School resembles a professional design and print shop more than a classroom. Lisset Arredondo wouldn’t have it any other way.

A former print-shop owner, Arredondo wants to create the most realistic environment possible for her students as they explore possible careers in the growing field of multimedia design and production. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for multimedia artists and related professions will increase 16% between 2020 and 2030, with an average of 95,800 openings per year and a median wage that’s about $5,000 higher than the average for all occupations.

So much for print being dead. Then again, what students learn in Arredondo’s class is about so much more than producing a colorful brochure; rather, there’s a strong emphasis on personal expression, delivering an effective message and professionalism.

“We work on developing their creative and technical skillsets, but we also emphasize being honest, being punctual and following through. If you say you can do it, make sure you can do it. If you say you will have something done by Friday, you need to meet that deadline,” Arredondo says. “All of these things are really important. You can have a really fabulous, talented artist, but if they lack follow through, or communications skills, or professionalism, that becomes a problem in dealing with clients.”

Arredondo understood that as a small business owner in Upland, and now, as a teacher, she is able to share her experience with the next generation of multimedia artists.

It’s a real-world approach that the Chaffey Joint Union High School District uses quite effectively with its highly lauded career pathway programs. All eight of the District’s comprehensive high schools offer pathways to a diverse range of career opportunities, from those in the vocational skills to others requiring a four-year or more college education.

“There is no one-size-fits all. But we are committed to making sure that every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to experience success after graduation. By preparing them for college and career, we’re building a next-generation workforce and a next-generation of community leaders,” said Dr. Mathew Holton, Chaffey District Superintendent.

Arredondo experienced that commitment first-hand, as part of Rancho Cucamonga High School’s first four-year graduating class. She took a graphics production class from her sophomore to senior years from Dale Bailey, a now retired teacher.

“He was super inspiring, and I fell in love with this whole pathway. By the time I was a senior, I was running my own business,” Arredondo said. “I earned my Associates Degree from Chaffey College, and ran my own business for about 27 years. I then decided I was going to come back a teach, taking over Mr. Bailey’s position when he retired in 2018.”

Since then, she has updated the classroom’s equipment, securing grant funds to create a true production shop where students create posters, business cards, tickets, brochures and other print products. Alumni of her program have gone on to further develop their skills freelance artists, animators and apparel designers.

“We have a big focus on product development,” Arredondo said, noting “it’s such a big industry.”