Katina Bass, a senior at Niceville HS who takes her elective courses at CHOICE Creative Arts Institute recently won a contest to create a cover for the local magazine, "Life's a Beach." The "priceless" magazine is now available at many local restaurants and fun spots.

Sam Seevers, the associate publisher of the magazine, was surprised by the quality of the students' works. "She wants to do it again," says instructor Jill Frakes.

Frakes teaches Commercial Art I and II to students who come from Choctawhatchee, Fort Walton Beach and Niceville High Schools. They are bused to a small building with the atmosphere of a movie theater on the OATC campus. The courses last for about three hours, during which the students learn the principles of design, painting and drawing, and learn to use professional graphic arts and web design software. The courses lead to certification in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop and Macromedia Dreamweaver and Flash.

The students work on many different types of projects, including the creation of short animated movies using Flash and the design of magazine and CD covers, brochures, logos for local businesses, advertisements and movie posters.

Bass plans to continue her studies at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, FL. Her goal is work as a graphic designer for MTV or VH-1. Other students have plans to work as commercial artists or web designers.

"I want to be a photographer for magazines - a fashion photographer," says Karina Dasilva, who is taking her first class at the institute. "I didn't know how to do a lot, but we've learned a lot."

The students enjoy the calm atmosphere in the institute, as well as the chance to be around others who are also interested in the arts.

"If they [students] like art and photography, they'll enjoy coming here," says Dasilva.

"It's inspiring to be around a lot of kids that like art," adds Brandy Clary.

Vincent Haws enjoys using his computer skills. He is considering a career as a web designer. "I prefer this class to any other one. You can do a logo, create ads and create websites - you can do it all yourself," he says. "You have a lot more opportunities."