A concentration in Graphic Design prepares a student for a career as a design professional. Our program encompasses the development of computer skills and fluency in the language of visual design through problem solving, presentation, critique, and self-promotion skills that are invaluable to anyone working in a creative industry. Focus is spent on web design, print design, ad design, and package design using industry standard software–culminating in a professional portfolio and digital presence. Additionally, our majors obtain real world experience through a 240-hour internship with an approved advertising agency, printer, in house art department, or other appropriate business. Our graduates currently occupy positions throughout the country working as print and web designers, art directors, illustrators, digital content creators, and creative professionals.
What You Will Learn:
Industry Standard Design Skills
Students learn the principles of design, such as similarity, continuation, closure, proximity, figure/ground, and symmetry & order, and how they are applicable to specific areas of graphic design such as Package Design, Advertising Design, Illustration, Motion Graphics, and Web Design. Additionally students develop a skill set in the Adobe Creative Cloud specializing in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
Web Design
Students develop an introductory working knowledge of HTML/CSS Coding languages through building websites. Responsive, mobile first web practices and an introduction to User Experience and User Interface design are explored.
Branding and Identity Creation
A strong visual identity is at the heart of all successful businesses and entities. The capstone project of the degree is centered around the creation of a cohesive brand identity. This brand identity should include a logo and identity suite design that is cohesive across various platforms such as websites, advertising campaigns, and more. The portfolio class culminates with the development of a personal brand identity that serves to set the designer apart from others in their field and illustrate their design skills.
Where Could This Take You?
Agency
Design agencies consist of a dedicated team of designers that collaborate to brainstorm and execute design projects. Agencies such as advertising agencies and brand agencies are tasked with managing projects from multiple clients. Agencies are ideal for designers who enjoy working as part of a team.
In-House
In-house designers work inside of businesses and may be brought on as a sole designer or part of a design team. Rather than serving multiple clients as an agency would, an in-house designer focuses primarily on the needs of that business. In-house design is ideal for designers who prefer to focus on long-term projects and delve deeply into branding and design for a small number of clients.
Freelance
Once a designer has established a client base, they can pursue work as a freelancer. Freelancers are responsible for maintaining their own business, so they have flexibility regarding the type of clients they take on. Freelance design is ideal for designers who prefer to set their own schedule and work parameters.
Undergraduate Course Fees
$25 per credit hour fee will be applied to all studio art courses to provide essential technology resources, class materials, equipment upkeep, and support for visiting artists and lecturers across all concentrations.
CURRICULUM
General Education38
University Requirement Seminar1
Art Core36
Concentration33
Art Studio Elective12
Total120
Students entering the Art Department will be required to pass a portfolio review before advancing into upper level courses.
FACULTY
Kayla Selby, Assistant Professor of Art
kselby@deltastate.edu
SOFTWARE & HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
All majors concentrating in Graphic Design must purchase Adobe Creative Cloud (CC), and an Apple Macbook Pro (any model, must have 8GB of Memory). Student discounts given by the manufacturers are available for both with proof of enrollment. Please contact the design faculty if you have any further questions.
