Graphic Design
Program Description
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a Graphic Design: Visual Design major focuses on design as a professional craft and as a vehicle for communication and connecting with society. Students learn to see design as a visual language and force for cultural change within our world by giving them the tools to enhance the visual experience of the public. Course work includes color theory, drawing, traditional illustration, digital illustration, composition, typography, letterpress, identity design, web design and UX Design. All course work focuses on the best practices for designers to meet the needs of the profession. The degree concludes with a portfolio development course and the successful degree candidate is prepared to enter professions within graphic design including advertising, branding, packaging design, identity design, illustration, digital design, web design and a myriad of related fields.
Transfer students, like all students pursuing a degree in Graphic Design, are expected to complete and pass a Sophomore Review before being formally admitted into the program. Admission in the program will be contingent upon the student satisfying the following requirements: (a) Completion of the Graphic Design Admission Application Form; (b) Coursework at CMU in or transfer credits equivalent to ARTE 101 Two-Dimensional Design, ARTE 102 Three-Dimensional Design, ARTS 151 Foundation Drawing I, ARTG 215 Graphic Design I, and ARTG 221 Graphic Design II, with a grade of B or A in each course; (c) Successful completion of the Graphic Design Entrance Exam with a minimum score of 80%; and (d) a Portfolio Review comprised of Graphic Design work showing competency in 200-level graphic design, typography and layout skills.
The graphic design minor acquaints students with some of the core elements related to the study and profession of graphic design. Courses will consist of both academic lecture and practical studio. This minor provides students an opportunity to integrate personal creativity with any specified major degree. A background in graphic design can promote a variety of professional opportunities including areas of applied design, public relations, business graphics, product design, marketing and advertising.
Please see a faculty advisor and the programs listed in the Programs of Study tab for program requirement details.
Contact Information
Department of Art and Design
Fine Arts 200
970.248.1833
ARTG 122 Design It 3 Credits
Exploration of design as the foundation of all the visual arts. Approaching design through a broad hands-on tactile experience.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 196 Topics: 1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.
ARTG 201 Adobe Illustrator 2 Credits
Introduction. Techniques for using vector-based drawing program explored through exercises to learn the application and features as used by graphic designers for print and electronic media.
ARTG 202 Adobe Photoshop 2 Credits
Introduction. Techniques for using raster-based software for print, video, web, and other multi-media applications.
ARTG 203 Adobe InDesign 2 Credits
Techniques for using the program explored. Exercises to learn the application and features as used by graphic designers and professional publishers.
ARTG 210 Introduction to Letterpress 3 Credits
Theoretical and practical letterpress course offering materials introduction and technique development for technical use.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
ARTG 215 Graphic Design I 3 Credits
Basic use and operation of graphics computer, exclusively Macintosh, with focus on terminology, hardware, peripheral devices, system management, and software (systems and applications). Including establishment of operation files, job information files, information capture and placement, and maintenance.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 220 UX Design I 3 Credits
Application of modern techniques of WordPress web hosting, design, and real-world uses.
Prerequisites: ARTG 215.
Corequisites: ARTG 221 and ARTG 222.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 221 Graphic Design II 3 Credits
Principles of design and layout techniques, including thumbnail, rough, and comprehensive layouts: work planning and preparation of artwork with focus on computer and hand generated images.
Prerequisites: ARTE 101, ARTE 102, and ARTG 215.
Corequisites: ARTG 220 and ARTG 222.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 222 Illustration I 3 Credits
Approaches to traditional and contemporary illustration. Materials will be introduced and developed for practical use.
Prerequisites: ARTG 215.
Corequisites: ARTG 220 and ARTG 221.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 223 Commercial Typography and Sign Painting 3 Credits
Cultivation of skills necessary to create professional level industrial advertisement including pounce patterns, wood working, hand lettering techniques, and gilding.
Prerequisites: ARTG 222.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 234 Street Art and Mural Design 3 Credits
Intermediate public art class blending traditional and contemporary techniques, focusing on hands-on creation from concept to execution.
Prerequisites: ARTG 221.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring, Summer.
Course may be taken 3 times for credit.
ARTG 290 UX Design II 3 Credits
Development of websites with focus on the end user by applying tested UX design.
Prerequisites: ARTG 220.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 296 Topics: 1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.
ARTG 301 Digital Illustration 3 Credits
Advanced creation of digital imagery focusing on visual content and composition in print and multi-media applications.
Prerequisites: ARTG 215, ARTG 221, and ARTG 222.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 320 Letterforms and Typography 3 Credits
Study of letterforms and typography including terminology, type style identification and design, use of type within a design, composition, copyfitting, and basic principles of pattern and spatial design.
Prerequisites: ARTG 215 and ARTG 221.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 321 Advanced Typography 3 Credits
Explore traditional and contemporary forms of typography and compositions through letterpress and hand rendering approaches.
Prerequisites: ARTG 320.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 333 Illustration II 3 Credits
Illustration techniques in context of contemporary materials and methods. Advanced use of materials.
Prerequisites: ARTG 221 and ARTG 222.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 334 Package Design 3 Credits
Comprehensive exploration of packaging in product branding and marketing, covering the entire design process from conceptualization to production.
Prerequisites: ARTG 221.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
ARTG 337 Illustration III 3 Credits
Storytelling through traditional and contemporary illustration medium. Emphasis placed on developing concepts, execution, and professional practices.
Prerequisites: ARTG 333.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 338 Brand Design 3 Credits
Exploration of the branding process common to the promotion of products and services, including conducting research, clarifying strategy, creating touchpoints, and advertisements. Emphasis will be placed on design processes, production of advertisements, and the management of assets.
Prerequisites: ARTG 301 and ARTG 320.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
Course may be taken 3 times for credit.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 360 Sketchbook 3 Credits
The sketchbook as a primary medium for developing creativity and the artist’s thought processes. This course will include exploratory exercises and field assignments for developing skills in keeping an individual sketchbook as a place for recording ideas and the artist’s visual experience.
Prerequisites: ARTS 151 and ARTG 222.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 373 Screen Printing for Graphic Design 3 Credits
Introduce concepts and techniques of screen printing within Graphic Design and Illustration. Become familiar with industry tools, equipment and processes.
Prerequisites: ARTG 221.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 395 Independent Study 1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.
ARTG 396 Topics: 1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.
ARTG 401 Digital Painting 3 Credits
Introduction to the language of digital painting. Fundamental skills of proportion, perspective, and color mixing. Translating light and color into a digital space. Perceptual problem solving in the practical application of digital painting.
Prerequisites: ARTG 301.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 405 UX Design III 3 Credits
Creation and development of well-designed and functional web pages/sites to accommodate clients' promotional and business needs. Topics covered include software, creation of graphics, publishing, design theory for the web, typography, and promotion.
Prerequisites: ARTG 290, ARTG 301, and ARTG 320.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 406 UX Design IV 3 Credits
Investigation, analysis and application of User Experience, and emerging website design trends.
Prerequisites: ARTG 405.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 421 Contemporary Letterpress 3 Credits
Approaches to traditional and contemporary letterpress. Materials will be introduced and technique developed for practical use.
Prerequisites: ARTG 221.
Course may be taken 2 times for credit.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 427 Lab Assistant 1-3 Credits
Practice with technologies used within the Graphic Design labs. Maintain and use equipment.
Prerequisites: ARTG 221.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
Course may be taken 3 times for credit.
ARTG 437 Illustration IV 3 Credits
Advanced illustration development focusing on concept, content, materials, and techniques. Emphasis on individual artistic style and personal visual communication perception.
Prerequisites: ARTG 337 or permission of instructor.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 450 Identity Design 3 Credits
Exploration of visual communication designed for public and private business and organization identity. Emphasis will be placed on the process of design and approaches to image generation for identity systems and standards.
Prerequisites: ARTG 301 and ARTG 320.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 493 Portfolio Development 3 Credits
Development of portfolio materials to be used for gaining employment. Emphasis placed on current industry professional practices including presentation formats, resume development, contracts, and salary negotiations.
Prerequisites: ARTG 405 and ARTG 406.
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 495 Independent Study 1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.
ARTG 496 Topics: 1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.
ARTG 499 Internship 1-3 Credits
Placement in an agency or corporate department to provide an enhanced transition from the classroom to the work setting through first-hand experience. The student is expected to complete 135 clock hours.
Prerequisites: ARTG 450.