Graphic Design
Program Description
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a Graphic 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 under Programs of Study for program requirement details.
Contact Information
Department of Art and Design
Fine Arts 200
970.248.1833
ARTG 112 Graphic Design I 3 Credits
Introduction to the basic use and operation of graphic design hardware and software, specifically on Macintosh systems. Students will identify essential terminology, peripheral devices, and system management, while developing and organizing operational files, managing project information, capturing and integrating digital assets, and maintaining system efficiency.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
ARTG 120 UX Design I 3 Credits
Introduction to techniques and best practices in User Experience for screens using contemporary software.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
ARTG 196 Topics: 1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.
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 221 Graphic Design II 3 Credits
Principles of design and layout techniques, including thumbnail, rough, comprehensive layouts, and mock-ups. Focus on work planning and preparation of artwork using both computer-generated and hand-generated images.
Prerequisites: ARTG 112.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 222 Illustration Principles 3 Credits
Approaches to traditional and contemporary illustration techniques, with a focus on developing practical skills using a variety of materials and methods.
Prerequisites: ARTG 112.
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 226 Motion Graphics 3 Credits
Exploration of motion graphics as time-based graphic design. Covers the history and application of motion graphics in animation, film, typography, and interactive environments. Focus on current trends in design, media, and emerging technologies.
Prerequisites: ARTG 222.
Terms Typically Offered: 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 120.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 292 Letterforms and Typography 3 Credits
Study of letterforms and typography, including terminology, type classification and identification, type design, and the use of type in design compositions. Emphasis on copyfitting, layout, and the fundamental principles of pattern and spatial design.
Prerequisites: ARTG 221.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
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 222.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 305 UX Design III 3 Credits
Investigation, analysis, and application of User Experience, and emerging web and application design techniques.
Prerequisites: ARTG 290.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
ARTG 321 Advanced Typography 3 Credits
Exploration of traditional and contemporary forms of typography and compositions through letterpress, hand-rendering approaches, catalog layout, and large-format type. Emphasis on developing advanced typographic compositions that blend historical and modern techniques for both small- and large-scale projects.
Prerequisites: ARTG 292.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 327 Advanced Motion Graphics 3 Credits
Advanced motion graphics techniques, focusing on audio, animation, typography, and visual effects. Emphasis on movement, editing, timing, rhythm, story arc, and design elements like light and color.
Prerequisites: ARTG 226.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
ARTG 333 Illustration Methods 3 Credits
Illustration techniques in context of contemporary materials and methods. Advanced use of materials.
Prerequisites: ARTG 222.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
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 321 and ARTH 324.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
ARTG 337 Illustration Exploration 3 Credits
Exploration of storytelling through traditional and contemporary illustration media. Emphasis on developing original concepts, refining execution techniques, and applying professional practices for both print and digital illustrations.
Prerequisites: ARTG 222.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 350 Identity Design 3 Credits
Exploration of visual communication for public and private business and organizational identity. Emphasis on the design process and strategies for creating image-based identity systems, including the development of consistent branding standards.
Prerequisites: ARTG 321 and ARTH 324.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
ARTG 360 Sketchbook 3 Credits
Sketchbooks as a primary tool for fostering creativity and documenting the artist’s thought processes. This course includes exploratory exercises and field assignments to develop skills in maintaining a personal sketchbook as a space for recording ideas and capturing the artist’s visual experiences.
Prerequisites: ARTG 226.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
Course may be taken 3 times for credit.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 373 Screen Printing for Graphic Design 3 Credits
Introduction to concepts and techniques of screen printing within graphic design and illustration. Become familiar with industry tools, equipment, and processes.
Prerequisites: ARTG 360.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
Course may be taken 3 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 fundamentals of digital painting, focusing on proportion, perspective, and color theory. Emphasis on translating light and color into a digital space, with an exploration of digital tools and techniques. Students will develop perceptual problem-solving skills through the practical application of digital painting methods.
Prerequisites: ARTG 222.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 406 UX Design IV 3 Credits
Self-directed projects in User Experience design, which will explore advanced methods and techniques.
Prerequisites: ARTG 305.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
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.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course may be taken 3 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, Spring.
Course may be taken 3 times for credit.
ARTG 437 Illustration Synthesis 3 Credits
Advanced illustration development focusing on concept, content, materials, and techniques. Emphasis on individual artistic style and personal visual communication perception.
Prerequisites: ARTG 222.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Fees: Yes.
ARTG 438 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 334 and ARTG 350.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
Course may be taken 3 times for credit.
ARTG 493 Portfolio Development 3 Credits
Development of professional portfolio materials for securing employment in the design industry. Emphasis on current industry practices, including portfolio presentation formats, resume building, contract negotiations, and salary discussions. The course prepares students to showcase their work effectively and navigate the job market with confidence.
Prerequisites: ARTG 350.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
Course may be taken 3 times for credit.
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 350.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.