visual design
U.S. Naval Signal Flag Narratives - O
Marilyn Nelson
The Visual Design area is dedicated to developing the potential of each student to become a unique designer. Courses stress the integration of conceptual problem solving skills, technical craftsmanship, and the study of art and design theories and history. Students integrate methodologies, aesthetics, technology, context and personal expression to fulfill specific communication goals in print and screen based media. Classes are supplemented by lectures and discussions, student collaborations, technical demonstrations, critiques, tours of professional design studios and visits by professional designers.
As an area of emphasis within the BA and BFA Art curriculum, the educational experience of design students involves a broad study of studio art and art history that informs and strengthens their design aesthetic. As a member of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, students receive a strong liberal arts education serving to enrich design concept development.
After graduating, many students enter the professional world (see below) or attend graduate programs throughout the country to pursue advanced design studies (MFA).
Career Opportunities in Visual Design
- Design Studios
- Advertising Agencies
- Architectural Firms
- Television Stations
- Film/Movie Title Companies
- Government Identity
- Publishing Houses
- Newspapers
- Animation (e.g.Pixar)
- In-house Firms (e.g. Target)
- Web and Information Design
- Environmental Signage Firms
Degrees
Note: Students interested in studying in the Visual Design area will receive a degree in "Art," (BFA or even BA) with an emphasis in Visual Design. At this point, we do not offer a "Graphic Design degree" or a "Visual Design degree."
- BA in Art, emphasis Visual Design: requires 3 semesters of course work in Visual Design, or 9 credit hours.
- BFA in Art, emphasis Visual Design: requires 6 semesters of course work in Visual Design, or 18 credit hours.
Courses
ARTS 2313 Computer Applications in Art
Introduction to digital imaging in the visual arts. beginning instruction in digital image creation, manipulation and processing. Introduction to input and output peripherals, computer graphic software programs and and work in the digital visual arts. Prerequisite: ARTS 1313.
ARTS 3363, Graphic Design I
An overview of design principles and the application of design processes to posters, logos, stationery, and publication design. Conceptual development and visual and technical problem solving skills are emphasized. Prerequisite: ARTS 1013 and ARTS 2313.
ARTS 4363, Graphic Design: Typography
Studies include type as form, typographic contrast principles, legibility, text organization and hierarchy, and experimental approaches to typographic design. Overview of typographic history is included. Current computer software applications utilized. Prerequisite: ARTS 3363.
Graphic Design: Typography Web site
ARTS 4373, Graphic Design: Symbols
Emphasis on development of logos, pictograms, symbols, and conceptual symbolism, with a study of the history of symbol generation. Current computer software applications utilized. Prerequisite: ARTS 3363.
ARTS 4383, Graphic Design: Layout
Advanced explorations of organizational principles and design processes applied to print media. Contemporary design practices and graphic design history are studied. Current computer software applications utilized. Prerequisite: ARTS 3363.
ARTS 4343 Advanced Design
Studio problems in the interrelations of two and three-dimensional elements in traditional, experimental and digital media. Prerequisite: ARTS 1313 and ARTS 1323 and ARTS 2313.
ARTS 4613 Visual Design: WEB 1
This course introduces students to the World Wide Web and the technologies and practices involved in creating a successful Web presence. Discussions include interactivity, usability and accessibility, with an emphasis on hand-coding standards-based XHTML and cascading style sheets and a special attention to graphic design standards. Prerequisite: ARTS 3363
Visual Design: WEB 1 Web site
ARTS 4623 Visual Design: WEB 2
This course will concentrate on Flash motion graphics and video, digital photography, information architecture, XHTML and CSS. Experimentation in concept, style and format are encouraged as students scrutinize the limitations and and potential of design for the World Wide Web. Prerequisite: ARTS 4613
Visual Design: WEB 2 Web site
ARTS 4653 Elements of Animation
This course explores the fundamentals of sequential imaging and storytelling from traditional methods through modern animation software. Computer-based projects will make use of digital and video cameras, video editing software, Web animation software and a 3D animation package. Prerequisites: ARTS 1013, ARTS 1313, ARTS 2313. (Graphic Design 1 no longer a prereq for this course.)
Elements of Animation Web site
ARTS 4663 Advanced Animation
Coursework includes completing an in-depth project in one animation form, from story creation and scriptwriting, to storyboards, set building, footage gathering, photographing or modelling, audio recording and post-production. Animation methods from which students will choose are: stop-motion, digital 2D "traditional" frame-by-frame, digital video or 3D. Students in the Advanced Animation course will come to a richer understanding of the art of storytelling and sequential narrative. Digital storytelling is used extensively in popular media and in the field of motion graphics and graphic design and is a skill that is essential to Visual Design students. Prerequisites: ARTS 4653.
Advanced Animation Web site
ARTS 439V Special Problems in Graphic Design (1-6)
Advanced individual projects in graphic design. Prerequisite: any 4000 level visual design course except ARTS 4343.
ARTS 494V Graphic Design Internship (1-6)
Credit for practical experience gained through internship in graphic design. Report required from intern and field supervisor on progress and significant accomplishments. 3 credit hours per semester. Prerequisite: any 4000 level visual design course except ARTS 4343.