visual design
U.S. Naval Signal Flag Narratives - O
Marilyn Nelson
We have a 'University of Arkansas Visual Design' Facebook group for the following people:
- Present UA Visual Design students
- Former UA Visual Design students (alumni)
- Designers at Northwest Arkansas design firms
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
- Motion Design (e.g. Digital Kitchen, MK12)
- 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 explores design in several modern delivery methods, such as in virtual worlds and on mobile devices, and concentrates heavily on interactive Flash motion graphics. The projects will include using Second Life, Adobe Device Central, Flash, qr code (semacode) output, as well as Web video, digital photography, compression techniques and dynamic object referencing and scripting through ActionScript 3.
Visual Design: Web 2 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 Motion Design
In this course, students will explore motion graphic design as it combines 2D and 3D animation, typography, video footage, photography and sound. The projects will explore elements of storytelling, moving compositions and animation principles that focus on Web and DVD delivery, using mainly Adobe Premier and After Effects.
Motion Design Web site
ARTS 4663 Advanced Animation
(this course is on sabbatical)
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.
Brand Identity, Spring 2010, section 002
This course will explore the intersection of design and strategy, and the application of design thinking to the development of brand identities for organizations, businesses, social causes, and more. Students in this course will learn theories and practical methods for building and applying comprehensive brand visual language systems across a variety of types and sizes of organizations.
Publication Design, Spring 2010, section 001
This course will explore the various roles of publication design and its impact on our culture through a number of methodologies. Students will explore how the fundamental principles of design apply to the specialized field of editorial design.
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 (= about 10 hours/week). Prerequisite: any 4000 level visual design course except ARTS 4343.