Faculty: Fine Arts The Graphic Design major focuses on the creation of visual content to communicate messages effectively. Students develop skills in design principles, typography, digital media, and branding. Graduates are prepared for careers in advertising, marketing, web design, and various creative industries. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand the fundamentals of graphic design and visual communication. - Develop skills in design principles, typography, and digital media. - Learn techniques for creating effective visual content and branding. - Explore principles of user experience (UX) design, interactive design, and motion graphics. - Analyze and interpret design trends and client needs. - Develop critical thinking, creativity, and technical skills for effective graphic design practice. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to Graphic Design** - Overview of key concepts, principles, and practices in graphic design. - Fundamentals of visual communication, design elements, and design principles. 2. **Design Principles and Elements** - Principles of design, including balance, contrast, emphasis, rhythm, pattern, and unity. - Techniques for applying design principles to create effective visual compositions. 3. **Typography** - Principles of typography, including typefaces, fonts, and typographic hierarchy. - Techniques for creating and using typography in design projects. 4. **Digital Media and Software** - Principles of digital media and software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign). - Techniques for creating and editing digital graphics, illustrations, and layouts. 5. **Branding and Identity Design** - Principles of branding and identity design, including logo design, brand guidelines, and corporate identity. - Techniques for developing and implementing effective branding strategies. 6. **User Experience (UX) Design** - Principles of user experience (UX) design, including user research, information architecture, and usability testing. - Techniques for designing user-centered digital products and interfaces. 7. **Interactive Design and Motion Graphics** - Principles of interactive design and motion graphics, including web design, animation, and multimedia. - Techniques for creating interactive and animated visual content. 8. **Internship/Practicum** - Real-world experiences in graphic design settings, including internships in design agencies, marketing firms, or creative studios. - Application of learned skills in practical graphic design scenarios. 9. **Capstone Project in Graphic Design** - Comprehensive project applying skills in design principles, typography, digital media, or branding. - Delivery of a polished graphic design project, portfolio, or campaign. **Assessment Methods:** - Design principle analyses, typography projects, digital media and software assignments, branding and identity designs, UX design projects, interactive design and motion graphics projects, internship/practicum reports, capstone projects, group projects, and presentations. **Recommended Textbooks:** - "Graphic Design" by various authors. - "Design Principles and Elements" by various authors. - "Typography" by various authors. - "Digital Media and Software" by various authors. - "Branding and Identity Design" by various authors. - "User Experience (UX) Design" by various authors. - "Interactive Design and Motion Graphics" by various authors. **Prerequisites:** Basic knowledge of art, design, and an interest in visual communication and digital media. **Major Duration:** Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree, including coursework, design projects, internships, and capstone projects. For advanced practice, a Master's degree in Graphic Design or a related field may be pursued, which typically takes an additional 1-2 years. **Certification:** Graduates may receive a degree in Graphic Design and pursue further education or professional certifications, such as those offered by the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) or specialized certifications in areas like digital media or UX design. **Target Audience:** Aspiring graphic designers, art directors, creative directors, and professionals seeking careers in advertising agencies, marketing firms, design studios, and creative industries. This major equips students with the creative, technical, and problem-solving skills needed to excel in graphic design, supporting careers in various visual communication and design-related roles and industries.