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Graphic Design
Graphic design involves creating visual meaning through the thoughtful manipulation of typography and image in various media. The graphic design program at EMU stresses conceptual thinking and experimentation balanced by technical and practical knowledge. At EMU, individual and group projects in graphic design classes introduce students to a range of design methods and to various media, including print, web, motion graphics, bookbinding, and silkscreen. As they progress through the program, EMU students build on conceptual, technical, and professional skills acquired in previous classes. Our graduates have been hired as creative directors, art directors, graphic designers, web designers, and illustrators at local, national, and international firms.
Graphic Design FACULTY
Andrew Maniotes | amaniotes@emich.edu |
Leslie Atzmon | latzmon@emich.edu |
Ryan Molloy | mryan7@emich.edu |
Graphic Design Facilities
The graphic design facilities include a computer lab and classroom. The computer lab is equipped with 22 iMacs, a large-format scanner, and a medium-format (11″×17″) black and white laser printer. The computers furnish students with current production software for print, interactive, video, and 3-d modeling and animation production; this includes current versions of the Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Express, and Maya. The classroom contains screen printing equipment and workspace and a critique space.
Graphic Design Courses
ARTS 104 Graphic Design for Nonmajors
Problems will explore fundamental design and basic production considerations and the development of a professional design thought process. (Formerly ART 165)
Prereq: none
ADGD 324 Design Systems and Series
This course explores systematic approaches to applying visual communication components, such as text and images, over multiple graphical formats and media.
Prereq: a minimum grade of “C” in ADGD 301
ADGD 321 Typographic Systems
This course covers the application of typographic principles, such as visual relationships and information hierarchy. These principles are applied to the design of multiple-page documents such as books, brochures, and websites.
Prereq: a minimum grade of “C” in ADGD 301
ADGD 301 Introduction to Graphic Design
This course offers an intensive exploration of the fundamentals and principles of graphic design. Students are introduced to two-dimensional typographic space; language sequence and information hierarchy; families and their structure; typographic aesthetic; typographic history; and basic image creation. The course introduces appropriate tools and software.
Prereq: AD 121, AD 123, and One Art History course (ARTH 100-199)
ADGD 335L4 Graphic Design Practicum
This course gives students direct experience in the field of graphic design by working on client-based projects. Projects vary each term and include both on and off campus clients
Prereq: A minimum grade of “C” in ADGD 301
ADGD 322 Image Making
This course focuses on image making as it applies to the materials and processes of communicating specific visual concepts. It introduces a variety of strategies, material processes, and methods for the creation and design of unique images as they may be applied within graphic design.
Prereq: A minimum grade of “C” in ADGD 301
ADGD 401 Advanced Graphic Design Studio I
This course introduces a strong focus on complex graphic design projects with multiple parts, and portfolio preparation for professional employment. Students will produce work using a range of media.
Prereq: AD 300W, (a minimum grade of “C” in ADGD 321, ADGD 322, ADGD 323, ADGD 324, and ARTH 474), and (passed the Foundations and Graphic Design mid-program portfolio reviews).
ADGD 402 Advanced Graphic Design Studio II
This course continues a strong focus on complex graphic design projects with multiple parts, and portfolio preparation for professional employment. Students will produce work using a range of media.
Prereq: (a minimum grade of “C” in ADGD 401) and (passed Graphic Design mid-program portfolio review)
AD 400W Capstone
This course is taken in conjunction with the last course in each student’s area of concentration. It is designed as the culminating learning experience for students in the BFA curriculum and will help provide direction for their future professional careers. The course will focus on preparation for a required senior exhibition, the development of a professional portfolio, and the creation necessary written documents to support one’s professional career.
Prereq: must be enrolled in final area of concentration and department permission
ADGD 323 Experimental Typography
This course emphasizes conceptual and methodological approaches to the creation of expressive type and typography.
Prereq: a minimum grade of “C” in ADGD 301
ADGD 332 Poster Design
This is a graphic design course focusing on the making of posters as a
visual communications vehicle. Students will become familiar with poster
making processes including screen printing, spray paint stencils, and
digital output. Emphasis will be placed on typography, scaling,
production techniques, and other design principles in relation to
posters.
Prereq: ADGD 301 or AD2D 303
ADGD 331 Graphic Design Workshop
This studio course explores different topics and issues related to
graphic design. The course is designed to give students instruction and
exposure to specialized visual communication studies. Coursework may
focus upon distinct areas of concept, format, or media, as well as
contemporary and historical themes and trends.
Prereq: A minimum grade of “C” in ADGD 301
ADGD 333 Motion Graphics
This course explores the creation of motion-based graphic design work
utilizing animation and video compositing techniques as they relate to
typography, identity design, information design, and illustration.
Introduces appropriate tools, methodologies, and software.
Prereq: AD 127 and a minimum grade of “C” in ADGD 301
ADGD 334 Design for Web and Interaction
This course explores design issues that are unique to user-centered
interaction for digital media. Through applied projects, students
examine a range of formal and conceptual issues including narrative and
sequencing, screen-based typography, information design, user
experience, usability, and accessibility. Introduces relevant software,
prototyping techniques, and markup/programming languages.
Prereq: AD 127 and a minimum grade of “C” in ADGD 301