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
Ryan Molloy	mryan7@emich.edu
Leslie Atzmon	latzmon@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

ARTS 250 Introduction to Graphic Design I

Projects examine two-dimensional typographic space; language sequence and information hierarchy; type families and their structure; typographic aesthetic; typographic history. Introduces appropriate tools. (Formerly ART 201)

Prereq: ARTS 121, ARTS 123, one Art History (ARTH) course, and department permission

ARTS 350 Introduction to Graphic Design II

Projects examine type methodology; complex typographic systems; rhetorical devices; word-image structures; typographic history and theory. Introduces appropriate tools. (Formerly ART 205)

Prereq: grade of ‘C’ or better in ARTS 250, ARTS 290, passed foundation review, and department permission

ARTS 353 Intermediate Graphic Design II

Course analyzes symbol codes as learned and interpreted messages. Projects explore audience; context; sequence; and theories, philosophies, aesthetics, techniques and cultural references in symbol language message building. Introduces appropriate methodologies. (Formerly ART 303)

Prereq: grade of ‘C’ or better in ARTS 352, passed mid-program portfolio review, and department permission

ARTS 351 Image Making I

Image making as it applies to the materials and processes of communicating specific visual concepts. Introduces a wide variety of materials and imaging methods. (Formerly ART 301)

Prereq: grade of ‘C’ or better in ARTS 250, ARTS 290, passed foundation review, and department permission

ARTS 452 Advanced Graphic Design

Advanced work in visual communications; students are exposed to theories, philosophies, aesthetics, techniques and experiences used in complex visual communication environments. (Formerly ART 460)

Prereq: grade of ‘C’ or better in ARTS 353, ARTS 474, and ARTS 451, and department permission; Co-reqs: ARTS 490W

ARTS 451 Image Making II

Image making as applied to advanced communication concepts. Students are exposed to theories, philosophies, aesthetics, techniques and experiences used in visual message building. (Formerly ART 462)

Prereq: grade of ‘C’ or better in ARTS 352, passed mid-program portfolio review, and department permission

ARTS 490W 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. This course fulfills the General Education Writing Intensive requirement.

Prereq: must be enrolled in final area of concentration and department permission

ARTS 352 Intermediate to Graphic Design I

Deals intensively with conceptual and technical issues; explores topics relevant to audience demographic; presents theories, philosophies, aesthetics and techniques related to mass-audience communication. Introduces appropriate methodologies. (Formerly ART 302)

Prereq: ARTS 350, ARTS 351, and department permission

ARTS 454 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. (Course is only offered occasionally and counts as a studio elective)

Prereq: ARTS 352, department permission, and instructor approval