Graphic Design
Why choose the graphic design program at North Central College?
Graphic designers plan and execute visual communication design according to the needs of audiences and contexts to reinforce brand identity. The graphic design program is designed to help you master a broad range of conceptual, formal and technological skills to create effective communication solutions to design problems. At our graphic design school in Chicago, you will have the opportunity to bring your creative ideas to life. As you cultivate proficiency with essential digital design tools, you will graduate prepared for a wide variety of industries—recent graduates are employed in digital marketing, design services, publishing, advertising, public relations and related service industries.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
- Communicating in visual mediums
- Working with the latest technology
- Bringing your creative ideas to life
then a degree in graphic design might be for you.
Why study graphic design in Chicago at North Central College?
In the Classroom
Coursework topics:
- 2-Dimensional Design
- 3-Dimensional Design
- Animation
- History of Design
- Graphic Design
- Methods and Materials
- Motion Graphics
- Photography
- Production and Installation
- Social Media
- Research and Development
- Typography
- Web Design
Beyond the Classroom
As a graphic design major, you can:
- Utilize a full-scale lab equipped with the cutting-edge, industry-standard hardware and software required for high-intensity graphic creation including adobe photoshop, adobe InDesign, adobe illustrator, and more from the adobe creative suite.
- Access Mac and PC graphics labs dedicated exclusively to declared graphic design students.
- Enroll in community engaged, cross-disciplinary and team-taught courses.
- Gain hands-on experience by working at our student-run Design Agency creating designs for on- and off-campus organizations, while getting valuable client experience.
- Participate in the Senior Art Show, solo and group exhibits, and juried events in the College’s dedicated exhibit spaces and local art galleries.
- Network with prominent industry experts.
- Conduct undergraduate research and present your findings at the College’s Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research.
- Apply for competitive talent scholarships in art.
- Access the University Partner Program offered by the Art Institute of Chicago.
- North Central students can gain admittance to the AIC free of charge with their North Central Student ID.
- Experience lectures, educational programs, and other special events.
Graphic Design, B.F.A
Graphic Design is the art of visual communication. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design provides a hands-on approach to design thinking and problem solving through a variety of courses and experiences. Students master a broad range of conceptual, formal and technological skills to create effective visual solutions to communication problems in an array of media including print, web and motion. Projects focus on relationships among the audience, context and content to create results that may interpret, inform, instruct, persuade or entertain. The B.F.A. is a professional program structured to provide in-depth, formal education that prepares students for entry into professional practice or advanced, professionally-oriented study upon graduation. In addition to academic work, B.F.A Graphic Design students complete an internship, community-engaged design studio practicum, and a final public exhibition of a research-based design project or portfolio. Graduates are employed in digital marketing, design services, publishing, advertising, public relations or related industries.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Art and Design.
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ARTD 100 - Visual Literacy
ARTD 100 - Visual Literacy
4.00 credit hours
A survey of historical and contemporary theories and practices of visual forms, especially as applied in art and design. Students engage theories in constructing imagery to develop skills of seeing and comprehending visual details, and the ability to understand the meanings of and messages in visual text.
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ARTD 107 - 2D Design: Explorations in Image Making
ARTD 107 - 2D Design: Explorations in Image Making
4 credit hours
A foundations course focused on process, study and application of core concepts of visual design — visual elements, principles of design and creative process. Course objectives include creative problem solving through acquisition of technical skills and introduction to a variety of materials.
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ARTD 120 - Drawing I: Observational Drawing
ARTD 120 - Drawing I: Observational Drawing
4.00 credit hours
An introductory drawing course focused on pictorial composition and black and white drawing media. Students sharpen perceptual awareness through drawing from direct observation and explore space, line, value, shape, form, texture, perspective and sighting and measuring.
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ARTD 140 - Digital Art and Design
ARTD 140 - Digital Art and Design
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to digital imaging, computer graphics and graphic design to communicate messages using digital visuals. Emphasizes hands-on computer experience with digital image manipulation techniques, drawing and editing tools that allow students to create computer based graphic arts, design and page layout.
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ARTD 160 - 3D Design: Form and Space
ARTD 160 - 3D Design: Form and Space
4.00 credit hours
A studio foundation course focused on process, study, and application of core concepts of art and design through the form and structure of three-dimensional space. Course objectives explore creative problem solving through acquisition and development of conceptual and technical skills by using a variety of materials.
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ARTD 195 - Practicum: Design Agency
ARTD 195 - Practicum: Design Agency
2.00 credit hours
A creative environment similar to a design agency to develop independent art and design projects. Member students also work with clients including non-profit and campus organizations to offer graphic design and other multimedia related services.
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ARTD 242 - Graphic Design I: Typography
ARTD 242 - Graphic Design I: Typography
4.00 credit hours
Introduction to the understanding of type and its use as a design element. Type is explored in relation to page layout, color, importing of graphics and expression, using computer graphics technology.
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ARTD 244 - Graphic Design II: Methods and Materials
ARTD 244 - Graphic Design II: Methods and Materials
4.00 credit hours
Create and develop visual form in response to communication problems, including an understanding of principles of visual organization/composition, information hierarchy, symbolic representation, typography, aesthetics and the construction of meaningful images.
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ARTD 245 - Web Design
ARTD 245 - Web Design
4.00 credit hours
Introduction the creation of design solutions relating to web design. Students research, analyze, define objectives and present comprehensive solutions for web design. Students learn how to create layout for a website, optimize images and graphics for the web and create simple websites using HTML and CSS.
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ARTD 275 - Photography II: Digital
ARTD 275 - Photography II: Digital
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the basic tools and programs used in the electronic imaging process of digital photography. Students develop their imagery, artistic statements and concepts through the use of DSLR cameras and software.
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ARTD 280 - Animation I: Methods and Story
ARTD 280 - Animation I: Methods and Story
4.00 credit hours
The theory and practice of 2D computer animation, character and story development, the Twelve Principles of animation, including secondary animation, key-framing and anticipation. Topics include character development, narrative creation, time-line based editing, stop frame animation and an introduction to animation programming.
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ARTD 340 - Motion Graphics
ARTD 340 - Motion Graphics
4.00 credit hours
Design of graphics for screen-based animation using image, graphic and typographic elements. Attention given to content development through an examination of motion design processes, software techniques and contemporary motion graphics.
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ARTD 342 - Graphic Design III
ARTD 342 - Graphic Design III
4.00 credit hours
Experiments in visual communication challenge students to further refine visual thinking through applied problems. Flexibility of approach is important and stressed at this level. Group assignments allow for the integration of various media to better define conceptual and technical solutions to design problems.
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ARTD 397 - Internship
ARTD 397 - Internship
0.00-12.00 credit hours
Valuable professional experiences supplement classroom instruction and allow students to apply theories and concepts to broader issues and system. Students explore career options within a specific area of study and critically reflect on the experience in a structured manner. May be repeated with different professional experience.
- An additional four credit hours in ARTD 300-level or above
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ARTD 440 - Graphic Design Now
ARTD 440 - Graphic Design Now
4.00 credit hours
This seminar focuses on the role that research plays in the design process, emphasizing current and emerging social phenomena. Through self-directed research based projects, students explore how visual language is organized in order to understand how it produces meaning.
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ARTD 494 - Professional Practices
ARTD 494 - Professional Practices
2.00 credit hours
Development of practical professional skills and materials such as resume, cover letter, artist statement, interview techniques and portfolio. Exploration of common practices in the creative fields through lectures, individual meetings, field trips, discussions, writing and presentations to develop the skills necessary to participate in various existing art and design worlds after graduation.
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ARTD 496 - Exhibition I: Research and Development
ARTD 496 - Exhibition I: Research and Development
0.00-1.00 credit hours
Students generate viable exhibition project proposals through research and discussion. The proposals are presented for evaluation to a panel of review. The course forms the basis of projects to be presented at the senior student exhibition, the capstone experience of art and design majors.
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ARTD 498 - Exhibition II: Production and Installation
ARTD 498 - Exhibition II: Production and Installation
0.00-1.00 credit hours
Capstone experience where students produce exhibition projects that demonstrate their ability to design, justify, execute and present the results of original research based projects. Students work closely with an assigned project advisor, in addition to participating in supporting workshops, presenting at the senior student exhibition and defending the work at a final critique panel.
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ARTH 306 - History of Design
ARTH 306 - History of Design
4.00 credit hours
Art history of design from 1700 to the present. Consideration of the cultural role of major designers in finding creative solutions to human needs, such as shelter, clothing, utilitarian objects, visual communications, transportation and built environments in a variety of social contexts.
or
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
Graphic Design Minor
Graphic design minors plan and execute the design of visual communication according to the needs of audiences and contexts. Students master a range of conceptual, formal and technological skills to create effective visual solutions to communication problems. The minor complements majors such as marketing, journalism, public relations and business.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Art and Design.
A minimum of 20 credit hours, including:
Required Courses
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ARTD 140 - Digital Art and Design
ARTD 140 - Digital Art and Design
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to digital imaging, computer graphics and graphic design to communicate messages using digital visuals. Emphasizes hands-on computer experience with digital image manipulation techniques, drawing and editing tools that allow students to create computer based graphic arts, design and page layout.
-
ARTD 195 - Practicum: Design Agency
ARTD 195 - Practicum: Design Agency
2.00 credit hours
A creative environment similar to a design agency to develop independent art and design projects. Member students also work with clients including non-profit and campus organizations to offer graphic design and other multimedia related services.
-
ARTD 242 - Graphic Design I: Typography
ARTD 242 - Graphic Design I: Typography
4.00 credit hours
Introduction to the understanding of type and its use as a design element. Type is explored in relation to page layout, color, importing of graphics and expression, using computer graphics technology.
One of the following:
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ARTD 100 - Visual Literacy
ARTD 100 - Visual Literacy
4.00 credit hours
A survey of historical and contemporary theories and practices of visual forms, especially as applied in art and design. Students engage theories in constructing imagery to develop skills of seeing and comprehending visual details, and the ability to understand the meanings of and messages in visual text.
-
ARTH 306 - History of Design
ARTH 306 - History of Design
4.00 credit hours
Art history of design from 1700 to the present. Consideration of the cultural role of major designers in finding creative solutions to human needs, such as shelter, clothing, utilitarian objects, visual communications, transportation and built environments in a variety of social contexts.
Graphic Design Elective
One of the following:
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ARTD 340 - Motion Graphics
ARTD 340 - Motion Graphics
4.00 credit hours
Design of graphics for screen-based animation using image, graphic and typographic elements. Attention given to content development through an examination of motion design processes, software techniques and contemporary motion graphics.
-
ARTD 342 - Graphic Design III
ARTD 342 - Graphic Design III
4.00 credit hours
Experiments in visual communication challenge students to further refine visual thinking through applied problems. Flexibility of approach is important and stressed at this level. Group assignments allow for the integration of various media to better define conceptual and technical solutions to design problems.
-
ARTH 306 - History of Design
ARTH 306 - History of Design
4.00 credit hours
Art history of design from 1700 to the present. Consideration of the cultural role of major designers in finding creative solutions to human needs, such as shelter, clothing, utilitarian objects, visual communications, transportation and built environments in a variety of social contexts.
Art Elective
One additional course from ARTD.
Graphic Design Internships and Jobs
A North Central education offers a bachelor's degree programs that integrates career preparation and experience with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead as a professional graphic designer.
Internships
Design students have interned at the following organizations:
- Augusta Label and Printing
- Chicago Humanities Festival
- Cobalt Photo
- DuPage Children’s Museum
- FELD Entertainment
- Invesco Powershares
- Kellogg’s
- Lillian’s House
- Foundation Mujer
- FP Mailing Solutions
- NCTV17
- Neary Martin
- New Home Star
- Pesola Media Group
- Phoenix Closures
- Visa Watcher
- Weblinx
Careers
Graduates are employed with the following companies:
- American Auto Guardian, Inc.
- Boombah
- CB Jennings Elementary School
- ENGS
- Follett
- Kansas State Football
- Neary Martin
- New Home Star
- Optomi
- Reflection Software
- RLD Creative
- The Design Image Group Inc.
- Dealer Inspire
- Launch Digital Marketing
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Graphic Design Student Profile
Olivia Hurt '23
Weeks after graduating from North Central with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, Olivia Hurt ’23 was hired as a graphic design coordinator at the U.S. Soccer Federation. Soon after, she was creating graphics for one of the premier global sporting events: the Women’s World Cup.
It’s a dream job for Hurt, and she was ready for it thanks to her experiences at North Central. She was a member of the women’s soccer team, playing all four years and twice earning Academic All-Conference honors. As a student-designer with the College’s sports information team, she created content for NC athletics, and one of her designs earned honors in a national design contest.
Olivia at Soldier Field in Chicago.