Department of Art : Graphic Design

		Graphic Design: examples | Program Philosophy | Program Facilities | Undergraduate Programs | Graduate Programs | Course Catalog
Professor Glen Bach Telephone: 509-963-1544 Email: bachg@cwu.edu

Why Should You Study Graphic Design At Central?

Central's graphic design curriculum acknowledges the diversity of our society through its intellectual and visual heritage and promotes an active understanding of cultural innovation. Through the design of print and digital media, our students are challenged to exceed their preconceived limits. A balance of visual aesthetics and critical thinking encourages open discerning inquiry and the clear communication of ideas. The many hours devoted to studio, the close relationship between faculty and peers, and the opportunity to experiment with multiple artistic media contribute to individual self-discovery. Our graduates are then enabled to enter the ever-changing professional world with confidence in their skills, abilities, and potential.

Program Philosophy

The role of the graphic designer is to communicate messages to selected audiences through the organization of words and images. This has a tremendous impact on the world, as well as the things we live with and value. Graphic design is a global language in which the designer must be aware of international life-styles, markets and the cultural differences that affect the meanings of words and symbols. Typical projects that graphic designers create include, electronic media, logos, brochures, posters, label and package designs.

Program Facilities

Specifically, Central Washington University's graphic design program emphasizes instruction in two areas of visual communication: graphic design and advertising design. In the first two years of the B.F.A. program, a student spends time preparing for the upper division graphic design courses which are then taken in the junior and senior years. Concurrently, students complete required general education courses (65 credits). Studio and art history classes provide a base for the solid understanding of art concepts, philosophy and techniques. Courses taken in other academic disciplines provide knowledge about the business aspects of design and advertising. Overall, a minimum of four years is needed to complete the program requirements.

We have good studio facilities and campus access to technical equipment that is important to graphic design students. The department features a large Apple/Macintosh color computer lab with the latest Adobe software, scanners and color printers. Students are encouraged to own an Apple/Macintosh color computer system and associated software by the time they start their junior year. Due to changing technology, students should consult with a graphic design advisor before purchasing such a system.

In the junior year, if all "ART CORE" and "PRE ART CORE REQUIREMENTS" are complete, students start the graphic design major requirement class sequence. These classes generally meet four days a week for two hours each day. In the summer of the junior or senior year, required off-campus internships are done, according to student needs. The student spends the remainder of the senior year concentrating on an area of specialization and refining their portfolio. Students who have the necessary talent, motivation and discipline to complete Central's program should be ready for an entry-level job or graduate studies.

Recommended Reading: "Becoming a Graphic Designer", by Steven Heller and Teresa Fernandes! This book is an easy read and will answer many question about career choices in the field of graphic design.