Art, Area of Emphasis in Graphic Design - B.F.A.

About this Degree

The Graphic Design area in the Lamar Dodd School of Art prepares students to communicate ideas and experiences by integrating visual and textual content across various media. Graphic designers utilize communication tools such as computer images, symbols, logos, and typography to convey a message from a client to a particular audience.

Students pursuing the B.F.A. in Graphic Design at UGA should have a genuine interest in solving problems through visual communications that combine art and technology. They must have an inherent sense of curiosity and inquisitiveness to solve graphics problems conceptually (both verbally and nonverbally) and are required to have an Apple Mac laptop for coursework; a digital camera is also recommended. Courses include study of electronic design, layout, typography, photography, color techniques, three-dimensional design, graphic survey, illustration, and others.

What you will learn

The Graphic Design program provides a broad course of study focused on developing effective visual responses to communication problems. Professional graphic design practice is diverse and dynamic; thus, we stress a strong grounding in design and communication fundamentals like typography, information hierarchy, concept development and visual exploration. We aim to broadly prepare students for creative lives and professions related to visual communication with a variety of courses that develop abilities in collaboration, build an understanding of audiences, and encourage experimentation across media. The program encourages an interdisciplinary approach to design and benefits from the broad offerings of a comprehensive School of Art and the greater University.

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Curriculum

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Scholarship and Award Information

Lamar Dodd School of Art Scholarships

The Lamar Dodd School of Art offers the opportunity to apply for competitive scholarships. The scholarships are open to full-time students majoring in any area of the visual arts who have completed a minimum of one year of study at the Lamar Dodd School of Art. Preference is generally given to students who will be juniors or seniors, but in the final analysis, a variety of factors are taken into consideration before a decision is reached.

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Employment Information

Graduates are prepared to accept professional positions in advertising agencies, printing and publishing industry, newspapers, design studios, television industry, manufacturing and other graphics-related fields. Employers are impressed by a portfolio which contains some examples of printed pieces from actual jobs rather than one which is made up only of school projects.

Recent Job Titles of Graduates

Account Executive	Furniture Designer
Advertising Artist	Gallery Owner
Appraiser	Glass Blower
Architectural Model Maker Archivist	Illustrator
Antiques Dealer Art Administrator	Interior Designer
Art and Design Professor	Jewelry Designer
Art Buyer	Kitchenware Designer
Art Consultant	Label Designer
Art Critic	Layout Artist
Art Dealer	Mannequin Decorator
Art Director	Mechanical &Production Artist
Art Historian	Motion Picture Animator
Art Restorer	Muralist
Art Teacher	Paper Maker
Art Therapist	Photographer
Artist's Agent	Photojournalist
Assistant Curator	Printing Designer
Calligrapher	Product Designer/Illustrator
Cartoonist	Quick Sketch Artist
Ceramic Artist	Set Designer/Illustrator
Color Expert	Sculptor
Costume and Mask Designer	Stained Glass Artist
Creative Services Manager	Stone Carver
Exhibition Coordinator	Toy Designer
Fashion Artist/Designer	Web Designer
Foundry Artist

UGA Graphic Design graduates secure positions in a variety of creative positions in firms ranging from boutique design studios that focus on motion, experience or branding design, to the entertainment and publishing industries, to in-house creative departments for museums, apparel brands and digital companies. Alumni have secured positions at the following firms and companies, among others:

Recent Employers

CNN	Aveda
IBM Design	Turner Broadcasting
Evernote	Son & Sons Marketing
Facebook	Gensler New York
Bustle.com	Pentagram Austin
Free People	Metropolitan Museum of Art
Inc. magazine	Primal Screen

Source:

UGA Salary Survey 2013

Profile Spotlight

Profile Spotlight:

Melissa Gogo

Melissa Gogo definitely has a firm grip on the past while working toward a promising future. She has helped repair historic buildings in Athens, captured the history and beauty of Founders Memorial Garden, toured the ruins of Blarney Castle, danced to the hits of a bygone era and has made design recommendations for Project Riverway. She enjoys the myriad of experiences and influences that make up the Athens community and finds it a great place to gain hands-on experience in historic preservation. More >

Degree Details

Curriculum

Course descriptions

Department Web site

Interesting Facts

Interesting Facts:

The Graphic Design degree is an incredibly high-demand degree at the University of Georgia