Areas of Study
Graphic Design
Program Description
The Graphic Design program at MECA&D prepares you to join the ever-evolving field of visual communication — encompassing branding, interactive, information, publication, and motion design. Our curriculum begins with a strong foundation in typography and design fundamentals and teaches students to combine the building blocks of visual language with their own creative expression. Faculty are practicing designers with deep expertise across media, working with clients ranging from international brands and national non-profits to local businesses and arts institutions in Portland.
Life After Graduation
The Graphic Design curriculum emphasizes communication design as an interdisciplinary field—building skills across many forms of analog and digital media: letterforms and typography, interactivity, motion, narrative, branding, publication, and information design. During your studies here, your techniques and design processes will evolve into an individual approach that will form the foundation of your professional practice.
Our state-of-the-art setting parallels a professional studio to familiarize students to the rhythm and mindset of graphic design after college.
Program & Outcomes
Faculty
Sample Courses
- GD 111 Perpetual Play
- GD 206 Letterform Design
- GD 211 Typography I
- GD 221 Branding & Visual Systems
- GD 302 Information Design
- GD 323 Type Design
- GD 331 Typography II
- GD 353 History of Graphic Design
- GD 380 Interactive Design
- GD 450 Degree Project
Workspace & Tools
- Risograph machine with five color drums
- guillotine
- 28” Epson fine art printer
- perfect binder
- spiral binder
- bookbinding tools
- photo area for table top shoots
- light tables
Graphic Design majors each have their own private studios during their third and fourth years with 24/7 studio access.
Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Communicate ideas visually, solve problems and think critically.
- Have understanding of design for production and employ appropriate tools and technology.
- Employ research and information gathering, analysis, concept development, design strategy development, exploration of alternative solutions, design prototyping and implementation.
- Demonstrate an awareness of contemporary issues, cultural context, authorship and audience perception, have a command of relevant critical language, and are able to think conceptually.
- Able to use design strategies to explore ideas outside the discipline.
- Have understanding of collaborative practices in contemporary design, and its role in a professional work environment.
- Speak critically about the design work of others from both historical and contemporary perspectives.
Course of Study
Foundation Year
Fall
- FN 101 Digital Imaging
- FN 109 3D: Materiality
- FN 113 Two-Dimensional Design
- Studio Elective
- EN 100 English Composition
- SEM 100 First Year Seminar
Spring
- DR 100 Introduction to Drawing
- FN 110 4D: Space & Temporality
- FN 108 Research & Inquiry – Studio
- SEM 108 Research & Inquiry – Academic
- AH 101 Art History Survey I
Sophomore
Fall
- GD 211 Typography I
- GD 255 Form & Meaning
- Studio Elective (Student Choice)
- AH 102 Art History Survey II
- Academic Elective
Spring
- GD 331 Typography II
- GD 221 Branding and Visual Systems
- Studio Elective (Student Choice)
- AH 250 Critical Approaches to Contemporary Art
- Academic Elective
Junior
Fall
- GD 380 Interactive Design
- GD 353 History of Graphic Design
- Approved Studio Elective
- Art History Elective
- Academic Elective
Spring
- GD 302 Information Design
- SEM 351 GD Motive, Method, Making
- Approved Studio Elective
- Art History Elective
- Academic Elective
Senior
Fall
- GD 431 Senior Studio
- SEM 451 Professional Studio – Craft
- Approved Studio Elective
- 2 Academic Electives
Spring
- GD 450 Degree Project
- GD 350 Type in Space
- Approved Studio Elective
- 2 Academic Electives