Our Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design-Visual Design is a professional degree that focuses on intensive work in design supported by a strong foundation of visual art and general studies. This degree is intended to prepare students to pursue a professional career as a graphic designer.
At Colorado Mesa University we are preparing our students with intensive studies in design, typography, and web site design along with conceptual and critical thinking skills. Our course work introduces students to the challenges and rewards of artistic practice while allowing them to experience a broad range of ideas and approaches to design. We are training professionals and encourage our students to be life-long learners in the process.
The BFA in Graphic Design-Visual Design focuses on established industry standards in print design, web design and applied illustration. The Graphic Design Mac lab is furnished with Macintosh computers and the latest graphic design application software. Majors are strongly advised to purchase a Macintosh computer and corresponding software in order to become more individually proficient and productive. All Graphic Design courses have prerequisites. Entering students are encouraged to pay close attention to course sequencing and consult their advisor in order to complete the degree in four years. The successful Graphic Design degree candidate is prepared to enter professions within graphic design including advertising design, web design, corporate design, package design, illustration, and a myriad of related fields.
GRAPHIC DESIGN PROGRAM SHEET
Professor of Art,
Suzie Garner
Suzie Garner's Biography
Examples of Suzie Garner's artwork:
Associate Professor of Graphic Design, Eli Hall
Photography by Graphic Design student Cassie Fortman
Eli Hall's Biography
Instructor of Digital Painting, Brooke Safken
Examples of Brooke Safken's artwork:
Instructor of Commercial Typography, Matthew Jones
ARTG 122 Design It
Exploration of design as the foundation of all the visual arts. Approaching design through a broad hands-on tactile experience.
ARTG 196 Topics
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.
ARTG 201 Adobe Illustrator
Introduction. Techniques for using vector-based drawing program explored through exercises to learn the application and features as used by graphic designers for print and electronic media.
ARTG 202 Adobe Photoshop
Introduction. Techniques for using raster-based software for print, video, web, and other multi-media applications.
ARTG 203 Adobe InDesign
Techniques for using the program explored. Exercises to learn the application and features as used by graphic designers and professional publishers.
ARTG 215 Graphic Design I
Basic use and operation of graphics computer, exclusively Macintosh, with focus on terminology, hardware, peripheral devices, system management, and software (systems and applications). Including establishment of operation files, job information files, information capture and placement, and maintenance.
ARTG 220 UX Design I
Application of modern techniques of WordPress web hosting, design, and real-world uses.
ARTG 221 Graphic Design II
Principles of design and layout techniques, including thumbnail, rough, and comprehensive layouts: work planning and preparation of artwork with focus on computer and hand generated images.
ARTG 222 Illustration I
Approaches to traditional and contemporary illustration. Materials will be introduced and developed for practical use.
ARTG 223 Commercial Typography and Sign Painting
Cultivation of skills necessary to create professional level industrial advertisement including pounce patterns, wood working, hand lettering techniques, and gilding.
ARTG 290 UX Design II
Development of websites with focus on the end user by applying tested UX design.
ARTG 296 Topics
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.
ARTG 301 Digital Illustration
Advanced creation of digital imagery focusing on visual content and composition in print and multi-media applications.
ARTG 320 Letterforms and Typography
Study of letterforms and typography including terminology, type style identification and design, use of type within a design, composition, copyfitting, and basic principles of pattern and spatial design.
ARTG 321 Advanced Typography
Explore traditional and contemporary forms of typography and compositions through letterpress and hand rendering approaches.
ARTG 333 Illustration II
Illustration techniques in context of contemporary materials and methods. Advanced use of materials.
ARTG 337 Illustration III
Storytelling through traditional and contemporary illustration medium. Emphasis placed on developing concepts, execution, and professional practices.
ARTG 338 Brand Design
Exploration of the branding process common to the promotion of products and services, including conducting research, clarifying strategy, creating touchpoints, and advertisements. Emphasis will be placed on design processes, production of advertisements, and the management of assets.
ARTG 360 Sketchbook
The sketchbook as a primary medium for developing creativity and the artist’s thought processes. This course will include exploratory exercises and field assignments for developing skills in keeping an individual sketchbook as a place for recording ideas and the artist’s visual experience.
ARTG 373 Screen Printing for Graphic Design
Introduce concepts and techniques of screen printing within Graphic Design and Illustration. Become familiar with industry tools, equipment and processes.
ARTG 395 Independent Study
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.
ARTG 396 Topics
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.
ARTG 401 Digital Painting
Introduction to the language of digital painting. Fundamental skills of proportion, perspective, and color mixing. Translating light and color into a digital space. Perceptual problem solving in the practical application of digital painting.
ARTG 405 UX Design III
Creation and development of well-designed and functional web pages/sites to accommodate clients' promotional and business needs. Topics covered include software, creation of graphics, publishing, design theory for the web, typography, and promotion.
ARTG 406 UX Design IV
Investigation, analysis and application of User Experience, and emerging website design trends.
ARTG 421 Contemporary Letterpress
Approaches to traditional and contemporary letterpress. Materials will be introduced and technique developed for practical use.
ARTG 427 Lab Assistant
Practice with technologies used within the Graphic Design labs. Maintain and use equipment.
ARTG 437 Illustration IV
Advanced illustration development focusing on concept, content, materials, and techniques. Emphasis on individual artistic style and personal visual communication perception.
ARTG 450 Identity Design
Exploration of visual communication designed for public and private business and organization identity. Emphasis will be placed on the process of design and approaches to image generation for identity systems and standards.
ARTG 493 Portfolio Development
Development of portfolio materials to be used for gaining employment. Emphasis placed on current industry professional practices including presentation formats, resume development, contracts, and salary negotiations.
ARTG 495 Independent Study
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.
ARTG 496 Topics
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.
ARTG 499 Internship
Placement in an agency or corporate department to provide an enhanced transition from the classroom to the work setting through first-hand experience. The student is expected to complete 135 clock hours.
- Two Mac Labs are equipped with Macintosh computers with the latest software.
- The illustration classroom is equipped with a spray booth and screen printing equipment.
- Letter-press equipment such as two letter-presses, a Lutz Proof Press, and a Titan 200 BC Paper Cutter, and others are available for student use.
- A CNC Router and 3D Printer are available.
MED is a student run, AIGA recognized community of designers in the Graphic Design program at Colorado Mesa University. There are elected officers that organize events, help guide and inspire other students, and bring together a tight-knit design community in the school. Follow us on Instagram to see our whereabouts, our events, and just cool design!
Interested in being a part of MED? Contact Professor Eli Hall for more information.
Photography by CMU Student Cassie Fortman
co|show is a poster biennial held in the Fall of every odd year, the first of which debuted in 2013 in Grand Junction, Colorado. Mesa Emerging Designers (MED), the AIGA student group at Colorado Mesa University, organizes and facilitates the event with the support of Colorado Mesa University, the Western Colorado Center for the Arts, and an array of awesome sponsors help make this event happen. The open call for professional submissions allows a wide variety of content, approach, and style to be assembled creating a rich and culturally diverse exhibition. The goal of co|show is to educate through the visual communication of professional graphic designers worldwide. Though the shape of communication is continually changing, the power of the printed poster has remained a constant. See you Fall of 2023!
For more information visit the co|show website below.
Co|Show
One Club Denver Chapter Portfolio Review
on site at River Bend Park
Videos For Graphic Design
CMU Student Graphic Design Team hired to do the logos for the new Hotel Maverick!