Department of Visual Communication

Department of Visual Communication (Graphic Design)

At its most basic level, visual communication design (formerly graphic design) is a creative process that combines the visual arts and technology to communicate ideas. It begins with a message that, in the hands of a talented designer, is transformed into visual communication that transcends mere words and pictures. By controlling color, type, movement, symbols, and images, the visual communication designer creates and manages the production of visuals designed to inform, educate, persuade, and even entertain a specific audience.

At its core, visual communication design program supports the idea that a designer can make a difference not only in the strategic plan of a business but also in the world. During their time on campus, students develop projects that aspire to positively influence the lives of culturally diverse people, critique the ethical dimensions of contemporary culture, and give visual form to complex social issues. As design professionals, the graduates will be responsible for the future of our visual culture

Visual Communication as a discipline incorporates many sub-disciplines such as design for print, typography, identity and branding, exhibitions, environmental graphics, wayfinding and public commissions, to name just a few.

Increasingly designers are choosing to craft a hybrid practice, which is open and versatile. Working towards a career as a professional designer, it’s important to have experience and knowledge of the potential breadth of the field. This studio introduces the multi-disciplinary practice of visual communication.

About the department

This department admits students for bachelor’s program in Visual Communication and for Master’s program in imagery, and animation. Master’s programs with more areas of interest for prospective students are about to be established.

Graphic design is all around us, in a myriad of forms, both on screen and in print, yet it is always made up of images and words to create a communication goal. Graphic design is about communicating to inform, educate, entertain, and persuade. We encourage the students to bring their own experiences and interests to their work as well as developing innovative design strategies. We admire conceptual approaches that attract attention, and then evoke an idea or emotion that is relevant and on target. Our goal is to support all students to gain technical, critical, and conceptual skills and be highly praised and prized by people and employers.