Graphic Design Specialization

Art – Graphic Design (BFA)

Specialize in Graphic Design and Launch a Creative Career

The Graphic Design Specialization at Barry University is designed to provide students with skills that examine all aspects of the graphic design process and industry. In addition to receiving a rigorous foundation in a comprehensive design curriculum, students create portfolio quality solutions to a variety of design problems. The program also analyzes past, present and future design trends as they relate to printing, web development, and the emerging social media outlets.

Barry University prides itself on offering all of our students’ personal attention through small class sizes. This commences from the moment of enrollment at Barry and continues through to graduation. Within the Graphic Design Program, the ratio is one faculty member to every fifteen students. This allows our faculty the opportunity to spend valuable one-on-one time with each design student both inside and outside of the classroom. When issues arise outside of the classroom, it is always easy to find a faculty member to assist you.

In addition to small class sizes and a committed faculty, Barry also offers you the latest in creative resources. Currently, we have two state-of-the-art Macintosh labs available to all Fine Art majors. Each of these computers is configured with the newest versions of Adobe creative software. An array of both large and small format printers will allow you to see all of your design projects come to fruition.

A significant component to the Graphic Design program is the Senior Project. This project will be the final component of the professional portfolio that you will develop during your time at Barry. Working with the Fine Arts faculty, students create and produce a cohesive body of work to be displayed at the Senior Exhibit in our beautiful Andy Gato Gallery. Students are given space in this public venue to showcase his or her final project before earning their Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree.

We measure the success of our program by the achievements of our graduates. Graduates of the Graphic Design program have secured employment in advertising agencies such as the Gray Group in New York City, publishing houses such as Aventura Magazine and private corporate offices such as Assurant. In addition to securing employment, students have also gone on to graduate studies in schools such as Tufts University in Boston, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Norwich University in Norwich, England.

Graphic Design – Core Requirements (36 Credits)

  • An introduction to the many tools involved in the creation of professional design problems including the Macintosh platform. Students will evaluate the assignments and solve these problems using the appropriate tools. A strong focus will be placed on technology and professional presentation skills. Computer software, one, two and four-color printing and the artistic processes of graphic design will be explored. (Special fee)

  • This second course in graphic design will concentrate on contemporary design principles and thought. Effective use of typography as a basis of high quality graphic design will be explored. In addition to gaining technical fluency in the Macintosh desktop publishing process, the student will be required to do projects with substantial focus given to design as well as technical skill. Interaction with fellow classmates will be fostered and employed as a resource in the conceptual and technical processes. Prerequisites: ART 101B, 205 (Special fee)

  • An exploration of visual systems, processes, and media for the expression of mental concepts in visual terms. This course will increase the student’s visual attentiveness and enhance their aesthetic and individual style. In addition to the examination of commercial trends and practices, the student will explore narrative structures and the artist book. Prerequisite: ART 305 (Special fee)

  • This course builds upon earlier typographic theory and practices discussed in ART 305. The class will explore the communication of ideas through the use of typography. This curriculum will allow the student to study past typographers and their contributions to graphic arts and foster a greater understanding of the origins of typographic design. Prerequisite: ART 305 (Special fee)

  • This course explores the history, principles, tools and practices of User Experience (UX)and User Interface(UI)design for digital platforms. The UX portion of the class will center on the cognitive science behind the discipline and what shapes the experiences between a user and a product or service. The UI portion of the course will focus on the presentation (look/feel) and interactivity of a product or service. Prerequisite: ART 335 (Special fee)

  • This course in packaging design will offer the student the opportunity to work solely on three-dimensional packaging concepts. Starting with smaller projects such as a CD cover and moving toward packaging, branding and construction of a packaging identity program, the student will be challenged to generate portfolio quality packaging through the use of a computer. As part of each project’s development, the student will be involved in thorough research of the product and the audience. Prerequisites: ART 205 and 101B. (Special fee)

  • A basic introduction to the art of web design used as an informational and expressive visual medium through the use of software programs. Prior knowledge of computer basics and Adobe Photoshop required. The class will cover individual creativity, design skills, web development techniques as well as discussions about digital artists, web structure and critical reviews of existing art web sites. Prerequisites: CS 180, PHO 305 equivalent courses or instructor approval. Prerequisites: ART 101B and 205. (Special fee)

  • The intent of this course is to provide an experience that integrates the design aesthetics learned in the graphic design into this web design course. In addition to reinforcement of design principles learned in previous design coursework, the use of current industry standard software products and end-to-end web site construction will be explored. The implementation of kinetic graphics as they are being used in the advertising and design industries will be an important component to this course of study. This course will place heavy focus on design principles, kinetic type, navigation and the visual interface of the website. Prerequisite:ART 367 (Special fee)

  • An investigation of historical and contemporary visual communications concepts, media and images and their role in graphic design with a primary emphasis on the twentieth century. The course chronicles the events, influences, movements in history that have impacted the graphic design community. This course will begin with the invention of writing and the early cave paintings, moving through the history of printing in Europe to contemporary design theory and ideals

  • This course addresses advertising design/production and client research. Ad campaigns and packaging concepts will be the specific design focus of this class. Utilizing contemporary design theory and tools, students will conceptualize, create and execute designs in a professional manner. This course will further reinforce the students’ technical and problem solving skills by working with existing products instead of theoretical items. Prerequisite: ART 305. (Special fee)

  • Integrative experience for senior Art Majors with a focus on preparation for the Senior Exhibition and development of professional skills to prepare students for graduate school and/or the art and design world. Prerequisite: graduation status.

  • Basic principles of advertising and their role in media and society. Includes advertising environment in the 21st Century, agency and client relationships, consumer behavior, ethics, and the role of research, creative appeals, and media selection in advertising effectiveness. Study of the organization of the advertising profession (Fall, Spring).

Graphic Design – Art Core Requirements (12 Credits)

  • Introduction to basic drawing materials, techniques, and concepts focusing on still life as subject matter. (Special fee)

  • Introduction to basic two-dimensional design concepts, theory and techniques through the study of the principles and elements of art. Color theory and linear perspective will be introduced. (Special fee)

  • Study of the nature and use of color as a vital element of design. Emphasis is on topics which apply directly to problems encountered with pigment; employing subtractive color theory such as pigment color mixing; physical properties of color (hue, value, and intensity); aesthetic color relationships based upon the color wheel; and uses of color to include personal aesthetic, emotional and artistic intent. ART 101B (Special fee)

  • Study of the human form in a variety of media andtechniques. Repeatable course. Prerequisite: ART101A. (Special fee)

Graphic Design – Art History Electives (6 Credits)

  • An introduction to ancient and medieval art history through the chronological study of key works of visual culture throughout the world, from cave paintings to European cathedrals and Middle Eastern mosques, from the Venus de Milo to the Seated Buddha, and from Egyptian and Maya pyramids to Buddhist stupas. Emphasis will be placed on the shift from prehistoric societies to urban cultures, the rapid development of technical and aesthetic expertise expressed in local traditions, and the emergence of the world's religions and their impact upon art.

  • An introduction to early-modern and modern art history through the chronological study of key works of visual culture from throughout the world since 1400. The course will range from Mona Lisa to Japanese woodcuts, from the Taj Mahal to Gauguin in Tahiti, and from contemporary photography to the art being made in the U.S. by African-Americans and by Iranian, Cuban and Puerto Rican immigrants. Emphasis will be placed on the historical rise and dominance of the West beginning in the Renaissance, concurrent with the flowering of the Aztec and Inca cultures, the Ottoman empire and the Ming Dynasty, the artistic influences exchanged back and forth in the West's interactions with Africa and Asia, and the emergence of new visual media in the modern world and the growth of artistic multiculturalism. (ART 329 is not a prerequisite)
  • Art and architecture of the Renaissance in relation to the political and social structures of the 15th and 16th centuries. Emphasis upon the Italian Renaissance, with Northern Renaissance art also covered.

  • Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, and Post-Impressionism in European art studied in relation to social and intellectual developments.

  • Art and architecture in Europe and America from Fauvism and Cubism at the beginning of the century to Postmodernism at the end. The multiculturalism of recent art will be emphasized.

  • Examination of mixed media painting, sculpture, craft, installation and performance art, and architecture, from 1960 to the present.

  • An art history overview of the evolution of photography from its invention in the 1820’s up to contemporary experimental work.

  • Integration of the stylistic and technical developments in the history of photography, cinema and painting from 1839 to the present. Emphasis upon the interrelationship of aesthetic movements and cross-fertilizing influence of the different media. Analysis of classic movies as representative examples from film history.

Graphic Design – Art/Photo Electives (6 Credits)

  • Introduction to clay as an art medium, using traditional handbuilding techniques and basic glazing and firing processes. (Special fee)

  • Introduction to basic wheel-throwing techniques on the potter’s wheel. Students will also be introduced to glazing wheel-thrown pieces. (Special fee)

  • Students will explore the specific skills necessary to design posters as a means of mass communication. Working with large text formats, students will develop skills in research, the development of concepts and content, analysis and editing, and technical execution of typographic solutions. Critical thinking will be employed as purposeful and reflective judgment about what to believe or what to do in response to observations made by the student when evaluating creative solutions. Prerequisite: ART 305.

  • A studio based art course that creatively examines traditional and alternative book structures in relation to narrative content. This course provides an overview of methods used in the making of handmade books. Lectures, demonstrations and discussions will introduce students to creative processes involved in book making, including: traditional and alternative book archival concerns, and methods for generating original images and text. The projects in this course will explore the interdependent relationship between form and content. Repeatable course by instructor permission. (Special fee)

  • In this course students will research and develop design elements which identify and advertise a corporation. Logos/trademarks, stationery, corporate collateral, uniforms, and vehicle identification will be researched, created and produced. All projects will be carried to final portfolio quality. Prerequisite: ART 305.

  • This course will be an exploration of design using text, typefaces and typographic technology to create professional typographic solutions. Typographic exercises will explore congruency between visual and verbal hierarchies, expressive use of typographic form, format/informational organization problems, and technical details of typographic specification and computer layout. In addition to a variety of projects focusing on typographic design, students will be expected to create and implement a new/unique typeface consisting of fifty-two characters and ten numbers. Prerequisites: ART 335.

  • The study of the collage medium of two dimensional art made by pasting together varying materials on a flat surface. Repeatable course. Prerequisites: ART 101A, 101B, or PHO 203 (Special fee).

  • An introduction to photography with emphasis placed upon technical, aesthetic, and historical perspectives of this fine art medium. Camera and black and white darkroom procedures are explored. Adjustable camera required; limited number of rental cameras available.(Special fee)

  • An introduction to digital camera operation, to include manipulation of shutterspeeds and apertures as well as basic computer techniques. Emphasis is placed upon technical, aesthetic and historical perspectives of the medium of photography and digital photography as a fine art. Digital camera required (minimum of 4 Mega Pixels with shutterspeed and aperture priority options). For non-majors only. Prerequisite: CS 180 or equivalent. (Special fee)

  • Students explore the usage of the computer to make and manipulate photographic images. Tools and techniques include color balancing, painting, cloning, text, and making composite photographs. Prerequisite: CAT 101 or 102 or CS 180 or equivalent. (Special fee)

  • A refined study of digital manipulation through the use of image editing software. More complex layer techniques, use of scanner as an input device, various source materials and non-traditional presentations are explored. Discussions will include aesthetics and ethics of using digitally modified images. Prerequisites:PHO 305 and PHO 206

Any studio art course and up to 6 credits of PHO studio courses may be selected for this section. Art History courses or PHO 420 and PHO 421 may not be used as Graphic Design electives.

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