Graphic Design

The Graphic Design program emphasizes the integration of a student’s fine art skills with digital technical skills and design thinking. Students will explore a range of design processes and methodologies as well as complete projects requiring design for various mediums such as print, web, video, app design and more. The program emphasizes Graphic Design as part of the fine arts. Projects will include an exploration and synthesis of corporate, expressive and experimental aesthetics. Students receive hands-on instruction, personal and group critique, as well as opportunities to work with community and business clients.

The studio is fully equipped with a computer lab of iMacs loaded with such current industry standard software as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign and more. The facilities also include a spacious critique and work space for students to work side-by-side and collaborate. There is even access to an oversized Epson color printer which can output digital prints up to 43 inches wide on a range of materials including fabric, canvas, and transparency.

Throughout the year national, regional, and local designers, as well as artists and illustrators working in a crossover of the arts and design, visit the program and work with students. Some of our past visitors include Arlton Lowry from Made by Few (Little Rock), Liz Seibert and Grace Robinson from ProjectProjects (New York), Kristian Anderson from Studio Science (Indianapolis), Erik Brandt from Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Allison Hale from IBM (Austin), Zhao Liu from China Central Academy of Fine Art (Beijing, China).

In addition, the Baum Gallery has featured works by such well known graphic designers as Stephen Farrell, April Greiman, Denise Gonzales Crisp and Seldon Hunt.

Students are also encouraged to submit work to a variety of competitions each year including, AIGA student competitions, and the regional AAF awards competition and more.

 

Degree Requirements

BFA Major in Studio Art (83 hours of Art)

The degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) requires successful completion of 120 hours, whose required components include (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements (see UCA Core requirements and note that ART 2325, 2335, or 2336—required for Art majors and minors—fulfills the LD UCA Core requirement in Critical Analysis, Fine Arts/Humanities) and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using designated courses (again, see UCA Core requirements); (2) 83 hours of art and design courses in an approved BFA major in Studio Art and emphasis degree plan as described below; (3) and electives to bring total credit hours to 120. Art and design courses must follow a prerequisite structure. A minor is not required. This degree may require more than the normal eight semesters to complete. Students with a 2.5 cumulative GPA and a 3.25 major GPA on a minimum of 24 hours of art may apply for acceptance to the BFA program after completing the Major Advancement Portfolio Review (MAP). Students are strongly encouraged to follow the semester-by-semester structure in the published BFA Academic Map. As such, this document is to be used as a checksheet to evaluate the student’s progress through the degree in a course-by-course manner.

In order to complete the state-mandated minimum number of hours for core requirements in general education, art majors are required to complete a Humanities course in either the Diversity category or in the Responsible Living category.

 

Downloads and Links

Interested in the similarities and differences between the B.A. in Art with a Fine Arts Emphasis and the B.F.A. in Studio Art with an emphasis in Ceramics, Drawing & Illustration, Graphic Design, Painting,  Photography, Printmaking, or Sculpture? BA vs BFA