Graphic Design
Murray State's Graphic Design Program is Ranked #1 in the State of Kentucky for 2021 and in the top 25 Graphic Design programs in the South by Animation Career Review.
Graphic Design is the aesthetic ordering of type and image in order to interest, inform, persuade or sell. Since these purposes are not mutually exclusive, graphic design may be used to achieve all of them simultaneously.
Graphic design, traditionally the design of printed material, also includes packaging, branding, signage, architectural graphics and exhibit design, and now includes digital technologies such as, web design, app design, film, television, video and computer-related imagery. (American Institute of Graphic Art)
"Murray State professors helped me find what I am passionate about doing for the rest of my life."
Facilities
The graphic design computer lab has 22 Macintosh computers running current versions of the Adobe Creative Suite. Students print to two Xerox Phaser graphics printers (11 x 17") and one large format Epson poster printer. Students have access to flatbed scanners, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, 3D printers, 3D scanners and CNC routers. The graphic design area has 1,616 square feet of dedicated studio space.
Graphic Design Studio
Faculty
Jim Bryant is a Professor of Graphic Design and head of the Design program. He received his MFA from Louisiana State University and his BFA from The Herron School of Art, Indiana University. Jim has served as Vice President of Education for the American Institute of Graphic Arts, Nashville.
Contact Information: Jim Bryant jbryant@murraystate.edu
Scott Cook is an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design. He received his MFA from University of Nebraska-Lincoln and his BFA from Murray State University.
Contact Information: Scott Cook gcook@murraystate.edu
Degrees Offered
Students can Major in Graphic Design with a BFA degree or may choose a Major in Studio Art with an Emphasis in Graphic Design with either a BFA, BS or BA degree. All students may choose to earn either a Certificate or a Minor in Game Design. A Minor in Graphic Design is available to students from other majors. Honors students can complete their honors thesis in Graphic Design. View Degree options.
Courses Offered
- ART 350 Introduction to Graphic Design I: Digital Art (3)
Introduction to the computer as a tool for fine art and illustration. Students are taught computer techniques and approaches to creating art. Six hours per week. Prerequisites: ART 101 and 111. - ART 351 Graphic Design II: Type and Image (3)
Introduction to type and image production for graphic design. Students learn traditional and computer based problem-solving techniques. ix hours per week. Prerequisites: ART 350 or permission of instructor. (Same as GCM 351) - ART 352 Graphic Design III: Layout and Introduction to Design Systems (3)
Intermediate level study in graphic design focusing on publication. Six hours per week. Prerequisites: ART 350 (ART 351 is also recommended) or permission of instructor. - ART 353 Web Design (3)
Course is intended to continue and emphasize the concepts and skills of graphic communication. Emphasis will be placed on learning professional design methods and applying them to designs for the web. Projects will stress considerations in design theory and the principles of typography, particularly as they apply to user interface design, site design and navigation. Students will work in both an individual and a collaborative manner involving writing, electronic design, advertising and photography. Six hours per week. Prerequisite: ART 350. - ART 451 Graphic Design IV: System Design (3)
System Design, or Branding, is the practice of creating a name, symbol or design that identifies and differentiates a product or service from other products and services. Six hours per week. Prerequisites: ART 351, 352, or permission of instructor. - ART 452 Graphic Design V: Senior Portfolio (3)
Terminal level study in graphic design involving directed research, portfolio preparation and group evaluation. Six hours per week. Prerequisites: ART 351, 352, or permission of instructor. - ART 551 Graphic Design VI (3)
Additional refinement of graphic techniques, discussion and criticism. An emphasis on individual investigation concentrating on producing a unified body of work suitable for a portfolio or professional show. The student and the instructor will design a program of study directed toward this goal. Six hours per week. Prerequisite: ART 452. - ART 552 Graphic Design VII (3)
Advanced specialization; continuation of ART 551.
Elective Courses are regularly offered on the topics of Illustration, Advanced Web Design, Motion Graphics and Animation, User Interface Design, Package Design, Typography, and Poster Design.
Download the Graphic Design Area (PDF)