At a glance: Graphic Design
At a glance: Graphic Design
"Since I am majoring in graphic design with a minor in public relations, I plan to work for a record company, designing brand identities, logos and album covers for bands."
Meggie Schmidt
Graphic design
Graphic design is about communicating ideas through the juxtaposition of word and image. It embraces both high art and popular culture in the production of symbolic gestures. Graphic design is not only a profession but also a medium, an expression of the methodology of communication. While students are encouraged to explore design from personal perspectives, graduates of the program also find that the program has prepared them to enter the design profession at a highly professional level. Visit the department's web site.
Degree Options
The Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Graphic Design allows the student a major study in design in addition to integrating a strong liberal arts program. Students gain some depth in a number of studio-related disciplines of their choice, but students are encouraged to minor or double major in another academic field. At Ohio Northern, students may select such programs as broadcasting, public relations, communication studies, marketing, entrepreneurship, museum studies, or arts management.
Distinctive features
- Comprehensive curriculum gives students exposure to 2-D and 3-D form, theory and practices.
- Professors are dedicated artists, designers, teachers, scholars and mentors.
- In-house design studio offers real-world business and professional experiences.
- Opportunities abound for field experience at primary and secondary schools, externships for studio art majors and internships at graphic and advertising design firms, museums and many other businesses and organizations.
- Visiting artist program brings to campus accomplished artists o
- Study-abroad programs in locations such as Italy, Ireland and France expose students to the exciting and wide world of culture and art.
- Students can gain hands-on experience designing University publications such as The Northern Review (student newspaper), Polar Droppings (department newsletter) and The Northern (University yearbook).
- Numerous talent awards and scholarships are granted to gifted students.
Facilities
The department of art and design is located in the Wilson Art Center, a stimulating environment that offers well-equipped and updated studios, classrooms and computer labs. Located near the art center are the Elzay and Stambaugh Galleries, educational and cultural resources for the Ohio Northern community and the Northwest Ohio region. Throughout the year, the galleries feature outstanding exhibits from international and regional artists as well as ONU faculty and students. The modern three-story Heterick Memorial Library houses the fine art, design and photography book and periodical collections.
Student organizations
AIGA/The Professional Association for Design, Kappa Pi National Art Honorary, National Art Education Association, Student Art League
Program outcomes
The department of art and design is committed to teaching and learning through an intensive, structured and sequential program of visual studies and liberal arts education. Our goal is to develop students as creative, productive and intellectually curious artists and designers capable of historical and cultural insight, critical thinking and technical proficiency in an area of emphasis.
Professional placement
Art and design graduates can pursue many fulfilling career paths. Alumni who enter the teaching field are trained to be competent in all areas of visual arts taught in public schools (K-12). Other alumni have embarked on exciting careers at companies such as American Greetings and Art American in Cleveland, Ceramics Monthly magazine and the American Ceramics Society in Columbus, The New England Journal of Medicine in Massachusetts, Dr. Pepper in Texas, ABC Carpet and Home in New York City, Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, Walt Disney Company in Florida, Periscope (Mercury) Studio in Washington and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
Graduate schools
Recent graduates have pursued graduate training in the fine arts, design, education, museum studies or art therapy at institutions such as George Washington University, Indiana University, University of Michigan, Kent State University, University of Cincinnati, Seton Hill University and Edinboro University.
