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Graphic Design is a discipline of Fine Art that specializes in visual communication. Graphic artist manipulate print and electronic media using color, type, illustration, photography, animation, and various print and layout techniques to create a wide variety of art used in commercial and artistic domains. Colorado Mesa University offers two graphic design degrees: print and
animation.

The CMU Graphic Design degree focuses on established industry standards in print design, web design and applied illustration. Students will become acquainted with the latest graphic design application software using Macintosh computers.

The successful Graphic Design degree candidate is prepared to enter professions within graphic design including advertising design, web design, corporate design, package design, illustration, and a myriad of  related fields. Students can get involved and develop their talents through student clubs, internships and exhibition opportunities, as well as national and international travel opportunities.

The Animation degree focuses on animation as an art form by means of creating images that come alive in two- and three-dimensional applications. Students will become proficient in traditional and digital animation skills, as well as storytelling, storyboarding, character design, illustration and web design. Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level employment as animators, storyboard artists, character designers, modelers, digital animators, computer artists, layout artists, and web designers.

Learn more about CMU's Graphic Design program

• Advertising Artist
• Advertising Designer
• Airbrush Artist
• Animator
• Architectural Model Builder
• Architectural Renderer
• Art Conservator
• Art Director
• Art Exhibition Coordinator
• Art Graphic Assistant
• Art Therapist
• Art Teacher
• Artist
• Artist’s Agent
• Book Illustrator/Designer
• Bookplate Artist
• Calligrapher
• Caricaturist
• Cartoonist
• Catalog Illustrator
• Cinematographer
• Costume/Mask Designer
• Decorator
• Designer
• Drafter
• Editorial Illustrator
• Exhibit Designer
• Fashion Artist/Designer
• Furniture Designer
• Gallery Owner
• Graphic Arts Technician
• Graphic Designer
• Graphic Artist
• Illustrator
• Jewelry Designer
• Label Designer
• Magazine Illustrator
• Medical Illustrator
• Motion Picture Animator
• Mural Artist
• Museum Artist
• Newspaper Layout Artist
• Photographer
• Photojournalist
• Printing Layout Artist
• Product Designer/Illustrator
• Quick Sketch Artist
• Set Designer/Illustrator
• Silhouette Artist
• Textile Designer
• Topographer
• Toy Designer
• Trademark Designer
• Typographical Artist
• Website Designer/Illustrator

Note: Some of the occupations listed above may require additional education, experience, or training beyond a bachelor’s degree. To research these occupations use the Career Research Resources links below.

  • Use design tools, theory, and knowledge of layout to create dynamic designs for a variety of applications. These may include information graphics, illustrations, magazine design, Ui/UX, and motion graphics.
  • Communicate with clients to develop projects according to their specification.
  • Communicate ideas/visual concepts for clients to inform and help clients increase their bottom line.
  • Adult & community programs
  • Advertising agencies
  • Graphic design firms
  • Marketing departments in various
    industries
  • Media and publishing houses
  • Magazines/newspapers & trade
    publications
  • Media and entertainment production
    companies
  • Photo agencies & studios
  • Public/private art schools
  • Public relations departments in various industries

Skills Needed by Graphic Design majors:

• Basic reading, writing, and math skills
• Computer design literacy
• Effective communication skills
• Flexibility and Time Management
• Creative and Imaginative
• Motivated/Directed
• Work independently or in teams
• Conceptualization skills

Other Graphic Design resources