Cazenovia College 2012-2013 Academic Catalog
2012-13 Academic Catalog - Cazenovia College
2012-13 Academic Catalog - Cazenovia College
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Visual Communications: Graphic Design<br />
Bachelor of Fine Arts<br />
The Visual Communications: Graphic Design concentration allows students to focus on<br />
design for print media. Print media can include brochures, corporate identity systems,<br />
packaging, environmental graphics, book design, magazine design, newspaper design,<br />
etc.<br />
The curriculum specializes in the design and production of these varied print<br />
media. Students will also take courses in Web design and illustration, as these skill sets<br />
are essential for today’s designer. Instruction is geared toward preparing students to<br />
enter a growing and varied job market. They can pursue advanced degrees, go into<br />
business as freelancers, or find employment in corporate art departments, advertising<br />
agencies, design studios, publishing houses, newspapers, magazines, record companies,<br />
multi-media and web design businesses, television studios, package companies, or<br />
printing firms.<br />
Goals:<br />
• Teach students to solve communication problems visually, to partake in conceptual<br />
message development, and to achieve personal creative excellence;<br />
• Help students understand and respond to the cultural influences that shape various<br />
audiences, messages, client needs, and design decisions;<br />
• Develop proficiency in classic media as well as fluency in new technologies; and<br />
• Ensure understanding of basic business practices as designers, including production,<br />
project organization, and working in a team environment.<br />
Special Features:<br />
• Students are required to take two career electives that offer a broad experience<br />
within the Visual Communications degree to maximize their professional experience in<br />
the field.<br />
• In their final year, Visual Communications students complete a comprehensive<br />
senior project in their area of concentration and in collaboration with a professional<br />
contact within the field. These projects and their portfolios are showcased in the <strong>College</strong><br />
Art Gallery in April. The exhibition is curated by the students, and offers the<br />
opportunity for friends, family, and industry professionals to view their creative efforts<br />
on a large scale.<br />
• Students and graduates of the Visual Communications program routinely win<br />
regional and national awards for their real-world design work.<br />
• The VC Club takes annual trips to NYC during which students have the opportunity<br />
to tour advertising and design related businesses and visit with authorities in the field.<br />
• Internships are an integral part of the program because they provide students with<br />
valuable professional experience as well as all-important opportunities for networking.<br />
Internship students are placed nationally in corporate or educational art departments,<br />
advertising agencies, design and animation studios, and publishing houses.<br />
• Students spend their entire senior year building print and online portfolios while<br />
conducting successful job searches with mentors in the field. These portfolios are widely<br />
acknowledged by local industry professionals as the best in the region, making graduates<br />
competitive on the job market regionally as well as nationally.<br />
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