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Bachelor of Arts

Graphic Design: Surface and Pattern Design (B.A.)

As a Graphic Design student, you’ll develop typography, composition, design process, and visual communication skills. You will learn to think like a designer, give visual form to your ideas, and become adept at solving visual and conceptual problems.
Graphic Design Class
Designing Your Future
Graphic Design shows everywhere, from brands developed for large corporations to patterns created for products sold in stores to the interfaces used on computer programs and apps.

As a Graphic Design student, you develop core skills in design processes, typography, visual communication, and software tools. You will then explore applying those skills in the Surface and Pattern Design Emphasis. You will focus on the union of Graphic Design and Illustration and will learn to create patterns, illustrations, and typography for consumer products, fabric, paper goods, and more. This design focus includes traditional and digital image-making.

Students may initially declare a Graphic Design major. Still, after completing a series of core courses, they will apply to continue in the major towards the end of their sophomore year. Students who do not continue in the major may complete a minor in Graphic Design or a concentration in Graphic Design that can be used with an Interdisciplinary Studies degree.

Highlighted Career Paths

Graduates with a degree in Graphic Design, with a Surface and Pattern Design emphasis, have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.
Packaging Designer
A Packaging Designer will use design elements such as shape, color, graphics, and typography to create packaging that is functional and appealing to customers. Designers also have to be good listeners and collaborate with multiple stakeholders both within an organization and outside of it to meet branding, business, budget, time, and safety requirements.
Experience Designer
Experience designers work in real-world spaces designing signage, interactive experiences, and more.
Surface/Pattern Design In-House
Design patterns in-house for a company.
Entrepreneur
Own your own business as a freelance designer.

Getting Started in this degree

If you are interested in Surface and Pattern Design, start with one of the following major-specific courses

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