Graphic Design
The Graphic design program at Marietta College co-exists in the Hermann Fine Arts Center with the Studio Art facilities. This relationship reinforces the department’s interdisciplinary attitude: an awareness and ability in fine art studio classes is a fundamental skill for successful graphic design.
Simply put, the Graphic Design program at Marietta College provides opportunities and presents challenges to prepare students for a career in commercial art and design. Advertising, marketing, promotions, print production, and business practices are all related fields that are covered in the Graphic Design curriculum, however the core goal of the program is to train students to be effective visual communicators and problem solvers so to contribute to their personal abilities and to the professional marketplace.
Students are trained in fundamental studio art mediums. Those skills are then translated to a digital workflow using industry standard equipment - Macintosh computers, and a host of contemporary tools housed in the Graphics Design Lab in Hermann Fine Arts Center. While the Design Lab hosts the majority of classroom lectures, demonstrations, and student work area, additional classes in painting, printmaking, art history and research assignments take graphic design students across many disciplines to offer exposure to a variety ideas and methods. For information about please see the Graphic Design Facilities.
For more information regarding classes, please refer to the sidebar listings or a current Marietta College Course Catalog.
Student Expectations and Costs
Students do not need a portfolio to be accepted into the Graphic Design program. Prospective students who do have a well developed portfolio of Studio Art or Graphic Design may wish to apply for the Art Scholarship . There is a formal review of student work during the sophomore year. This student presentation to the Studio Art and Graphic Deign Faculty serves as a critical assessment of the student’s progress, and is aimed at evaluating the students success, commitment, and future potential in the program.
Students who wish to earn a degree a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design will have financial and time commitments particular to the discipline. Supplies for any graphic designer include specialty paper, ink, cutting tools ect. and are required for many classes in addition to class textbooks. Many graphic design classes have additional ancillary fees used to fund the costs of the design lab operation and upkeep.
A dedication and commitment to personal development is also expected of students majoring in Graphic Design. Unique and original ideas are encouraged and fostered in the program. Students who are able to make time outside of the classroom to develop their skill, craft, and own independent sensibilities and styles will benefit the greatest.
Students do not need to invest in their own personal computer – up to date hardware and software is offered and accessible to all enrolled students. Its use is encouraged for all underclassman. Upper class students who have gained both an understanding of Macintosh Computers and a dedication to graphic design may wish to acquire their own machine, as their academic demands grow.
Requirements for a Minor in Art
Due to the programs close relationship with the Studio Art Program; many students seek an additional Minor in Studio Art. The requirements to receive this distinction are as follows.
- Art 101 - Drawing I
- Art 102 - Drawing II
- Art 201 - Flat Design
- 3 hours of Art History
- 9 hours of Studio Art or Art History electives