BU Department of Art
Graphic Design Program

The Graphic Design program at Binghamton University will provide you with an exceptional creative environment and small, challenging classes taught by knowledgeable professors who work in the industry. Our goal is to develop your abstract thinking skills, help you become good visual communicators and balance those skills with computer proficiency.

Portfolio Review

The Graphic Design program is now accepting Portfolio Review applications for any student wishing to pursue a Graphic Design concentration. If interested, complete the Portfolio Review Application Form.

Portfolio Dates

We will be scheduling an additional interview for the Fall 2013 semester. Please check this page for updates to the review schedule. Contact fareview@binghamton.edu for an appointment time. Portfolio applications should be submitted to the department at least a week before your interview.

Course Descriptions

Graphic Design I – ARTS 210
Conceptual, analytical and mechanical means of creating and reproducing images in value and color on two-dimensional surfaces. Enriches visual and verbal vocabulary of both art and non-art majors. Techniques presented include most of those needed and used by graphic designers. Problems given are not applied but theoretical, suited for the inexperienced as well as those experienced in other forms of visual arts. For majors and non-majors. Format: Intended to make students aware of the fundamentals on which all two-dimensional art is based. Introduces and explores the elements and principles of two-dimensional design as an important component of designing and composing. Includes lectures, slide presentations, demonstrations, design assignments and group critiques.
Professor Bixler – Download syllabus

Beginning Photography – ARTS 161
Introduces the basic skills and concepts involved in black and white photography. These include film exposure, processing, printing and print finishing and issues of composition, as well as the development of a vocabulary with which to discuss images. Format may vary by sections: Each class session is divided between an hour of lecture/critique and two hours in the darkroom. During lecture/discussion time, students regularly view slides of the most significant photography of the 20th century. This course is appropriate for first-year students.
Professor Sakellariou

History Of Graphic Design – ARTS 215
This course surveys the pivotal events and achievements that led to the current state of graphic communication. The unceasing quest to give form to ideas is traced from the pictographs painted on cave walls to the latest imaginative designs. Through lectures, presentations, discussions, research and studio projects, students are introduced to the creative thinkers, important innovations and breakthrough technologies that have shaped the evolution of visual communication. Weekly reading assignments from the text book will be the basis for classroom discussion and outside assignments.
Professor Chang – Download syllabus

Introduction to Graphic Design Software – ARTS 305
This course is designed to introduce students to basic computer skills on the Macintosh platform as well as the standard software applications used in the graphic design industry: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign. Basic topics covered will include internet use, file formats, graphics terminology and the Macintosh operating system. Using specific software, we will explore photo manipulation and montage, computer illustration and electronic layout. When the course is completed, students should feel comfortable using the Macintosh, navigating the Web and using software as a tool to help convey their ideas.
Professor Blackman – Download syllabus

Graphic Design II – ARTS 310
Arts 310 is a continuation of the Arts 210 class in that students will continue to work with elements on a plane but using more complex relationships and problem solving. More specifically, the student will be creating graphic images, creatively integrating typography with images and begin working with grids in
relation to page layout. There will be a heavy emphasis on the craft of graphic design, building on Arts 210, and preparing the student for Arts 410 and Arts 315, emphasizing a strong portfolio.
Professor Wesko – Download syllabus

Communicating With Type – ARTS 315
In this class we will study and learn about all aspects of typography and the ways in which type forms can be activated to communicate a message. Students will work in both the design and computer lab. The field of information/visual communication is taking its place as one of the major present- day industries and the most significant part of that industry involves typography (its style and arrangement). There are many specifications within the field, but all require a knowledge of typography. In fact, most assignments will utilize typography, and many consist entirely of type. Although typography can be taught in a number of ways, we will approach learning about typography as follows in this class: knowledge of metal type; comping; copyfitting; fundamentals of typography.  Prerequisites: ARTS 210.
Professor Wesko – Download syllabus

Topics In Studio Art Photo – ARTS 380
The course will explore all aspects of the production of oversize silver gelatin prints measuring roughly 3' X 5' for exhibition. Aspects such as projection of images on the wall, and the developing of large size prints will be addressed. Prerequisite for the class is introductory photography arts 161, and special studio projects, Arts 479. By permission of instructor.
Professor Sakellariou

Independent Study – ARTS 397
Independent reading and research on selected topic in consultation with major advisor. By permission of instructor.
Professor Blackman/Professor Sakellariou/Professor Wesko

Graphic Design III – ARTS 410 (offered Spring semesters only)
Arts 410 is a continuation of the Arts 310 class. Students will continue to work with elements on a plane with emphasis on the use of the design process to creatively, efficiently and effectively communicate a message. Students will perform more advanced problem solving of complex relationships of elements and communication of messages. The assignments have been selected to offer the student projects and situations they may encounter as a graphic designer. The student will be working more in depth on typography, page layout, production for print, three-dimensional work, working as a team member and with a client. Prerequisites: ARTS 210, ARTS 310, ARTS 412.
Professor Wesko – Download syllabus

Graphic Design Software II – ARTS 412
This course is intended to expand on the computer skills taught in ARTS305, broaden the students’ aesthetic experience and complement upper level design classes. Creative thinking, exploring design concepts and using the computer as a tool in the design process will be addressed. Emphasis will be placed on collaboration, teamwork and positive evaluations of work in progress since no one can create in a vacuum. Format will continue on the Macintosh platform using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign. Using a variety of design agency projects, students will learn how to use all three applications in concert to create a professional product from conception to finished files. Real world production issues will be addressed and a digital workflow will be established. Topics covered will include file application from print to web, 4 color printing, typical ad specifications, job process, exhibit production, website design and production, troubleshooting files, production terminology and communication skills.
Professor Blackman – Download syllabus

Special Studio Projects: Portfolio Preparation – ARTS 478
Enables students to compile projects taken from previous design classes and/or other art disciplines into a presentation or a portfolio, which is usually used for applying to other design schools and possible entry-level employment opportunities.
Professor Bixler – Download syllabus

Special Studio Projects: Photography – ARTS 479
Building on basic photographic skills acquired in ARTS 161, students compile a semester-long body of work: a subjective and personal vision of a theme or topic they choose. Format: Topics include techniques for photographing quickly and unobtrusively, photographing people in their environments and critical self-editing. Prerequisite: ARTS 161
Professor Sakellariou

Special Studio Projects: Graphic Design – ARTS 481
For Art Majors, intermediate and advanced students who wish to extend work in graphic design. Students work independently within classroom structure. Prerequisites: completion of three required departmental beginning courses, and introductory and intermediate courses in two-dimensional design. Consent of instructor required.
Professor Wesko

Special Studio Projects: Web – ARTS486
For Graphic Design majors. Students will study the basics of web design and production including: web terminology, site organization, navigation, css style, Photoshop for the web and Dreamweaver for site construction of a portfolio based website. Prerequisite: ARTS412.
Professor Blackman

Studio Internships – ARTS 495
Provides credit-bearing work experience related to student's current studio work and future professional goals. Students work with campus or outside sponsoring agencies, projects may take the form of advertising, poster or graphic design, illustration and design for publications, or any type of studio-related work that complements the students academic and career interests (can be repeated). Prerequisite: Advanced standing and consent of instructor.
Professor Bixler/Professor Blackman/Professor Sakellariou/Professor Wesko

Professors

Loring Bixler
Cindy Blackman
Frank Chang
Costa Sakellariou
Michael Wesko