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Contact Information:

Administrative Assistant: 
Becky Baptist
Phone: (970) 943-3093
fax: (970) 943-2329
E-mail: bbaptist@western.edu

Department Chair:
Heather Orr
(970) 943-3031
horr@western.edu
 

Address:
Department of Art
Quigley Hall 101
Western State Colorado University
600 N. Adams St.
Gunnison, CO 81231

 

Graphic Design

art labGraphic design provides a thorough intellectual understanding of visual information and messages, as well as professional training in realizing them.

Faculty help students integrate visual literacy with the business of design, integral to the teaching of modern media as reading and writing are to print. The graphic design emphasis, which is overseen by Professor Terri Murphy, includes a state - of -the -art computer lab and spacious studios. Here, the graphic designer acquires a visual language and communicates effectively with it, using typography, image development, book and poster design, packaging, web design and the like.

The designer has a responsibility to society that requires cooperation between art and business. Encouraging and reinforcing the development of that role, faculty guide students in heightening their awareness, expanding their conceptual and organizational abilities, and improving their personal communication and presentation skills. The graphic design area aims for diversity as well as balance between theory, process, and studio elective possibilities. Faculty encourage cross-disciplinary studies either as paired electives or independent projects. Beyond the course listings, students find directed study courses particularly viable choices for developing individual interests in illustration, animation or other creative or experimental directions. Other naturally allied areas are printmaking, photography, drawing, and airbrush. Involvement on the Pathfinder Magazine production staff allows students another avenue for incorporating classroom skills into the creation of both online and full color glossy magazine.

Facilities include a newly equipped, extensive Macintosh computer lab. Students will work with industry standard software. With the help of the department's network among professionals in the field, seniors and graduates have found professional internships and success.