U S A
61ST ANNIVERSARY
TOP DESIGN SCHOOLS
LANDOR LOVE LETTER TO WEST LOOP
IMPOSSIBLE FOODS LURES MEAT LOVERS
NATGEO REVEALS NEW MAGAZINE DESIGN
HERMAN MILLER’S HOMAGE TO MCM
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GORDON KAYE AND SASHA KAYE-WALSH ARE EDITORS AT GDUSA
Comments, suggestions and letters can be sent to editorial@ gdusa.com.
It features more than 250 winning pieces that exemplify and celebrate the importance of packaging to advance the brand, tell the story, amplify the experience, and create an emotional connection with consumers at the moment of truth. Effective package design has always added value, but it is now vital as an antidote to the fragmented, cluttered and ephemeral media world in which we live.
Packaging is a growth industry and its future is being driven and shaped by myriad factors — demographic and lifestyle trends, sustainability concerns, the rise of online and direct-to-consumer purchasing, the integration of smart technologies. Each deserves attention. But, in the end, as we noted last year, it is first and foremost a graphic design story: talented creators and producers developing smart and aesthetic visual communication in the service of human connection. — SKW
Forbes recently referred to gentrifying Brooklyn as an exemplar of urban rebirth and “the land of eternal irony” for its abundance of “hipsters, artists, punks and poets.” GDUSA has moved to the Prospect Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, after 60 years of publishing on or within feet of Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. In the spirit of our new home, I am seeing a dual irony in all of this.
First, though we have been physically present forever with a few block perimeter in Manhattan, our hearts and minds have often been elsewhere. It was a founding editorial principle of GDUSA that great creative is done all around the country rather than just a few coastal enclaves — and that this work deserves recognition and respect. Today this is obvious to (almost) everyone but it was edgy and out-of-the-box thinking for most of our existence — and we remain stubborn about it. Our 2024 package design awards underscores the truth: winners represent more than 30 states and, while California and New York top the list, we are graced with substantial entries from Minnesota and Missouri, Illinois and Indiana, Ohio and Oklahoma, Connecticut and Colorado, Texas and Tennessee, North Carolina and New Jersey, Arizona and Arkansas Nevada and New Mexico. I could go on.
The second “irony” is more personal. My immigrant ancestors landed in Brooklyn a century ago, raised families and built lives in a tough but tolerant new land — and then could not wait to flee the borough or encourage their progeny to leave to pursue a more cosmopolitan American dream. For good or ill, moving away from Brooklyn was their singular mid-20th century sign of success and belonging. So how ironic is it that their children and grandchildren and great grandchildren want back in as Brooklyn is reborn as a vibrant center of growth and innovation and aspiration. Or maybe that’s not irony at all; maybe it’s just the cycle of life or the rhyming of history. Either way, we have returned to Brooklyn and, so far, it feels like just the right place for GDUSA to begin its seventh decade. — GK
In this edition, we continue the tradition of compiling a list of our favorite schools and programs that prepare students to work as creative professionals. The mix is unique: it includes, of course, the traditional prestige institutions dedicated to art and design; a number of notable university programs and majors; and several innovative and flexible online or hybrid programs for graduate, undergrad or continuing education. The selection is based on objective and subjective factors, and is admittedly influenced by our own long relationships with designers, educators, hiring managers and recruiters. The list is alphabetical. The reach is national. The theme is renewal. — SKW
GDUSA - Graphic Design USA Volume 61 / No. 2 March / April 2024 Kaye Publishing Corporation (ISSN0274-7499/USPS227020). Published 6 times a year with combined issues in January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November/December. Executive, editorial and advertising offices at 594 Dean Street, #22, Brooklyn NY 11238, www.gdusa.com. SUBSCRIPTION: Domestic, $72 one year. International, $140 one year. Periodicals postage paid at New York NY and additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to GDUSA - Graphic Design USA, PO Box 3072, Langhorne PA 19047. Permit #224.
Subscription-only National Geographic gets visual refresh for its next phase; Impossible Foods targets meat lovers with new branding by Jones Knowles Ritchie; Landor’s love letter to Chicago’s ever-more-hip West Loop neighborhood; Wolff Olins and the New York Botanical Gardens do right by nature; Order nods to mid-century modernist period in Herman Miller rebrand; MyBkYd peeks behind the curtain of Philadelphia’s historic markets; Mrs&Mr create visual identity for food delivery category disrupter Wonder; global vintage wear platform Vestiaire Collective expands into the US via Accompany Creative; St. Maarten Tourism logo sensitive to local culture; and more.
This winter we featured our annual Students-to-Watch selections in print and online; its already been viewed more than 25,000 times on our gdusa.com website. This time around we offer GDUSA’s favorite graphic design schools and programs that excel in teaching the hard and soft skills necessary for success, in nurturing talent and expanding minds, and in preparing the next generation of creatives for a dream career in the real world. Included are traditional centers of excellence dedicated to art and design, as well as a carefully curated selection of wonderful public and private university departments, and several select online-first programs that serve undergrad, graduate and continuing education students. You can, of course, also access the list on our website.
Our 61st anniversary package design showcase is among our largest ever. Approximately 300 winning projects from talented design firms, agencies, inhouse departments and institutions, selected from nearly ten times the entries. Why is package design so vital and vibrant? Makers, marketers and sellers are challenged as never before to convey the message, tell the story, advance the brand, provide the experience, make the sale — and packaging done right is perfectly suited for all of the above. Our competition celebrates beauty and style, of course, but most importantly, the power of design to forge an emotional link with the buyer at the moment of truth. For more on the opportunities ahead for package design, see our ‘People To Watch’ edition — in print or on gdusa.com — which leans heavily into brand packaging thought leaders.
To learn more about the meaningful messages and offers in this edition, please view the advertisements and connect with these important suppliers and services.
For 61 years — since 1963 to be exact — Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) has been a source of news and information for graphic designers and the broader creative community. For 60 of those years we were located on or near Fifth Avenue in Manhattan NYC, and recently moved across the river to Brooklyn. More on that in the Editors Letter.
GDUSA covers news, people, projects, trends, products and services. In addition to our print magazine, the brand now encompasses a 50,000 visitor-a-month website focused on news and commentary, a monthly enewsletter to 50,000+ e-subscribers, a digital PDF edition, and serveral national design competitions that culminate in showcases of the best in Graphic Design, Package Design, Web Design, Inhouse Design, Health+Wellness Design and more.
Other initiatives include annual recognition of Designers To Watch, rising Students To Watch, Socially Responsible Designers, Top Design Schools; as much opinion as we can gather from the opinionated; periodic benchmark reader surveys on the state of print and paper in design, technology in design, stock imagery in design; and whatever else needs doing or to be done.
Visit gdusa.com
CF Napa Brand Design created a sophisticated look and label for this new age gin with a floralforward flavor profile. It is one of roughly 300 pieces showcased in our American Graphic Design Awards™ program that starts at Page 40.
COVER PAPER CREDIT: The cover of this special edition of GDUSA is printed on FSC-certified Kallima Coated Cover C2S, part of the Kallima Paper family of FSC-certified coated cover paperboard, manufactured by the Tembec Paper Group. A leading advocate of sustainability, Kallima has a distinct low-density high-bulk construction resulting in less trees used and signficant cost savings to the customer. Contact: kallimapaper.com and 1.800.411.7011
Gordon Kaye PUBLISHER
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COPYRIGHT 2024 BY KAYE PUBLISHING CORPORATION
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NEW YORK NY/REDWOOD CITY CA. Impossible Foods has introduced its “meatiest” brand positioning yet, focusing sharply on the things consumers find most irresistible about meat. Developed in partnership with Jones Knowles Ritchie (JKR), the strategy and brand identity aims to challenge meat lovers’ perceptions by demonstrating that plant-based meats can surpass the taste, nutritional value, and sustainability of animal-derived meat. Instead of drawing inspiration from plants per norm of the category, Impossible is aligning with animal meat brands to capture the interest ofmeat eaters globally. “Realizing that the traditional narrative around plant-based products was predominantly geared towards vegetarians, we needed an approach that was capable of shaking up the animal agriculture industry and appealing to a wider demographic,” explains ECD Global Lisa Smith of the global brand agency. “By strategically positioning Impossible in the meat aisle, we’re aiming to entice meat enthusiasts to savor ‘more meat,’ while also integrating the brand into the cultural occasions cherished by meat aficionados everywhere.” Impossible’s creation of the first bleeding plant-based burger made a compelling case for embracing its new red color as the brand’s defining symbol. The shift aligns with its meat-first philosophy, departing from its previous tech- and science-focused identity. The palette is inspired by burger cook stages; bold red packaging signifies that the products taste, cook, and satisfy like meat from animals; a bespoke typeface named SANS MEAT is inspired by hand-painted market and butcher signage; the illustration style is a modern take on woodcut illustrations of animal parts; photography focuses on closeups and macro-shots; and other graphic elements take cues from signage used in grocery stores, butcher shops, and restaurants. “By reshaping perceptions of the brand, we’re showing meat eaters that eating Impossible is not a sacrifice, but rather a delicious reward,” says JKR’s Smith. jkrglobal.com
The Great Resignation has left companies scrambling for talented designers and creatives searching for fulfilling projects. That's where Artisan Talent comes in. We're a boutique creative staffing agency here to make things easier for you - whether you’re hiring talent or finding work. From small agencies to major corporations, our team is in the business of connecting people. That’s what makes us Artisan.
PHILADELPHIA PA. Have you ever visited a city for the first time and wondered what the story is behind the stores, restaurants, and people you see? Philadelphia now has MyBkYd, a digital platform that peeks behind the curtains of 3 historic markets: Old City, The Reading Terminal, and Italian Market, where 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation businesses sell everything from food, to wine, to kitchen gadgets and more. A collaboration between branding agency Xhilarate and Zave Smith Photography, the online collection of human interest stories told through images and video is their way to help increase traffic for these small businesses and restaurants while giving back to the community they’ve always called home. “Just like Cheers in Boston was the place where ‘everyone knows your name,’ My Backyard allows people who have never been to your neighborhood or business to feel like they already know you,” says Zave Smith, who filmed the intimate conversations with the shop owners. The project is 100% gratis; Xhilarate and Zave Smith received no funding but, rather, wished to share their love of the community and its history. Smith was recently featured on Seth Goldstein’s Entrepreneur’s Enigma podcast to talk about the story behind MyBkYd. Of the business owners he photographed and interviewed, he says: “The people who who own places in Reading Terminal or Italian Market, a lot of them didn’t like set out in life to do what they’re doing, but they ended up there and they found or find it very fulfilling... They’re just, like, amazingly warm and friendly and interesting and passionate like most entrepreneurs. One of the things I love about entrepreneurs, they’re a bit like artists, they’re crazy usually crazy passionate about what they do.” www.xhilarate.com and www.zavesmith.com
Ourdesignersarethenewesteditiontothelegacy oftheSyracuseUniversitycommunicationsdesign program.Theirportfoliosrepresentdiverseprojects thatspanabroadrangeofskillsincludingbranding,art direction,editorialdesign,packagingdesign,UI/UX design,webdesignandadvertising.Notwoportfolios arealike.Viewtheimpressivecollectionofworkhere: vpa.syr.edu/cmd2023
ZEELAND MI Herman Miller’s refreshed brand identity, including the latest evolution of its logo and wordmark, is being rolled out now across all touchpoints. The pioneering furniture firm worked with Brooklyn NY-based Order Design to develop a complete set of brand standards including a new color palette, a wordmark set in Söhne (courtesy of Klim Type Foundry), and an a key role for the company’s famous ‘M’ logo, originally designed by Irving Harper in 1946. The brand refresh comes one year after the 100th anniversary of the firm. Order, headed by partners Jesse Reed and Hamish Smythe, found inspiration in the client’s experimentation with modernist design of the 1960s, a period when John Massey played a key role in establishing Herman Miller’s corporate identity. To that end, Order elected to revive the use of Helvetica from the period — replacing the current FF Meta typeface — by selecting Söhne typography for the rebrand — “Söhne is the next iteration of Helvetica,” says Reed, but more adaptable to today’s print and screens. The palette is brighter, based on Herman Miller’s iconic red but also including 14 other shades used during the mid-century modernist period. The ‘M’ symbol is “freed” from the circle it had been ensconced in, and is used more widely as a graphic element, but is otherwide left largely untouched. “The symbol has stayed consistent through every iteration of the identity... so changing it was never an option,” explains Order design director Garrett Corcoran. Kelsey Keith, brand creative director at Herman Miller, concludes: “There are elements of the Herman Miller identity that I hope are more legible to the public because of this new design system: boldness, joy, tactility, respect for the past with an eye toward the future.” order.design
NEW YORK NY. Creative agency Mrs&Mr has designed the branding system for Wonder, a food start up pioneering a new category of “fast-fine” dining. The brainchild of serial entrepreneur and billionaire Marc Lore (Diapers.com and Jet.com), Wonder is a deliveryfirst service that features top-flight chefs, award-winning restaurants such as Tejas Barbecue, Di Fara Pizza, Barrio Café and Maydan, as well as meal kit service Blue Apron. Customers can mix and match from more than 30 sources in one online order. But all that choice needed to be captured in a visual identity to tie the restaurant brands together within the Wonder brand. Creative agency Mrs&Mr articulated the brand’s positioning and created a visual identity applied to every asset and consumer touchpoint: logo, typography, color system, signage, packaging, photography, uniforms, menus, delivery vehicles, promotional materials and physical designs. For the logo, the agency tapped into the cultural tradition of restaurants using script fonts, communicating heritage and establishment but with a modern take. Hand-lettering is a fully custom monoline script with flat terminals. The italic nature of the letter forms – paired with the swash of the ‘W’ curved up over the ‘o and then continued by the ascender of the ‘n’ – is intended to create a feeling of motion, fluidity and energy. Since Wonder is a house of brands, the Mrsand Mr chose dark green as a neutral anchoring color that would not clash with partner brands. And inspired by traditional French brasseries, the patterns developed are reminiscent of vintage floor and wall tiles. Finally, iconography features badges that communicate efficiently while evoking a stamp of approval. Says Lynsay Reynolds head of creative and brand at Wonder: “At the end of the day, convenience and quality shouldn't be mutually exclusive. Mr&Mrs designed our brand to bring this promise to life – whatever people are in the mood for.” Creative credits go to CCO Kate Wadia, CSO Daniel Wadia, art director David Zoppi, and designers Arian Franz and Holden Kao. mrsandmr.com
NEW YORK NY. The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) has unveiled its first major brand refresh in over a decade in partnership with Wolff Olins. The updated brand strategy, visual and verbal identity are intended to pave the way for a new chapter for the 132-year-old institution rooted in science, research and education, celebrating a closer alignment between the local, personal experience of visiting the Bronx NY-based garden and the global presence of the organization behind it. Inspired by a sense of place and the action of the organization, the Wolff Olins created a singular idea for the brand – “Do right by nature” – a call to action to study nature, protect it, learn from it, and enjoy it. A new tone of voice, built around an optimistic, empathetic and deliberate personality, was conceived to help the institution share its contagious enthusiasm for the natural world while a hand-drawn logo refocuses the shorter, bolder NYBG abbreviation. To unite the spirit of New York City and the natural beauty of the Garden, typography references hand-drawn forms found in nature while the updated design system includes an intricate palette of colors inspired by the breadth of plants, trees, fungi, algae and even the Bronx River that runs through the Garden. The system can be combined in various ways year-round, with flexibility and tools that enable the creation of beautiful contrasts out unexpected pairings. To round out the system, Wolff Olins created a graphic language based on the forms of the Garden itself from a bird’s eye view – organic shapes that can be cropped, extracted, or layered over a grid inspired by the glass panes of the iconic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. wolffolins.com
“Documenting the RESCATE ROSADO project was an intense experience. The most amazing part was observing the powerful efforts to reverse this situation and sensitize the population about having these migratory birds FLYING FREE.”
FERNANDO FACIOLE, photographer
WASHINGTON DC. An iconic media brand has undergone a significant design refresh. National Geographic’s redesign, revealed in the March issue, is the first under the direction of Editor-inChief Nathan Lump and Creative Director Paul Martinez, both of whom joined National Geographic in 2022. The brand is reportedly read by more than 84 million each month across print and digital platforms. At the same time, reflecting the challenges of all legacy media, NatGeo has engaged in layoffs, is shifting to a freelance-based writing model, and the magazine is becoming subscriber-only without newsstands distribution. Design and content highlights include: the addition of new sections including “In Focus,” a selection of full-page images just in from photographers in the field; a more pronounced emphasis on photography and visual storytelling; the interspersing of short-form content with in-depth features to create a more varied reading experience; a larger typeface in response to reader feedback; and a subscriber-only cover with more artful, intimate visuals. Lump previously served in senior editorial roles at Time Inc., Conde Nast, and The New York Times, while Martinez spent several years as Executive Creative Director at Travel + Leisure. Of the new design, Lump writes: “We last refreshed the magazine in 2018, so it seemed like a good moment to think about how we could improve it even more. We wanted to give you everything you love while making it feel livelier and easier to read. We kick off the magazine with a set of pages that will appear every month, all demarcated by a yellow border: a welcome note from me, followed by a guide to the entire issue, a selection of interesting images just in from our photographers, and an introduction to some of the contributors behind our stories... You’ll then arrive at the heart of the issue — stories that bring new insights and fresh perspectives. Between our longer, more in-depth features you’ll find shorter articles (differentiated by a beige border) in recurring formats that we hope you’ll come to recognize and anticipate... We love this iteration of National Geographic... and we hope you do too.” nationalgeographic.com
NEW YORK NY/PARIS FR Vestiaire Collective, a leading global platform for “pre-loved” luxury fashion, is conducting an ambitious ad campaign as part of an expansion strategy in the United States, where interest in second hand designer fashion continues to grow. Founded in 2009, Vestiaire Collective has solidified its presence in Europe and Asia, and is now looking to do the same in the U.S. The campaign showcases hard-to-find designer and vintage stock, as well as the benefits of shopping with the Certified B Corporation®. Working with creative agency Accompany Creative, the new ‘Parlez-Vous Vestiaire Collective?’ campaign leans into the platform’s French heritage, but keeps it grounded in the inviting, universal language of style by simply asking: “Do you speak fashion?” Campaign spots apply this language device across a range of differentiators, such as the platform’s designer label range, broad and diverse global seller base, proprietary authentication process, and competitive commission rates. One spot, for example, playfully frames the brand’s French roots and the “Can you say/Do you speak” wordplay by offering a lesson on how to pronounce ‘Vestiaire’ with a visual mnemonic of vests, t-shirts, and blowing air. “This project is an ideal one for us, leveraging the agency’s background in fashion brand-building, and working with a client whose business model is truly driving commercial innovation in sustainability,” says Accompany Creative’s founder Jason Keehn. “Inspiring consumers to ‘Buy Better’ has been a strategic focus for Accompany since our beginning, and the fashion industry especially needs more champions of reuse and upcycling like Vestiaire Collective to take center stage.” accompanycreative.com
CHICAGO IL. Landor has shaped a new identity for Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood in collaboration with non-profit West Loop Community Organization (WLCO). After being founded in 1991, WLCO’s mission was economic development to bring more businesses and people to the former industrial and meatpacking zone. The West Loop has since evolved to be an area where people live, work, travel and visit – often described as “hip” and self-described as “the hottest neighborhood in the country” – and the focus is now shifted to community efforts such as engagement, cleanliness, and safety initiatives. Jérémie Barry, executive creative director at Landor, says: “We like to think that this brand is genuinely made in West Loop by and for the people living and working there. More than a brand, it’s a tool that everybody living, working or visiting the West Loop can use to share its story.” The design is customizable by Landor and changes per person to showcase how everyone has their unique journey and that it’s easy to evolve, while still being rooted in the community. Proud Landor officials call it: “the loopiest brand identity you'll see this year. Our love letter to West Loop... from the colors and funky industrial custom type inspired by the neighborhood itself, this brand is more than visuals — it’s a constantly modulating love letter to a beating heart of Chicago crafted in, by and for the people living and working in the West Loop.” landor.com
A GRADUATE DEGREE AS UNIQUE AS YOU ARE. The Multimedia, Photography and Design program is for students who are passionate about expanding their career and gaining industry ready skills in the field of graphic design, motion design, 3D design, XR and immersive design, UI/UX design as well as photography and cinematography: all hands-on.
NEW YORK NY/MIAMI FL: Big Idea Advertising is developing a comprehensive rebrand for the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau. The first initiative is a new logo for the island, comprehensive branding guidelines, and the playful tagline, “Twice The Caribbean,” which references the island’s dual French and Dutch heritage. The logo, tagline, and branding elements can be seen on the streets in front of the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau offices, as well as in print, digital online, social, an array of promotion accessories and marketing collateral. For Steve Defontes, Founder and President of the agency, whose expertise includes travel and tourism, the logo is born from facets of St. Maarten culture and history. For example, the green and blue shapes represent the ocean and nature. The unique shape of the brown pelican, their national symbol; and the shape and color of yellow sage, the island’s national flower, are also embedded in the design. Defontes says: “The people of St. Maarten want their logo to feel like a flag representing their entire culture and their entire understanding of what the island experience is. We needed to create a logo that pleases both the people that live in a country and the people that you're trying to encourage to travel there, it's two completely different groups. I’m proud that we made something that everyone is happy with and did't get watered down creatively.” Among those responsible are Creative Director Pablo Pedro; Brand Strategy Grace Capuzzo; Designers Wallace Neves, Javier Guaschetti, Jonatas De Barros, Eduardo Carrasco, Jose Llanos; Digital & Social London Mercer; Social Media Samantha McLaughlin; Copywriting Chris Michael, Nick Shein, Jason Dressel; Animator Bakhtiyar Aghabalaye Coordination Jena Bitsko; and Photography & Videography Tom Webster and Julia Kursten bigideaadv.com/
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Every year, Graphic Design USA | GDUSA presents our favorite institutions and programs that prepare students to work in professional graphic design. The mix includes traditional prestige institutions dedicated to art and design; wonderful and notable university communications and design departments all over the US; and several innovative online or hybrid programs for graduate, undergraduate or continuing education. The list is alphabetical because selection stems from factors both objective and subjective, including our own decades long relationships with designers, students, educators, and recruiters. These 60+ schools teach not only the fundamentals of design, but the importance of critical thinking and collaboration, graduating leaders who can take aim at the complexities of the world with innovation, discipline, and a creative eye.
Traditional and innovative design knowledge seamlessly merge in the School of Graphic Design at the Academy of Art University. Immerse yourself in a dynamic education empowering you to reveal your creativity and gain a deep understanding of the transformative power of design. Master proper design skills and develop an exceptional portfolio, paving the way for greater opportunities to showcase your talent at top-tier companies, agencies, and design studios.
Our curriculum explores real-world applications, including communication design, branding, typography, and more. Our instructors are industry professionals who ensure you will have real-world practical experience and leave with an outstanding portfolio.
As a student in the School of Graphic Design, you are also part of a larger community, the School of Brand Communications, which includes the School of Advertising, the School of Interaction & UI/UX, and the School of Communications & Media Technologies. Being a part of this collective group means you have access to numerous classes and collaborations with students from various disciplines.
Stay ahead with our AI for Designers course, where you'll learn to leverage tools like Midjourney, ChatGPT, and Adobe Firefly for cutting-edge creativity. Dive into social media, mobile interfaces, streaming content, and more, preparing for the evolving design landscape.
Benefit from our extensive business network and alumni connections, helping to build your portfolio and opening doors to internships and jobs. If you're ready to unlock your creative potential, we're here to help you shape your unique design vision. Join us for a transformative educational journey in graphic design. academyart.edu/art-degree/graphic-design
THE DESIGN SCHOOL
TEMPE AZ
The Design School is the largest and most comprehensive design school in the nation. Students learn the art of collaboration and how to work across disciplines.
The field of visual communication design changes rapidly. We are looking for students who are adaptive, curious, and want to experience hands-on learning, develop their critical thinking skills, and make a difference in the sworld. The curriculum is focused on developing visual language, process and synthesis. Our program was established over 30 years ago. Today, graduates can be found throughout the world in all forms of media providing solutions in fields such as design, education, environmental,
exhibition, fashion, marketing, packaging, publication and more. design.asu.edu
PASADENA CA
ArtCenter’s visionary approach to art and design education is based on the College’s conservatory-like approach to teaching and learning; a desire for rich, intercultural, and transdisciplinary dialogue; and a mandate to provide students innovative learning and making spaces. An international leader in art and design education, ArtCenter offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide variety of industrial design disciplines, as well as visual and applied arts. In addition to its top-ranked academic programs, the College also serves members of the Greater Los Angeles region through a series of year-round educational programs for all ages and levels of experience. Renowned for both its ties to the industry and social impact initiatives, ArtCenter is the first design school to receive the United Nations’ Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status. Throughout the College’s long and storied history, its alumni have had a profound impact on popular culture, the way we live and important issues in our society.
artcenter.edu
AUBURN AL
The Graphic Design Program at Auburn University prepares students to practice visual communication in a competitive global environment. Auburn’s nationally regarded BFA is NASAD accredited and concentrates on interactive media and mobile app design, user experience design, strategic branding, typography, publication design, packaging, illustration, image-making, and fine arts. Students receive hands-on design instruction in a professional studio environment accented by a strong sense of community among students and faculty. Courses emphasize a systemic approach to design through cross-disciplinary collaborations, cultivating students to become versatile designers and art directors. The program hosts exhibitions, design symposiums, and guest lectures by industry leaders while supporting an internship program that facilitates experiences in professional practice and opportunities for networking. Students build a strong portfolio of work across their overall experience in design and education.
cadc.auburn.edu/design/programs/graphic-design
Founded in 1918, Ball State University is a research-intensive, residential university in Muncie, Indiana, with about 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The art-making facilities in the School of Art at Ball State are competitive with the best in the country, and our faculty and staff are active nationally and
internationally as artists, creators, scholars, and designers. With roughly 600 students, our NASAD-accredited programs (BA, BS, BFA, MFA) cover a broad range of opportunities, including Graphic Design, Animation, Game Design, Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Sculpture, Photography, Ceramics, Glass, Metals, Intermedia, Graphic Arts Management, Art History, and Art Education.
Our Graphic Design BFA students receive a rigorous interdisciplinary education focused on cultural awareness and real-world work expectations. They develop problem-solving abilities, technical skills, and digital competencies across several disciplines. The students enjoy superior facilities that are outfitted with industry-standard computers, software programs, and equipment. Students work closely with professors and peers in multiple areas to build a solid foundation in design concepts and professional practices while blending traditional and emerging media. The Graphic Design program also provides an opportunity to enroll in an award-winning student-run design studio (Studio 165+) and to collaborate on local, regional, national, and international design projects. bsu.edu/art
WACO TX
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. The Department of Art and Art History at Baylor offers an emphasis in graphic design within the studio art major. The studio art major provides students the opportunity to develop their hand and aesthetic skills and conceptual development. In addition to foundation courses, students take graphic design courses in Conceptual Development, Typography, Identity Design and Branding, Advanced Typography, UX/UI design, and Portfolio. An elective internship course is also available for those students wishing to take advantage of professional practice in the field. Graduates have gone on to work in design studios and major advertising agencies, and some have also started design studios and advertising agencies of their own. art.artsandsciences.baylor.edu/areas-study/graphic-design
BELMONT UNIVERSITY
WATKINS COLLEGE OF ART
NASHVILLE TN
Located near the heart of thriving Nashville, Tennessee, Belmont University consists of nearly 9,000 students who come from every state and 33 countries. The University is nationally recognized for its innovative approach as well as its commitment to undergraduate teaching (U.S. News & World Report). As a Christ-centered, student-focused community, Belmont’s mission
is to develop diverse leaders of purpose, character and wisdom who possess a transformational mindset and are eager and equipped to make the world a better place.
Belmont’s Watkins College of Art at Belmont University offers Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees and post-graduate programs and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. These programs include: Art Studies, Art Education, Art History, Design Communications, Experiential Design, Illustration, Photography, Photographic Studies and Studio Art. The Design Communications (B.F.A.) program, a portfolio-based graphic design curriculum, equips students with a broad spectrum of skills, focusing on information, communication and a deep understanding of end-user needs. Graduates of Belmont's Design program become positive contributors to the local, national and international media landscape, competing effectively in any market. Watkins College of Art's mission is to educate purpose-driven artists and designers with a global perspective and an entrepreneurial mindset, making them valuable contributors to their communities. The college also provides opportunities for study abroad, internships and community education programs. belmont.edu/watkins
BOSTON MA
The Graphic Design program at Boston University College of Fine Arts School of Visual Arts takes a studio-driven approach to design thinking and visual communication. With an emphasis on process and critical design thinking, the program sets itself apart as a maker-based design department within an art school and a R1 University. The design faculty are leaders in the field who work closely with students to develop their technical and conceptual skills, challenging them to think creatively and strategically, and placing them at the forefront of entrepreneurial thinking in the business world.
bu.edu/cfa/academics/degrees-programs/graphic-design
BOWLING GREEN OH
The Bowling Green State University Graphic Design program educates and mentors its students to become independent and collaborative innovators and leaders in the field of graphic design. Our award-winning program is dynamic, enterprising, and responsive, and leads to a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design. Our multi-faceted curricula merges design ideologies and research with appropriate aesthetic and communication methods through intensive critical analysis, exploration and experimentation. Students are taught and trained to be mindful professionals and socio-politically aware stewards for the profession and the world. Our practical and theoretical approach to foster and guide clarity of communication is the foundation for a progressive and
fluid curriculum— one that graduates thinkers with curious minds.
Our Master of Design (MDes) in Integrative Design program is an interdisciplinary program that cultivates individual and community growth through intentional, inclusive, and collaborative values and frameworks. Our guiding practices observe, question, and shapes culture, shifts priorities from exclusive to inclusive. Through meaning-making, deliberate design, ethical education, and sustainable systems, our integral approach develops students as leaders in creating a sense of belonging and a bold future for all. bgsu.edu/arts-and-sciences/school-of-art/undergraduateprograms/graphic-design.html
Brigham Young University (BYU) is a large private religious university in Provo, Utah, serving 34,000+ students from over 100 countries and all 50 states. The BYU Graphic Design program has a history of producing award-winning work and enjoys an established international reputation. The major simulates a professional studio experience with students working to solve complex visual problems. As members of a small cohort group, students complete a variety of individual and collaborative projects under close faculty direction.
BYU’s Graphic Design BFA program aspires to prepare students with the skills, knowledge, and intellect necessary to be excellent visual communicators and to foster innovation through problem solving, collaboration, and design thinking. The program aims to cultivate designers that encourage human flourishing, foster charitable interactions, and promote societal and ecological well-being today and in the future. BYU emphasizes experiential learning on and off-campus, both in its extensive study abroad programs and our program’s national internship placements. designdept.byu.edu/graphicdesign
SAN FRANCISCO CA
Founded in 1907, CCA educates students to shape culture and society through the practice and critical study of art, architecture, design, and writing. Benefitting from its San Francisco Bay Area location, the college prepares students for lifelong creative work by cultivating innovation, community engagement, and social and environmental responsibility. A top-ten most diverse college in the US, CCA attracts promising students from across the nation and around the world. Graphic design at CCA is dedicated to conceptual exploration and practical problem solving. We teach students to become leaders in the field by emphasizing craft, creativity, and collaboration, and we encourage them to engage with pressing social issues and examine how their work shows up in the world. www.cca.edu
The School of Design has established a program framework that responds to recent changes in the field of design — and to the escalating business, social, and environmental challenges that we face in the 21st century. Our programs prepare students for top jobs in leading companies and organizations today, while teaching them to design with future generations in mind. Our Communication Design program honors strong graphic design history, but constantly incorporates new innovative technologies, platforms, and methods, ultimately pushing the discipline of communication design into new territories. Today, we face many challenges resulting from communication breakdowns and misinformation. Through diverse perspectives, we use new narrative frames, storytelling, and future-casting to prepare students as future leaders, playing critical roles across various industries, organizations, and settings. We celebrate our interdisciplinary approach to teaching — working alongside students to develop the necessary 21st-century skill sets, posture, and critical consciousness to effectively use Communication Design practice, leading to positive impact. design.cmu.edu/design-cmu
NEW YORK NY
The Weissman School of Arts and Sciences at Baruch College provides a comprehensive educational experience with an emphasis on graphic design studies within a broader liberal arts context. All students at Weissman are encouraged to establish a solid academic foundation through a wide array of courses, ranging from English and history to fine arts and Black and Latino studies. These courses are led by a distinguished faculty, recognized for their excellence and commitment to student success.
Graphic design students at Weissman are not confined to theory alone; they are propelled into real-world scenarios through internships and hands-on projects, where they can apply their creative skills in practical settings — bringing their artistic practices back to the New York City communities they themselves come from. The school's partnerships with leading organizations provide students with invaluable field work and research opportunities.
Baruch’s New Media Artspace and Mishkin Gallery offer immersive learning environments where students can engage with contemporary artistic practices, complemented by events featuring visiting artists and experts. The Harman Writer’s Program and the Baruch Performing Arts Center further enrich the creative environment with a dynamic range of performances and lectures.
Located in the vibrant heart of New York City, the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences stands as a singular beacon of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and economic accessibility, making it a premier destination and hidden gem for those pursuing a career in graphic design and the arts. https://weissman.baruch.cuny.edu/weissman-academic-depart ments/communication-studies/
Located in the heart of Detroit and integrated into its cultural life, CCS educates artists and designers to be leaders in creative professions. A private, fully accredited college, the school enrolls nearly 1,400 students pursuing BFA, MA and MFA degrees. It also offers non-credit courses through its Continuing and Precollege Studies programs and opportunities for youth through its Community Arts Partnerships programs.
CCS’s innovative Communication Design program encourages students to create imaginative work that engages users in new and unexpected ways in print, motion, and user experience design. Integrated into the Communication Design program, Graphic Design studies strengthen students’ design and research skills, and develop their ability to use a variety of media in creating engaging and strategic communications across emerging media platforms. https://www.ccsdetroit.edu/academics/undergraduateprograms/communication-design/
Columbia College Chicago offers two programs in graphic design, a BFA and BA. Both degrees give students the tools and experience needed to launch a career in graphic design within a broader program of foundational studies in art and design. Students also gain a strong business foundation, which will prepare them to join
a design firm, an agency, an in-house corporate design team, or launch their own freelance business. A second Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design is also available. The BFA is a rigorous, professionally focused degree in graphic design. The BFA requires students to learn multiple disciplines and has fewer opportunities to choose electives. The BA provides a foundation in design but allows students to choose a general concentration one in Web Design or Publication Design. All Graphic Design students develop a professional portfolio of work as part of the requirements of the degree programs. colum.edu
The School of Art at The Cooper Union has a mission to educate artists in the broadest sense, both as creative practitioners engaged with a wide range of disciplines in the visual arts and as enlightened citizens of the world who are prepared to question and transform society. The program is structured around an integrated curriculum that fosters connections between disciplines, as well as between traditional and new media. The Foundation Program consists of a series of prerequisite courses taken during the first year. Following completion of the Foundation Program, disciplines offered are graphic design, drawing, film and video, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. Students may choose to focus on one or more areas of specialization and are encouraged to follow an integrated approach. The graphic design curriculum includes courses on typography, web design, game design, information design, motion graphics and more. cooper.edu/art
CHICAGO IL
DePaul University’s BFA in Graphic Design prepares students to communicate to diverse audiences through a wide range of design
practices, integrating emerging media and contemporary technologies including typography, interaction design, branding, illustration, motion graphics, package design, programming, artificial intelligence, and digital fabrication.
Our program is located in the heart of Chicago, where a vibrant design community creates opportunities for collaboration, networking, and internships. Meanwhile, our new Jarvis Student Center for Innovation and Collaboration provides a multidisciplinary, student-focused space for professional learning and industry partnerships. The Jarvis Center connects students with designers, creators, and experts-in-residence through a series of regular events and workshops.
Award-winning faculty oversee a host of initiatives, design labs, and research programs that foster student learning, engagement, and community. And students lead their own initiatives as well, including our AIGA student chapter, makerspace and digital fabrication studio. Design-related study abroad programs in Japan and Scandinavia provide our students with a global context for their practice.
www.cdm.depaul.edu/design
UNIVERSITY
WESTPHAL COLLEGE OF MEDIA ARTS AND DESIGN
PHILADELPHIA PA
The creative heart of Drexel University, the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design trains the next generation of scholars, thinkers, makers, and doers in the fields of media, entertainment, design, and the visual and performing arts. Westphal offers 18 undergraduate majors, 26 undergraduate minors, and nine graduate programs, housed in award-winning facilities that encourage collaboration across creative disciplines. The Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design educates students to inform, persuade, educate, and entertain through the creative use of word and image. The program prepares students with diverse backgrounds to enter the field of graphic design with a competitive edge as skilled design practitioners, creative problem
solvers, and multi-talented team members. https://drexel.edu/westphal/academics/undergraduate/graphicdesign/
NEW YORK NY
The Graphic Design BFA Program of the Communication Design Pathways Department educates creative, socially responsible, and worldly professionals who are well positioned for a broad range of art and design fields. It challenges students to generate problem-solving and culture-making design, through experimentation and collaboration attuned to social, environmental as well as commercial challenges. It is an intensive, professionally oriented course of study that relies heavily on typographic craftsmanship, design authorship and motion design. The program presents an annual lecture series for its design students and multiple student curated exhibitions. It facilitates Study Abroad, internships and professional interaction opportunities. Courses are taught by accomplished practicing designers and scholars. fitnyc.edu/academics/academic-divisions/art-and-design/ graphic-design/index.php
Full Sail University is an award-winning educational leader for those pursuing careers in entertainment media and emerging technologies. Founded in 1979, it currently provides degree programs for more than 21,000+ students and is the alma mater of 95,082+ graduates. Over its 40+ year history, Full Sail has received numerous accolades including being named a “School of the Year” by the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges, 2022-23. Full Sail offers accelerated on-campus and online degree programs in areas including Graphic Design, Media Design, and Digital Arts & Design. With over 880,000+ square feet of real-world media production facilities, students have the opportunity to learn using state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. Additionally, Full Sail graduate credits include work on Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, ADDY, and Video Game Awardnominated and winning projects. www.fullsail.edu
FAIRFAX VA
George Mason University’s School of Art is a collaborative academic and professional community focused on advancing creativity through traditional and new media applied to varying social contexts.
Embedded in a major liberal arts university rich in learning resources, the School of Art plays a vital role in the creative climate of the
institution and the region through the cross-disciplinary research it facilitates and the artwork it produces and exhibits. The School’s facilities engage an exceptional faculty of practicing artists, an active visiting artist program, and a diverse and intellectually curious graduate and undergraduate student body. Artistic skills and principles of creative practice in all visual media are grounded in a forward-thinking, adaptive curriculum. Faculty and students forge cross-disciplinary experimentation, challenging conventional thinking and blurring the lines between traditional artistic disciplines, indeed, between the arts and other humanities and sciences.
The School of Art educates artists and creative professionals to be responsible contributors to society, preparing them to be agents of change in an increasingly connected, complex, inclusive world. The School of Art offers such degrees as Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Master of Arts in Teaching, as well as certificates and minors. art.gmu.edu
The Graphic Design Department at Iowa State is situated in the College of Design, one of the most comprehensive institutions for art and design education, which leads to a strong multidisciplinary network of design thinking for our 300+ students. The department includes an undergraduate BFA in Graphic Design, a Masters in Experiential Graphic Design, and a Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. The curriculum emphasizes how to design through organization of visual and verbal information. Our concept-based approach can be applied to printed material, digital media, motion, and environmental graphics. Students learn to create designs based in a solid understanding of the history and fundamentals of graphic design. They hone their skills through elective studios in a variety of topics including UX design, 3D animation, digital media, motion graphics, exhibition design, packaging design, wayfinding, typography, publication design and branding. They enhance their education with internships or study abroad, including a semester in Italy with our Rome Program.
Our mission is to educate experiential communicators who enrich our ethical, social, cultural, and environmental future. We prepare students to be adept in the ever-evolving graphic design discipline in the creation of communication artifacts and systems that inform and inspire in environments. design.iastate.edu/academics/departments/graphic-design/
KANSAS CITY MO
KCAI is a college of art and design awarding the B.F.A. degree in 13 majors. We recruit top talent from across the country and equip them with a versatile skill set and the fearlessness to pursue their craft. KCAI’s Graphic Design department takes a
wide-ranging view of the possibilities for visual communication, introducing students to the principles of print, interaction, motion, environment, experience, information, and advocacy. Our approach to design problems can best be described as exploratory, systematic, and transmedia. We recognize the complexity of contemporary design and seek to foster critical and surprising responses through a rigorous process of research, thinking, form-making, and connection to various external communities. kcai.edu/graphic-design
KENNESAW GA
Graphic Communications is one of the largest programs in the School of Art and Design at Kennesaw State University. This vigorous, progressive program supports students in advancing their technical and creative skills, with visual literacy and technology serving as the foundation. Students embody competencies and relevance for a multicultural, global marketplace. The School of Art and Design (SOAAD) is accredited by NASAD and offers students challenging and exciting degrees, including the BFA in Art, a BFA in Digital Animation, and an MA in Art and Design. SOAAD and the City of Atlanta are a powerful combination providing educational and professional opportunities that launch careers into local and international creative industries. arts.kennesaw.edu/visual-arts
SCHOOL OF VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN
KENT OH
The primary mission of the School of Visual Communication Design is to provide a comprehensive and superior professional education in the study and practice of visual communication design that complements university study in the liberal arts, humanities and sciences. Uniquely positioned within the College of Communication and Information, the curriculum encourages cross-disciplinary studies to meet the challenges of an evolving marketplace. kent.edu/vcd
BALTIMORE MD
MICA envisions a just, sustainable, and joyful world activated and enriched by designers who are valued for their leadership and imagination. MICA officials state: “Our program empowers students to make the world they imagine through a sequence of required courses and broad-ranging electives. We see graphic design as a comprehensive activity of visual problem solving in commercial, social, public, and political spheres. Designers forge creative, purposeful lives and careers in a diverse and changing world. Graphic Design graduates shape culture, flourish through collab-
oration, embrace difference and champion equity, and invent through thoughtful disruption. Graphic Designers strive for excellence and rigor, act with intent and critical appraisal, and exemplify resilience, passion, and conviction.” mica.edu
Mercer University Department of Art & Design offers a comprehensive curriculum that encourages the investigation of contemporary directions in art, imaging, and visual communication, housed within a vibrant liberal arts program. By working in a wide range of print and interactive media, students develop cohesive portfolios appropriate for the pursuit of graduate studies or professional practice. Theory, methodology, and industry-standard technology are taught by award-winning faculty members to prepare students for success in this continually evolving field of study.
liberalarts.mercer.edu/academic-programs/majors-and-minors/ graphic-design/
Michigan State University, founded in 1855 as a pioneering landgrant institution, is one of the top research universities in the world — on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation — and is home to a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists, and leaders. Within the Department of Art, Art History, and Design, students in the BFA in Graphic Design Program are exposed to a series of experimental and intellectual exercises that prepare them for a wide range of professional careers in design. Notable alum, such as Katherine and Michael McCoy, Sam Landers, Doug Kisor, and Ellen Bruss, have made historic contributions to design history and continue to give back to our students in lasting and meaningful ways. Real-world experience is gained through internships, the client-initiated coursework of Design Center, and the AIGA student group. Inspiring lectures demonstrate the wide scope of the profession, as renowned designers are brought in as part of the annual Visiting Artist & Scholar Lecture Series. Past lecturers include Massimo Vignelli, Martin Venezky, Ben Fry, Nancy Skolos & Tom Wedell, James Victore, Andrew Blauvelt, Jim Sherraden, Stuart Bailey, Jan Wilker, Hans Allemann, and Karen Cheng.”Martin Venezky, Ben Fry, Nancy Skolos & Tom Wedell, James Victore, Andrew Blauvelt, Jim Sherraden, Stuart Bailey, Jan Wilker, Hans Allemann, and Karen Cheng. art.msu.edu
MILWAUKEE INSTITUTE OF ART AND DESIGN (MIAD)
MILWAUKEE WI
The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) is Wisconsin’s only four-year, private college of visual art and design, offering
BFA degrees in Communication Design, Illustration, Product De-sign, Fashion and Apparel Design, Interior Architecture and De-sign and Fine Arts (New Studio Practice). Throughout MIAD’s Communication Design program – closely tied to its award-win-ning Illustration program – students have the opportunity to work with professional clients in the classroom and through the MIAD Innovation Center. Communication Design students at MIAD cre-ate innovative and thoughtfully crafted work across a variety of mediums and experiences including motion/animation, packag-ing, traditional print, experiential, environmental, UX/UI, publi-cation, screen printing, letterpress and risograph printing, art direction, book art, copywriting, and much more. MIAD CD stu-dents also intern at leading advertising and design firms and in corporate and small business settings. Upon graduation, MIAD CD alumni fill important positions in the design field, sharing their voice, vision, and skill at major multinational corporations, marketing and communications firms and non profits across the US. www.miad.edu/communication-design
The Modern College of Design is a nationally recognized design collegeinOhio.TheModerntransformsstudentspassionateabout art, design, photography, and technology into exceptional design-ers and future leaders in design. The Modern's unique residential and online programs provide an innovative education in design, marketing, business, and leadership, and students complete in-ternships and co-ops at agencies across the country. Modern stu-dents are creative problem solvers and are recognized nationally for their work. Faculty are industry experts and provide one-on-one education and mentorship. Alumni have access to The Mod-ern's vast network of employers and work for some of the world's leading brands, including Apple, Nike, and Disney. themodern.edu
Parsons School of Design at The New School is one of the leading institutions for art and design education in the world. Based in New York but active around the world, the school offers under-graduate and graduate programs in the full spectrum of art and design disciplines, as well as online courses, degree and certifi-cate programs. Critical thinking and collaboration are at the heart of a Parsons education. Parsons graduates are leaders in their re-spective fields, with a shared commitment to creatively and criti-cally addressing the complexities of life in the 21st century. The Communication Design BFA is the oldest undergraduate program of its kind in the United States. In this major, students learn the theory and craft needed to combine words, images, and ideas to vi-sually transmit information and project human experiences in print, on screen, or in space. newschool.edu/parsons/
The Graphic and Experience Design Program at NC State University’s College of Design blends user experience and user interface design (UX/UI) with traditional graphic design practices like branding, typography, service design, and exhibition design.
Through project-based assignments, graphic & experience design students acquire strong formal and conceptual skills framed by a human-centered approach. Students progress to advanced studios that enable in-depth exploration of special topics such as data visualization, branding, accessible design, and artificial intelligence. The NC State Graphic & Experience Design (GXD) program is consistently recognized as one of the top NASAD-accredited design programs in the country. Students are embedded in a College of Design which allows them to thrive in a creative culture alongside fellow graphic & experience designers, industrial designers, landscape architects and architects. design.ncsu.edu
The Ohio State University’s design undergraduate offerings fall into three major programs, each leading to the Bachelor of Science in Design (BSD) degree: Industrial Design, Interior Design, and Visual Communication Design. The Visual Communication Design program was recently ranked third among the 25 best bachelor’s degree programs for 2022 by CollegeRank. Our undergraduate degree programs provide comprehensive, professional training in the design disciplines, while also emphasizing collaboration between each of the areas of study. Students develop projects that demonstrate their abilities to create solutions that meet or exceed professional expectations. The Department of Design also offers two complementary design-led and research-oriented areas of emphasis in Design Research and Development or Digital Animation and Interactive Media, both leading to the Master of
Fine Arts (MFA) degree. Ohio State is the highest-ranked public university in Ohio and ranked in the top 50 of US universities. design.osu.edu
LANCASTER PA
COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN
At Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, we are makers and dreamers, designers, and entrepreneurs. Here students learn to make creativity their careers. Located in the heart of Lancaster city’s thriving arts community, inspiration is found around every corner. As a micro-college, it's the personal attention and guidance from our faculty of working artists, coupled with internships and hands-on experiences, that set us apart. A hallmark of our Graphic Design program is our annual Designathon event, a day-long push of brainstorming, designing, refining, production, and presentations, as students and faculty create free marketing materials — logos, websites, brochures, and branding — for local nonprofits. This deadline-driven adrenaline-filled experience prepares students well for their futures as they learn to design under pressure. pcad.edu/degrees/graphic-design
Portland State Graphic Design equips students to conquer creative challenges with a breadth of technical and artistic skills. Our program prepares students to be exploratory, experimental, collaborative graphic designers who can thrive in today’s world.
The faculty in the design program at Portland State University are active makers as well as educators. Through their efforts and connections, Portland State’s graphic design students become part of the larger design community while they are still in school.
We empower students to trust their creative impulses, embrace their interests, and direct their own learning experiences. Individualization of projects and self-authorship are encouraged and in turn create powerful creative workers who trust their choices.
We offer students myriad opportunities to make work for the real world. Many of our classes pair students with clients — small businesses, non-profits, cultural institutions — to give students the experience of solving design challenges that will have real, tangible impact.
We work to connect our students to the design community within Portland, and beyond. Through PSUGD’s facilitation of visiting designer lectures, field trips, in-class demos, portfolio days, and internship opportunities, our students become integrated members of a global community of makers. psu.gd
Founded in 1887, Pratt Institute is a global leader in higher education dedicated to preparing undergraduate and graduate students for successful careers in art, design, architecture, information, and liberal arts and sciences. Located in a cultural hub, with historic campuses in Brooklyn and Manhattan, Pratt is a living lab of craft and creativity with an esteemed faculty of accomplished professionals and scholars. The Undergraduate Communications Design department offers concentrations in illustration, advertising art direction, and graphic design, and teaches students to craft the strongest and most impactful communications possible by being creative problem solvers and elegant image-makers. Pratt’s Graduate Communications Design department educates graphic and package designers and offers an MFA in communications design and MS in package design degree programs. Both programs provide students with the opportunity to develop and refine their design process, design voice, and creative skills, preparing them for leadership positions in their field. www.pratt.edu
Within the intimate and supportive atmosphere of our upstate campus, the Graphic Design program at Pratt Munson stands out as a transformative learning experience. Here, students acquire the essential skills to visually communicate ideas, explore cutting-edge tools, and shape perspectives within a dynamic and interconnected culture. The faculty, committed to fostering ambitious ideas, ensures a robust foundation in traditional practices while offering guidance and support.
Our multidisciplinary approach to Graphic Design encompasses coursework in visual communication, typography, design procedures, and illustration. Through simulated professional projects, students gain hands-on experience in preparing artwork for publication, emphasizing real-world relevance. Pratt Munson priori-
tizes a supportive environment where world-class faculty provide personalized guidance and feedback, fostering a sense of community and creativity. Join us at Pratt Munson to embark on a journey that combines the prestige of Pratt Institute with the intimacy and affordability of our upstate campus. www.prattmunson.edu
Graphic Design at RISD provides a comprehensive education that pushes on the boundaries of the discipline. Students learn how to communicate ideas visually, play with the tools of the field, frame points of view and messages, build community and embrace a fluid, networked culture. Faculty support these explorations and encourage ambitious ideas along with a mastery of traditional practices. risd.edu/academics/graphic-design
Since 1931, Ringling College of Art and Design has cultivated the creative spirit in students from around the globe. The College and its 1,400 students benefit from an award-winning faculty, cuttingedge technology, and a supportive creative community. The rigorous curriculum employs the studio model of teaching and immediately engages students through a comprehensive, first-year program that is both specific to the major of study and focused on the liberal arts. The Ringling College teaching model ultimately shapes students into highly employable and globally aware artists and designers. ringling.edu
SCAD is a private, nonprofit, accredited university, offering more than 100 graduate and undergraduate degree programs across locations in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia; Lacoste, France; and online via SCADnow. The innovative SCAD graphic design curriculum is rooted in creative processes, problem-solving methodologies, and visualization concepts designed to connect users to brands. Each year, SCAD graphic design students earn illustrious accolades, including Applied Arts Student Awards, GDUSA, and International Design Awards. In 2021 and 2022, SCAD was named No. 1 in the U.S. in Art & Object’s Best Art Schools ranking. Career success is woven into every fiber of the university, resulting in a superior alumni employment rate. For the past four years, 99% of SCAD graduates were employed, pursuing further education, or both within 10 months of graduation. Through SCADpro, the university’s in-house design studio, students join forces with luminaries of design, draw inspiration, and form lasting connections with industry powerhouses. The combination of advanced instruction and
unrivaled portfolio-building opportunities leads to elite internships and careers with iconic companies such as Apple and IBM. scad.edu
For more than 155 years, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has been a leader in educating the world’s most influential artists, designers, and scholars. Located in downtown Chicago with a fine arts graduate program ranked number two in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, SAIC provides an interdisciplinary approach to art and design as well as world-class resources, including the Art Institute of Chicago museum, on-campus galleries, and state-of-the-art facilities. SAIC’s undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate students have the freedom to take risks and create the bold ideas that transform Chicago and the world, and adults, teens, and kids in our Continuing Studies classes can explore their creative sides, build portfolios, and advance their skills. Notable alumni and faculty include Georgia O’Keeffe, Nick Cave, David Sedaris, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Cynthia Rowley, Michelle Grabner, Richard Hunt, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, and Jeff Koons. saic.edu
SVA has been a leader in the education of artists, designers, and creative professionals for seven decades. With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, a dynamic curriculum, and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility. Comprising 7,000 students at its Manhattan campus and more than 40,000 alumni in 128 countries, SVA also represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world. Our Design program focuses on teaching visual communication problem-solving. In addition to a distinguished faculty, we offer a wide range of course options tailored to each student’s strengths and needs. We achieve this by offering more studio courses than any institution in the world. Our Advertising program is a soup-to-nuts proposition: we ground students in the basics — typography, digital production, 3D design, motion graphics, and graphic design while broadening their visual literacy and sharpening their voice. Many of SVA’s advertising classes are held right at the agencies of faculty members, where students can mingle with executives, media planners, and copywriters. sva.edu
Sessions College for Professional Design is a fully online school of visual arts offering a range of degree programs and certificate programs in Graphic Design, Web Design, Digital Media, Illustration, Advertising Design, Digital Photography and Fine Arts. The Sessions College Associate and Bachelor’s degree programs in
Graphic Design offer an accessible, affordable path for students seeking to enter careers in print and interactive visual communication. Designed for high school graduates and adult learners, the programs offer a powerful foundation in visual design and a working knowledge of contemporary design practices and media. Talented, passionate experts teach the artistic, digital, and critical thinking skills required by dynamic creative fields. sessions.edu
Shillington is the Original Graphic Design Bootcamp, with courses in New York, London, Sydney, Melbourne and Online. Since 1997, we have been helping students reach their creative potential and completely transform their lives. With full-time and part-time options — three months and nine months respectively — our course is designed to accelerate your learning, inspire you creatively and give you the practical skills and all-important portfolio to launch your creative career. Students are taught real and relevant industry skills — from design theory, typography and packaging to mobile app design and user experience (UX) — by skilled and passionate designers. No experience required. To help prepare them for the industry, students are treated like a designer from day one. Our classrooms mimic a studio environment with real world briefs, realistic deadlines, constructive feedback, and mentorship. Shillington is the best way to learn graphic design and transform your life. shillingtoneducation.com/us
Founded in 2002, the Graphic Design program at Susquehanna University has spent two decades training and developing some of the nation’s top designers. The foundation of the program is simple—process and concept are king. Hard work is the reality, talent is the illusion. See everything. Solve the problem. Give a damn. These ideals fuel a community of designers that are changing the landscape of design every day through deadlinedriven real word projects with the goal of creating competitive, industry ready portfolios. The School of the Arts’ award winning, nationally known graphic design program offers two degree options; the BFA for those looking for a career in the creative and fast-paced world of graphic design or advertising and the BA for
those wishing to augment their first-choice major with professional design skills. Students will graduate with in demand skills, the industry knowledge that employers seek, and a widespread and supportive alumni network working professionally for some of the top agencies and companies throughout the country. Pairing true artistry with professionalism, doors open to thrilling creative opportunities and a career that’s durable, exciting, and satisfying. https://susqu.design
SYRACUSE NY
The Visual Communications department at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University embraces emerging and traditional forms of visual storytelling. Its design program emphasizes strategy, problem solving and human-centered design to create smart, compelling, innovative solutions in print and pixels, including motion, UI/UX, augmented reality, virtual reality, brand identity, product packaging, typography, and publication design. The Visual Communications department values designing for social good, cross-media partnerships, workshops, and collaboration. We encourage students to let their passions drive their focus and academic path and are proud to support and foster the individuality of its students and their unique voices and vision. Graduates of the design program have gone on to work at places such as IDEO, Google, Adobe, IBM, Facebook, Amazon, Mapbox, Washington Post, Sports Illustrated, National Geographic Magazine, Herman Miller, Trip Advisor, Near East Foundation, U.S. State Department, and their own businesses. The program offers both a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design and a Master of Science in Multimedia, Photography, and Design degrees. newhouse.syr.edu
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DESIGN
SYRACUSE NY
The School of Design is an inquisitive community of students and faculty that addresses firsthand the issues of the world around it. State school officials: “We take pride in our professionally oriented programs, many of which have a long history at Syracuse University. Concern for sustainable design practices, social issues, and excellence in professional practice forms the core of our programs.” The School of Design’s first-year experience is a prerequisite, providing a design-studio-based education focused on the fundamental elements of the design disciplines. Students learn basic visualization and making skills as well as an ability to apply iterative thought and action processes to a given problem. In addition, students receive a focused introduction to the ethical and philosophical grounding of each of the design professions. School of Design faculty are active professionals dedicated to ensuring that students reach their potential and provide one-onone instruction in studio classes. The School maintains a special relationship with the Syracuse community through the activities
of various student groups (including chapters of professional design organizations) who work on projects with not-for-profit agencies as well as funded research design collaborations. vpa.syr.edu/academics/design
The Communication Design Program is one of the largest public programs in the country and is one of the best in the Southwest United States. The program’s curriculum is oriented around the preparation of a superior portfolio with a focus on enabling students to become excellent critical thinkers, fearless makers, and effective communicators as they enter the professional field of communication design. Courses in interactive design, typography, art direction, corporate identity, sustainable packaging, brand experience, human-centered design, environmental graphics, and design research prepare the student for professional practice. Students may further their education with independent study courses, job shadowing, and professional internships. Communication Design students have received recognition in numerous prestigious design journals by having their work published in Communication Arts, CMYK, Step Inside Design, Graphis New Talent Annual, LogoLounge, and PRINT. Students have also received recognition in national, regional, and local competitions such as: The One Show, American Advertising Federation Awards, AIGA Flux, The National Show, Creative Summit, Art Director's Club of Houston, Austin Addy Awards, and San Antonio Addy Awards. finearts.txst.edu/Art
PHILADELPHIA PA
The Visual Communication Design program at Thomas Jefferson University emphasizes the role of design as a vital cultural, social, economic, political, and environmental force in society. Rooted in the universal principles of design that shape our world and the human experience, graduates learn to make and think critically to identify and solve a wide variety of modern problems.
Every student in the program learns the foundations of visual aesthetics, design research, the creative process, and a variety of tools and technology. Students can extend this core knowledge to either the Graphic Design Communication or Web Design & Development specialization to find their unique place within the ever-changing and expanding design profession.
By fostering curiosity, faculty empower students to develop individual points of view and equip them to investigate and tackle the complex challenges of our profession and the world. We provide students with opportunities to explore a range of techniques and applications, to collaborate with peers and faculty from other programs, to work on industry projects, and to engage with the professional design community. Jefferson.edu/BSVisualCommunicationDesign
The BFA in Graphic Design program at The University of Alabama (UA) resides in the department of art and art history in the College of Arts and Sciences. UA’s graphic design program is NASAD accredited and prepares students to be technically versed, critical thinkers who create forms of visual communication that are dynamic, and functional, and address the design goals of the contemporary world. The program offers courses on package design, publication design, brand and visual identity, illustration, video art and animation, UX/UI, typography, production, and more. Throughout the curriculum, students gain real-world experience with internships and classroom collaborations with businesses and organizations, have access to stateof-the-art technology and equipment, and finish with a competitive professional portfolio upon graduation. art.ua.edu/degree-programs/graphic-design/
The UCLA Department of Design | Media Arts (DMA) offers a multidisciplinary education that fosters individual thinking, encourages experimentation, and works with students to develop truly contemporary practices. Those practices can include typography, graphic design, branding, digital fabrication and printing, photography and video, video games and 3D modeling, virtual and augmented reality, art+science, social and environmental practice, public arts, media archeology and theory, creative coding, interaction, electronics and interface design. DMA’s renowned faculty is committed to educating conscientious designers and media artists, and our community strives to create socially and culturally relevant objects, experiences, and spaces. We make our work public in galleries and laboratories, as social media, on large screens, smart phones and game consoles, in media installations, performances and public spaces, as websites, posters, books and magazines. The department offers a
BA in design media arts and an MFA in media arts. arts.ucla.edu
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA (UCO)
SCHOOL OF DESIGN EDMOND OK
The School of Design at UCO places student-centered excellence at the program’s core. This philosophy and practice are captured in a quote by former design student Emily Falls, “When I joined the School of Design, I knew virtually nothing about design. Now, three years later, I have found my calling as a designer, and I am proud of my work and accomplishments. There are plenty of challenges in the School of Design, and it is wildly rewarding in the end. The School of Design has shaped me into the person I am today, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.” At the UCO School of Design, students learn to be change-makers and social innovators while engaged in real-world work experience outside the typical design classroom. The School of Design is deeply committed to the university mission, which states we exist to help students learn by providing transformative education experiences so that they may become productive, creative, ethical, and engaged citizens and leaders serving our global community.”
uco.edu/cfad/academics/design
At the University of Cincinnati, communication design students receive a foundation in visual problem solving. The core of the curriculum is a series of sequential design studios. These courses help students develop critical and visual thinking along with essential design processes. Students also have opportunities to further develop in the specific areas of graphic design, interaction design and motion design. Students reinforce their skills in the field through several co-ops.
Professional communication designers build careers wherever communication is important. Designers often work for design firms, internal design teams, or as independent freelancers. They have career opportunities in branding and corporate identity, digital product design, exhibit design, interface design, motion graphics, package design, service design, user experience design, and web design. Today's designers may be found working in the health-
care system improving health, or for governments and NGOs impacting society.
daap.uc.edu/academic-programs/school-of-design/ communication-design.html
HARTFORD CT
At the Hartford Art School, students build the skills that will enable them to successfully enter the professional world. The School offers eight studio majors leading to the BFA — including in Visual Communication Design — a BA program in Art History, and three MFA programs. Students have the best of both worlds, pursuing rigorous studio-based disciplines with a liberal arts university environment. Visual communication design students learn how to design static and interactive work, which can include motion graphics, product packaging, and advertising pieces. The program encompasses all visual languages used to communicate, and classes on design theory, methods, and history align with practical work with real clients by senior year. Designers in this program are able to think critically about how to tell a story using design elements rather than words, and to consider not only how work looks, but also about how people will interact with it. hartford.edu/academics/schools-colleges/art/default.aspx
CHICAGO IL
The School of Design at the University of Illinois Chicago is an established leader in design education. Grounded in studio culture and deeply involved with the human experience, UIC Design programs are organized to reflect and to advance developments in the field. Led by a faculty of renowned professional designers who are thoroughly committed to teaching, UIC Design students are introduced to contexts of culture and meaning as they develop the formal, conceptual, and technical skills necessary to confidently enter a professional setting.
Students at the UIC School of Design learn formal design principles, and they acquire the skills necessary to engage these principles in practice. At the undergraduate level, students are immersed in the aesthetics, mechanics, and systems of typography, while also developing skills in motion literacy, user-interface, and webbased design. At the graduate level, students engage in projectoriented activities that foster analytical competence in research, writing, design history, and image theory, cumulating in a public exhibition of the master’s research paper and project.We take great pride in the fact that many ideas initiated in UIC Design classrooms expand beyond the university to bring about positive change in the world. Design is city-centric, and Chicago is a global design center. Through engagement with industry partners, national design associations, employment in professional internships, and critical exposure to design practices and exhibitions, our students
become active in the real world of design as they pursue their professional design degrees. design.uic.edu/
The University of North Texas, College of Visual Arts, offers a purpose-built curriculum that provides rigorous Communication Design education. Freshmen are required to take the College’s art foundation curriculum, which introduces visual problem-solving and critical-thinking strategies by incorporating and studying culture, history, and practices of various art and design forms across disciplines.
Admission to our Graphic Design track has a two-part process. At the end of the fall semester, there is a candidacy review to admit freshmen into the first of our ComDes courses. This review is a portfolio-based submission along with a design-thinking exercise. This work is reviewed and scored by the entire Communication Design faculty at the end of the freshman spring semester and the first ComDes course. There is a second portfolio review to admit selected students into the Graphic Design track of the Communication Design program. Projects from this course are reviewed and ranked, and those who rank the highest are officially accepted into the program. We are looking for students who are imaginative and curious, and whom we believe are capable of intellectually maturing. Most importantly, students are required to demonstrate that they are willing and able to engage in conceptual development and critical thinking to succeed in our program. Graduates from UNT’s Communication Design program have earned jobs at respected design firms, ad agencies, and in-house design studios throughout the country. cvad.unt.edu
USC Roski School of Art and Design has a noteworthy history as a supportive environment for talented students to explore creativity, experimentation, and collaboration with renowned faculty. Roski’s graduate programs are housed in a new state-ofthe-art facility in the Los Angeles Arts District — a vibrant art and design community. The MFA Design program particularly instills a critical understanding of the issues, theories, and ideas that are relevant to contemporary design. Roski’s open approach offers myriad opportunities for inter-disciplinary research and collaboration across the 18 professional schools at USC, a leading research institution. This gives Roski design students the extraordinary ability to integrate countless relevant pathways to shape their contemporary design practice. Roski’s faculty is a diverse group of internationally recognized artists, designers, and scholars dedicated to their students and their professional work. Small classes ensure a close, personal instruction with abundant
access to the faculty. Additionally, students interact with visiting designers in lectures, classes, and portfolio reviews through the Visiting Designer and Designer-in-Residence forums. roski.usc.edu
Established in 1910 the University of Southern Mississippi is a tier one research institution that has provided a quality education in visual arts for 110 years. As 1 of only 39 institutions in the nation accredited in all major art forms it is considered the flagship university for the arts in the state of Mississippi. The graphic design program has a rich history dating back to 1946 and has produced distinguished alums which include an AIGA Medalist, and numerous design industry leaders. The design program continues to develop this rich tradition of success which can be seen through our students’ award-winning work that has garnered over 300 awards in the past 5 years. Our BFA curriculum focuses on visual literacy; development of conceptual, aesthetic, and visual skills; and creative problem solving. In addition to traditional course work students can experience design in one of 2 student lead agencies: Rise Creative, and SPVA Design and Marketing. Our students also enjoy a rich culture and active community within our program with large, active student organizations that travel to design conferences, portfolio reviews and competitions. usm.edu/performing-visual-arts/index.php
The School of Design, situated within the College of Architecture and Design at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. The BFA in Graphic Design is a four-year program that provides an undergraduate education stressing creative and intellectual thinking, diverse problem-solving, innovative investigations, and creative research in all forms of communication. Beginning with a Design-Centered Foundations program, students start from Day 1 looking at the world through the lens of design. Small faculty-tostudent ratios in a studio setting create a dynamic and creative environment in which to learn. After students pass portfolio review, they have access to a collaborative design studio. This space houses amenities any designer needs, like a small library, an individual desk, and access to a full graphic design print production lab- and to which students have 24/7 access.
The College of Architecture and Design is committed to staying on the leading edge of technology and innovation. Resources available to our students and faculty include the Digital Futures Lab, an AR/VR/XR design studio and the Fab Lab, an expansive 22,000 sq ft. production facility equipped with an array of analog and digital fabrication tools. These facilities also include a Robotics Lab dedicated to design automation. In addition, the
School of Design students have support for national and international student field trips and course instruction. archdesign.utk.edu/schools/school-of-design/
The School of Design and Creative Technologies (SDCT) at The University of Texas at Austin aims to produce diverse, creative students who are the best technical creators, designers, and problem solvers with exceptional job opportunities. SDCT comprises two academic departments: the Department of Arts and Entertainment Technologies (AET) and the Department of Design. The Department of Design empowers students with a multi-faceted educational experience that poises graduates for careers in the design profession, professions with a design component or a strategic focus, and entrepreneurial endeavors. In addition to a BFA and BA in Design, the department offers an MFA in Design and an MA in Design focused on Health, a first-of-its-kind program equipping a new generation to be change agents in healthcare using design methodologies and practices. designcreativetech.utexas.edu
University of the Arts’ mission is simple: to advance human creativity. Established in 1876, UArts believes creativity is the most essential skill for success today and has educated generations of groundbreaking artists, performers, designers, and creative leaders for more than 141 years. It now features 30 undergraduate arts majors, 15 graduate programs and the nation’s first PhD program in Creativity. The Graphic Design Program provides critical thinking and core design competencies together with a wide range of technological approaches and prepares graduates for careers in fields ranging from publication design to motion graphics to branding and more. We turn out powerful thinkers who are sophisticated typographers and versatile designers. Our students collaborate with other programs at the University and with Philadelphia designers, artists, and organizations, and experiment with the tools and technologies available in the University’s new Makerspace and Center for Immersive Media. UArts graphic design students obtain real-world experience through internships and become fluent in many areas of practice, then lean towards areas of expertise. This combination of versatility and specificity serves them well as they step out into the post-grad job market; many begin working as professionals at local design firms during their junior and senior years. www.uarts.edu
MONTPELIER VT
The MFA in Graphic Design at Vermont College of Fine Arts is a truly original low-residency program built around students’ particular interests, values, and goals. Students and faculty continuously rethink graphic design by considering the role of design in the larger culture, the relationships between designers and their work, and the nature of education in design. Both the twoyear and three-year tracks combine two on-campus residencies per year with six-month semesters of faculty mentorship and independent study. Students, faculty, and guest designers take part in a 9-day residency to begin each semester. They then return home and work from an individually crafted study plan with a faculty advisor for the remainder of each semester. Graduates emerge with new research methods, critical expertise, a supportive international network, and a body of design work that is personal and relevant to the next stage in their design careers and creative lives. vcfa.edu/graphic-design
Virginia Tech takes a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to prepare students to be leaders and problem-solvers. As a leading research institution, Virginia Tech offers about 280 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 34,000 students. Through experiential learning, future-focused research, and inclusive, spirited culture, the institution strives to accomplish the charge of its motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). The Graphic Design program prepares students for a career in design by focusing on conceptual thinking, user experience, and problem-solving tactics, while also developing aesthetic abilities. The program demands individual creativity, teamwork, and adaptability, and will prepare students to enter the job market with practical experience and a professionally reviewed portfolio. Graduates work in app design, motion design, product and packaging design, web and interaction design, advertising, and other related fields. sova.vt.edu
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS
SAM FOX SCHOOL OF DESIGN AND VISUAL ARTS
ST. LOUIS MO
The Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts is a leader in architecture, art, and design education. We advance our fields through innovative research and creative practice, excellence in teaching, a world-class university art museum, and a deep commitment to addressing the social and environmental challenges of our time. We offer 15 unique degree programs, supplemented by several creative research centers and resources, including the Office for Socially Engaged Practice, Island Press, and the D.B. Dowd Modern Graphic History Library, featuring a comprehensive archival collection of periodical illustration. Undergraduates in design may pursue a BFA or a BA as well as second majors and minors in diverse academic fields. Students are free to explore drawing, typography, graphic design, illustration, book arts, and
interaction design (and everywhere in between). The MFA in Illustration & Visual Culture (MFA-IVC) program combines studio practice in illustration and writing with the study of visual and material culture. With a focus on illustrator authorship, this twoyear, fully residential program is made for illustrators, comic artists, and designers interested in popular visual matter. samfoxschool.wustl.edu/academics/college-of-art
Woodbury University’s Graphic Design Program is housed in the School of Media : Culture : Design and grants a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design. The program holds accreditations from NASAD, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design as well as WSCUC, Senior College & University Commission. The Graphic Design program has been recognized among the top thirty design programs nationwide during the last eight years. Located in Burbank, California and recognized for its high-quality education, it has provided unique opportunities for Graphic Design students to take internships in major entertainment, marketing, and interaction design companies and studios. These opportunities have led GD graduates to start their professional careers within a few months after graduation. GD students consistently win international and national design awards, and have achieved recognition in entertainment design, web design, advertising design, package design, identity design and environmental graphics. Program coursework includes studies of traditional and experimental typography, levels of web, app, UX and interaction designs, levels of graphics and information design, Packaging design, Environmental design, Entertainment design, Experimental Design, Motion Graphics, Professional Practice, Senior Portfolio Presentation, and Senior Thesis Project.
Founded in 1884, Woodbury University is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Southern California. The university offers bachelor's degrees from the School of Architecture, School of Business, School of Media : Culture : Design, and College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, along with a number of graduate studies in Business and Architecture. woodbury.edu
Our 61st anniversary showcase stands among the largest. Nearly 300 winning projects and campaigns from talented design firms, agencies, departments and institutions, selected from many times the entries. Why is package design so alive and in ferment? As we noted in our February 2024 People To Watch edition – it can be read in tandem with this issue – makers, marketers and sellers are challenged as never before to convey the message, tell the story, advance the brand, amplify the experience, make the sale. We celebrate beauty, of course, but more importantly, the power of effective and strategic design to forge a connection at the moment of truth before, during and after the sale.
AARP
APPLIED
ASURION
BEHR COLOR+CREATIVE
BENITEZ DESIGN
BETTER BOTANICS
BIG EASY FOODS
BIONDO GROUP
BLIND TIGER DESIGN BODNAR
DESIGN
BONAVITA
COSTCO
CURIO
DELL
Design Firm: Biondo Group Client: Manitoba Harvest/Tilray Brands
Title: Manitoba Harvest Super Seed Oatmeal Creative Director: Charles Biondo
Art Director: Margaret Russell Designer: Kevin Lenehan
Design Firm: Blindtiger Design Client: Boneyard Ultrapop
Title: Boneyard Ultrapop Can Series Creative Director: Harvey Shepard
Art Director: Chad Gowey Designer: Ben Hose
Design Firm: Boxer Brand Design Client: McDonald’s Title: 2023 McCafé
Holiday Cups Creative Director: Diana Samper Designer: Ross Knezovich
Senior Production Artist: Meg Meyers Senior Account Director: Lisa Burgess
Account Supervisor: Brian Torbik
Design Firm: CBX Client: Libby’s Title: Libby's Fruits Packaging Redesign
Creative Director: Audra Nebolini Design Director: Tim Bayon
Design Manager: Mikki Beymer
Design Firm: FoodStory Brands Client: Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Frozen Pizza Creative Director: Dina Osinski Art Director: Greg Reed Designer: Greg Reed Creative: Marti
Zabell, Kirsty Cooper, Anthony DelGrego Editorial: Emilie Cruz Business: Emma Tolkin, Nicole Landau, Jordan Jedeikin, Michelle Gomez, Jenny Robinson
Design Firm: Invōk Brands Client: Ocean Brands Title: Ocean Brands Tuna Pouches Creative Director: Tim McLaughlin Designer: Carolina Blomberg
Production Art: Tom Masters Illustration: Lulu Dubreuil Illustration Representative: Mendola Artist Reps
Design Firm: MarketPlace Branding Title: Ronzoni Packaging Redesign
Creative Director: Shelby White Executive Director, Strategy: Nicole Hill
Associate Creative Director: Kim Velten Sr. Brand Strategist: Jake Klinghammer Sr. Production Designer: Mark Quevreaux Account Manager: Torie Jasper
3D Artist: Jon Lutjens Packaging Renderings: Elliott Krejci Photographer: Jennifer Silverberg
Design Firm: Jess Glebe Design Title: Haus of Biscotti Packaging Creative Director: Jess Glebe Designer: Jess Glebe Copywriter: Caitlin Riley
Design Firm: Marks Design Agency Client: Topco Member Stores Title: Culinary Tours Charcuterie Specialty Tray
Design Firm: Primary 360, a CloudMellow Company Client: Graystone Limited,LLC Title:
Design Firm: QNY Creative Client: Pomi USA Title: Pomi US Packaging Adaptation Creative Director: Ezio Burani Art Director: Ana Camero
3D Designer: Ilya Volgin Brand Strategy: Anna Urban
Design Firm: Roland Foods Title: Flavored Quinoa & Israeli Couscous Packaging
Design Creative Director: Eling Lee Designer: Julie Dernigoghossian Illustrator: Sandra Neuditschko
Photographer: Brian Yates Content Creator: Matthew Ogutu Producer: Mari Bligh Senior Project Manager: Catie Drummond
Design Firm: Bonterra Organic Estates Inhouse Creative Client: Kroger Retail Title: Augment Package Redesign Creative Director: AAron Woolsey Print Production Designer: Laura Kerbyson
Design Firm: Diversionary Tactic, Inc. Client: Dolum Estates Title: Dolum Estates California Series Release Creative Director: Tre Stange Art Director: Tre Stange Designer: Tre Stange
Design Firm: CF Napa Brand Design Client: Oak House Distillery Title: Robert’s No.1 American Dry Gin Package Design
Design Firm: Doubleknot Creative Client: Foley Family Wines Title: Chateau St. Jean Rebrand and Packaging Creative Director: Jim Craig Designer: Aaron Grable Strategy & Copywriting: Zak Menkel Account Executive: Eloise O’Loane
Design Firm: Doubleknot Creative Client: Foley Family Wines Title: Revelee
Wine Package Creative Director: Jim Craig Art Director: Vanessa Garbini
Brand Strategy: Zak Menkel
Design Firm: Doubleknot Creative Client: Terlato Wine Group Title: Paso-D’Oro Branding & Packaging Refresh Creative Director: Jim Craig Art Director: Aaron Grable Designer: Carrie Fergusson
Design Firm: Elmwood Client: Heineken Title: Old Mout Executive Creative Director: Kyle Whybrow Account Director: Amy Elliot Senior Account Manager: Hannah Griffiths Design Director: Tim Wood
Design Director: Paolo Orazietti
Design Firm: Equator Design Client: Molson Coors Title: Miller Lite -
Combs Cans and Cartons Creative Director: Aaron Funke Designers: Vincci Fung, Adam Gerstner
Design Firm: FORCEpkg Client: Mox Nix Investment Club Title: Mox Nix Rum Label Creative Director: Tom Newmaster Art Director: Brian Harper Designer: Lisa DeAngelo
Design Firm: Funky Buddha Brewery Title: Funky Buddha Single Barrel Series Designer: Andres Rios Photography: Mitch Wilkison
Design Firm: Jingyuan Huang Title: Tipsy Branding and Packaging Creative Director: Jingyuan Huang Art Director: Andrew Walters Designer: Elva Huang
Design Firm: Lauren Spradlin Design Title: Itsy Bitsy Mocktail & Cocktail Kits Designer: Lauren Spradlin School: Savannah College of Art & Design
Design Firm: RRD Client: Heaven Hill Distilleries Title: Elijah Craig Ryder Cup 2023 Limited Edition Folding Carton Additional Credits: RRD Packaging Design and Engineering
Design Firm: RRD Client: Nipyata! Title: Nipyata! Drinkable Greeting Cards Additional Credits: RRD Packaging Design and Engineering
Design Firm: Andon Guenther Design LLC Client: The Luck Company LLC Title: Luck Beauty Brand Identity & Packaging Creative Director: C. Andon Guenther Art Director: C. Andon Guenther Designer: C. Andon Guenther Account Manager: Ian Macdonald Senior Market Strategist: Rosa Willems
Design Firm: Design B&B Client: Kimberly-Clark Title: Kleenex and National Park Foundation Limited Edition Earth Day Packaging Creative Director: Cleo Ledet Art Director: Robin Beattie Designers: Jenna Zelkowski, Sammy Smith, Ellie Schwartz
Design Firm: Brandettes Client: Omnilux Title: Omnilux Mini Device and Packaging Design Creative Director: Lindsay Sullivan Designer: Lindsay Sullivan Founder, Brandettes:
Design Firm: COHO Creative Client: Perrigo Title: Plackers Full Line Creative Director: Jon Shapiro Art Director: Jen Register Designers: Kate Raterman, Jennifer Vorhees, Finn Schlottman, Kylie Meiser, Monica
Senior
Design Firm: SmashBrand Client: Absorption Pharmaceuticals LLC Title: Promescent Redesign Designer: Matthew Beverly
Design Firm: The Creative Pack Client: Blair & Jack Title: Blair & Jack Skincare Gift Box Shipper Creative Director: Danielle Kidney Designer: Casey Chui Brand Identity: August Strategy
Design Firm: AARP Brand Creative Services Title: AARP Get Fit Box Creative Director: Michelle Moser Art Director: Matt Rosser Designer: Matt Rosser
Design Firm: Andon Guenther Design LLC Client: Dymatize - Premier Nutrition Company, LLC Title: Dymatize ISO100 - Dunkin Glazed Donut Flavor - Packaging and Influencer KitCreative Director: C. Andon Guenther Art Director: C. Andon Guenther Designer: C. Andon Guenther Account Manager: Ian Macdonald Senior Market Strategist: Rosa Willems
Design Firm: Andon Guenther Design LLC Client: Dymatize - Premier Nutrition Company, LLC Title: Dymatize - Energyze Pre-Workout Powder Packaging Creative Director: C. Andon Guenther Art Director: C. Andon Guenther Designer: C. Andon Guenther Account Manager: Ian Macdonald Senior Market Strategist: Rosa Willems
Design Firm: COHO Creative Client: Kimberly-Clark EMEA Title: Kotex Period Underwear Creative Director: Monica Alexander Art Director: Monica Campbell Designers: Chris Combs, Kate Raterman Realization Designers: Shonda Lee, Tim Kron Senior Designer Rendering Development: Kevin Bova Strategy: Jennifer Plava, Gretchen Mahan
Design Firm: SmashBrand Client: Alkaline Herb Shop Title: Alkaline Herb Shop Refresh Creative Director: Monika Cascone
Design Firm: Vie Healing Title: VYBRA by Vie Healing Package Design Creative Director: Mona Dan Designer: Zuzanna Młynarczyk, James Junk/Andrei Dominiq
Design Firm: ZenToes Title: ZenToes Packaging Redesign Art Director: Mike Weinhandl Photographer: Hayley Studios
Design Firm: CBX Client: MSD Animal Health Title: Mometamax Ultra Packaging Creative Director: Audra Nebolini Design Director: Tim Bayon Design Manager: Brian Hauck
Design Firm: Gauger + Associates Client: Bench Creek Ranch Title: FlaxExtra Packaging Creative Director: David Gauger Art Director: Lori Murphy Designer: Lori Murphy Copywriter: David Gauger
Design Firm: Elmwood Client: Mars Petcare Title: WHISKAS Executive Creative Director: Kyle Whybrow Head of Client Partnerships: Sheila Buchet Client Partner: Charlotte Bennett Senior Designer: Jack Bannerman Senior Designer: Mimi Van Helfteren Senior Designer: Andrea Maiuri Head of 2D and 3D Animation: Oli Minchin Strategy and Provocation Director: Esther Hastings Senior Designer: Matt Churchill Senior Account Manager: Lily Lyth Design Director: Paul O'Brien Associate Creative Director: Charlotte Distefano Design Lead: Jay Bates Animator: Doug Brown
Design Firm: HBX | Hughes BrandMix Client: Wellness Pet Company Title: Wellness Core + Dog Food Creative: HBX Design Team
Design Firm: Tumbleweeds LLC Client: Dave Daley, K9 Super Supplements
Title: K9 Super Supplements Packaging Creative Director: Caitlin Leshiner
Art Director: Caitlin Leshiner Designer: Caitlin Leshiner
Art Director: Lisa Allard Designer: Sash Sriganesh, Melissa Buckenmeyer Production Designers: Kiko Li Illustrator: Sash Sriganesh Copywriter: Patricia Hall Package Engineer: Brian
Design Firm: Fisher-Price Title: Little People Collector The Office ‘Threat Level Midnight’ Designer: Shannon Swan, Randy Edgington, Nick Langswager Design Manager: Janeen Mears Production Designer: Algae Fung Illustrator: Jim Talbot, Jen Morris Copywriter: Patricia Hall Package Engineer: Ben Brooks, Tomy Leung
Design Firm: Fisher-Price Title: Wood Series Creative Director: Gary Weber Art Director: Lisa Allard Designer: Terry Ameno, Melissa Buckenmeyer Production Designers: Jeff Qiu, Sara Huang, Veels He Copywriters: Pam Mogensen, Patricia Hall Package Engineer: Val Luttman, Jason Ho Photographers: Nathan Holme, Eric Tronolone, Patrick McCarthy
Design Firm: Mattel, Inc. Title: Barbie® EXTRA Fly™ Dolls Package Designers: Vicky Gevorkyan, Sarah Pata Graphic Designer: Kenny Chung Illustrators: David Selvadurai, Aimee Hou, Alex Hung Key Lead Copywriter: Eleanor Oliver Lead Package Engineer: Olga Tesler Package Engineer: Hedy Lin Manager Package Design: Tyler Russell Project Manager: Bianca Serle Manager Graphic Design: Lisa Lau Senior Manager Graphic Design: Karen Mak Director Package Design: Suzanna Lakatos
Design Firm: Mattel, Inc. Title: Barbie® the Movie – Doll Series Senior Package Designer: Laydiana Chiv Graphic Designer: Jimmy Lam, Kenny Chung Key Lead Copywriter: Eleanor Oliver Senior Package Engineer: Kambiz Betaharon Package Engineer: Antares Fung Staff Project Manager: Patty Serafin Manager PackageDesign: Tyler Russell Manager Graphic Design: Lisa Lau Senior Manager Graphic Design: Karen Mak Director Package Design: Suzanna Lakatos
Design Firm: Mattel, Inc. Title: Barbie® the Movie – Fashion Pack With Three Iconic Film Outfits & Accessories Senior Package Designer: Laydiana Chiv
Graphic Designers: Jimmy Lam, Kenny Chung Key Lead Copywriter: Eleanor Oliver. Senior Package Engineer: Kambiz Betaharon Package Engineer: Antares Fung Staff Project Manager: Patty Serafin Manager Package Design: Tyler Russell Photographer/Retoucher: Kevin Hipp, Nick Manklow Manager
Graphic Design: Lisa Lau Senior Manager Graphic Design: Karen Mak Director Package Design: Suzanna Lakatos
Design Firm: Mattel, Inc. Title: Disney Collector DARKNESS DESCENDS SERIES™ Maleficent Lead Package Designer: Diane Wu Key Sr. Graphic Designer: Nie Chan Key Lead Copywriter: Amanda Egan Sr. Package Engineer: Eva Kwok Manager Package Engineer: Charles Jordan Staff Project Manager: Patty Serafin Director Package Design: Karen Taylor
Design Firm: Mattel, Inc. Title: DreamWorks Universal Trolls™ Line Lead
Package Designer: Julie Lee Package Designer: Eric Dahan Senior Graphic
Designer: Judith Lai, Jeff Zhang Associate Copywriter: Kennedy Beltran Senior Package Engineer: April Chin, Nicky Chen, Omey Zhou Project Manager: Patty Serafin Associate Manager Graphic Design: Jimmy Wan Senior Manager
Graphic Design: Karen Mak Manager Package Design: Jennifer Yang Director Package Design: Karen Taylor
Design Firm: Mattel, Inc. Title: Guo Pei Lunar New Year Barbie Doll Senior Package Designer: Laydiana Chiv Graphic Designer: Kenny Chung Lead Copywriter: Eleanor Oliver Senior Package Engineer: Autumn Borges Package Engineer: Antares Fung Staff Project Manager: Patty Serafin Manager: Tyler
Russell Manager Graphic Design: Lisa Lau Senior Manager Graphic Design: Karen Mak Director Package Design: Suzanna Lakatos
Design Firm: Mattel, Inc. Title: Hot Wheels Japanese European Vehicles
Themed Multipack Lead Package Designer: Matt Gabe Lead Graphic Designer: Alice Neoh Artist: Hector Cademartori Senior Copywriter: Andrew Lubetsky Senior Package Engineer: Mark Donham Senior Packaging Engineer: Chui Lee Ong Packaging Engineer: Qian Ying Ooi Manager Package Design: John Colucci Director Package Design: Gretchen DeCastellane Vice President Packaging: Jamie Dunn
Design Firm: Mattel, Inc. Client: Universal Title: Jurassic World Hammond Collection Outhouse Chaos Set Package Design: John Wales, Katherine Benecke, Jasmine Chan Editorial: Stacey Lloyd Package Engineering: Adam O’Connor, Ray Chen Director Package Design: Livia
Design Firm: Mattel, Inc. Title: Hot Wheels x DeLorean DMC-12 and Alpha5Collector Set Lead Package Designer: Matt Gabe Lead Graphic Designer: Tasanai ‘Thom’ Tamargansri Senior Copywriter: Andrew Lubetsky Senior Manager Copywriting: Julee Shapiro Senior Package Engineer: Mark Donham Lead Package Engineer: May Thaksinayon Manager Package Engineering: Mike Weinstein Manager Package Design: John Colucci Director Package Design: Gretchen DeCastellane Vice President Packaging: Jamie Dunn
Design Firm: Mattel, Inc. Title: Matchbox Moving Parts Plastic Free Packaging Key Lead Package Designe: Florence Jo Key Graphic Designer: Jintana Daengbunyoung Senior Manager Copywriting: Julee Shapiro Artwork: Nicole Liu Key Lead Copywriting: Dave Itzkowitz Lead Package Engineering: Dave Magde Packaging Engineer II: Pornpirun Suwanwimol Manager Package Engineering: Mike Weinstein Manager Package Design: Emer Lalor Director Package Design: Gretchen deCastellane Vice President Packaging: Jamie Dunn
Design Firm: Mattel, Inc. Client: Microsoft & Mojang Title: Minecraft Diamond Level Panda Package Design: Krizia Carungcong, Liz Tao Editorial: Kevin Callahan, Stacey Lloyd Package Engineering: Edgar Ayala Senior Manager Package Design: Tyler Russell Director Package Design: Livia Roustan
Design Firm: Mattel, Inc. Title: POLLY POCKET™ Collector Friends™ Compact
Lead Packaging Designer: Neil Segura Senior Graphic Designer: Judith Lai
Lead Packaging Engineers: Jason Reopell, Rebecca Brand Package Engineer: Vivid Chen Copywriter: Lillian Berg Project Manager: Patty Serafin Manager Packaging Design: Jennifer Yang Director Package Design: Karen Taylor
Design Firm: Mattel, Inc. Title: Monster High Lenore Loomington Designer Series Lead Package Designer: Diana Leto Graphic Designer: Jimmy Lam Illustrators: Rebecca Shipman Lead Copywriter: Rebecca Shipman, Tamika Cosen Senior Package Engineer: Olga Tesler Project Manager: Bianca Serle Manager Graphic Design: Lisa Lau Senior Manager Graphic Design: Karen Mak Director Package Design: Suzanna Lakatos
Design Firm: Mattel, Inc. Title: Scrabble 75 Anniversary Packaging Senior Package Designer: Harout Keuroghlian Lead Copywriter: Tadd Callies Senior Package Engineer: Edgar Ayala Senior Manager Package Design: Eric Josephbek Vice President Packaging: Jamie Dunn
Design Firm: Mattel, Inc. Title: SDCC 2023 Masters of the Universe Revolution Motherboard Key Lead Package Designer & Art Director: Roy Juarez Graphic Designer: Jasmine Chan Artwork: Joseph Zacate Lead Copywriter: Robert Rudman Sr. Packaging Engineer: Lawrence Pukhrambam Lead Packaging Engineer: Brian Wong Sr. Packaging Engineer: Lily Shi Associate Project Manager: Samantha Swint Manager Package Design: Frank Medrano Sr. Manager Package Design: Tyler Russell
Design Firm: McHale Design Client: Playmates Toys Title: Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire Creative Director: Joe Campos Art Director: Hyun Park Designer: Hyun Park, Mike Hass, Wonyoung Suh VP at Playmates Toys: Michele Adamsen Project Manager at Playmates Toys: Justin Sena
Design Firm: One Flight Up Design Client: Cra-Z-Art Title: Barbie Beauty & Activity Sets Creative Director: Lynn Schmieder Art Director: Carol Corson Designer: Kristen Rolfe, Carin Manetti Senior Account Director: Barbara DeVos Production: Jason Malmstrom
Design Firm: Enlisted Design Client: Bose Title: Bose Headphone and Speaker Packaging System Chief Design Officer: Beau Oyler VP Visual Design: Miri Chan Principal Packaging Designer: Matt Hanzly Visual Designer: Michael Dern Visualization Designer: Ryker Kimball Industrial Design Director: Kieran Moriarty Industrial Designer: Jasmine Schubert Sr. Visual Designer: Sebastian Fraye Principal Program Manager: Kelly McCall
Design Firm: Mattel, Inc. Title: Black and White Surrealist Ball™ Mark Ryden™ X Barbie® Doll Key Lead Package Designer: Vicky Gevorkyan Staff Package Designer: Sal Valazquez Graphic Designer: Kenny Chung Illustrator: Mark Ryden Lead Copywriter: Tamika Cosen Senior Package Engineer: Kambiz Betaharon Senior Package Engineer: Antares Fung Project Manager: Patty Serafin Manager Graphic Design: Lisa Lau Senior Manager Graphic Design: Karen Mak Director Package Design: Suzanna Lakatos
Design Firm: Mishimoto Title: Mishimoto Spiked Lug Nuts Creative Director: Kristin Valis Art Director: Lars Nilsen Designer: Lars Nilsen Product Photography: Lars Nilsen
Design Firm: Mishimoto Title: Mishimoto Aluminum Locking Lug Nuts Creative Director: Kristin Valis Art Director: Lars Nilsen Designer: Lars Nilsen Product Photography: Lars Nilsen
Design Firm: Asurion Title: uBreakiFix by asurion Accessory Packaging Program Creative Director: John Elter Art Director: Davide Allegra Designer: Davide Allegra Designer: Francisco Vieira Copywriter: Ellie Schneider
Design Firm: CBX Client: Wawa Title: Wawa Holiday Cups Design Creative Director: Steve Swanson Design Director: Lizzie Kelner Design Manager: Mikki Beymer
Design Firm: COHO Creative Client: Meijer Title: Fresh From Meijer Redesign Creative Director: Jon Shapiro, Jen Register Art Director: Annie Ledford Designers: Jen Vorhees, Chris Combs, Finn Schlottman Senior Strategy Director, COHO Creative, Laura Mason Senior Brand Strategist, COHO Creative: Gretchen Mahan Realization Design, COHO Creative: Tracy Kaiser Realization Director, COHO Creative: Shonda Leen Senior Designer Rendering Development: Kevin Bova Manager, Branding & Packaging, Meijer: Lisa Barrett Director, Own Brands, Meijer: Ben Hamlin Vice President, Fresh, Meijer: Lynette Ackley
Design Firm: Andon Guenther Design LLC. Client: Dymatize - Premier Nutrition Company, LLC Title: Dymatize ISO100 Protein Powder Freestanding P-O-P Display Creative Director: C. Andon Guenther Art Director: C. Andon Guenther Designer: C. Andon Guenther Account Manager: Ian Macdonald Senior Market Strategiest: Rosa Willems
Design Firm: THE REPUBLIK Title: Dilworth Coffee All Good Poster Creative Director: Robert Shaw West, Matt Shapiro
Art Directors: Robert Shaw West, Matt Shapiro Designer: Matt Shapiro
Designers: Hyun Park, Jane Lau Vice President: Michele Adamsen
Senior Project Manager: Tamaryn Byrne Project Manager: Marcela Rojas
Design Firm: Odato Marketing Group Client: Noble Citrus/Autumn Honey Craft Cultivated Tangerines Title: Sprouts Supermarket Chain Display Creative Director: Rich Odato Art Director: Scott Merriman Account Manager: Bruce Downing Owner Group: Quentin Roe VPSales & Marketing: Jeff Stachelek
Design Firm: THE REPUBLIK Title: Dilworth Coffee Online Advertising and Promotion Creative Director: Robert Shaw West, Matt Shapiro
Art Director: Robert Shaw West, Matt Shapiro Designer: Matt Shapiro
Design Firm: Dell Technologies, Experience Design Group Client: Dell Technologies Title: Alienware Branding Strategy \
Design Firm: Ellen Bruss Design Client: Continuum Partners Title: Sunday Vinyl Wine Bar Brand Creative Director: Ellen Bruss Art Director: Ken Garcia Designer: Ken Garcia
Design Firm: THE REPUBLIK Title: Dilworth Coffee Store Logo/Identity
Creative Director: Robert Shaw West Art Director: Matt Shapiro
Designer: Matt Shapiro, Dylan West, Luke Rayson
Design Firm: AARP Brand Creative Services Title: AARP Welcome Box
Creative Director: Michelle Moser Art Director: Matt Rosser Designer: Matt Rosser
Design Firm: Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Title: MethaneSAT Model
Project Creative Director: Christina Baute Art Director: Monica Goslin
Designer: Naranchantsal Batsuuri
Design Firm: Bonavita Design LLC Client: Unimac, A Command Company Title: Unimac Seasoned for Purpose Holiday Champagne Package
Creative Director: Donna Bonavita Art Director: Donna Bonavita Designer: Donna Bonavita Unimac President: Greg Matonti Unimac VP Sales/Marketing: Steven Broomhead Unimac VP Sales/Marketing: Diana Flocco
Design Firm: Excelligence Learning Corporation Creative Services Client: Excelligence Learning Corporation Title: Fast Lane To School Funding Creative Director: John Forsht Art Director: John Forsht Designer: Carla Zancanaro
Marketing Executive: Kelly Middendorf Copy Writing: Justin Robinson
Marketing Coordinator: Paola Perez
Design Firm: Masimo Inc. Title: Masimo Stork Smart Home Baby Monitoring System Package Designs Designer: Creative Lead, Masimo Consumer Packaging Experience Department: Denise Gee Jr. Packaging Designer: Josue Baltezar
Associate
Associate Creative Directors: Elaine Palutsis, Cody Fenske Senior Designer: Elisa Penello Writer Strategy: Bisola Sosan Associate Partner, Strategy
Production: Jessica Sochol Print Production: Cynthia Felsburg Director, Print Production: Jennifer Niccum Director, Production Design: Samantha Stalling Senior Proofreader: Maria Erdmann
Design Firm: Spit+Image and MPress Records Title: Rachel Sage – The Other Side CD Packaging Creative Director: Rachael Sage Art Directors: Rachael Sage, Chris Kornmann Designers: Chris Kornmann, Rachael Sage Paintings, Styling and Photo Editing: Rachael Sage Photography:
Design School: UCO School of Design/University of Central Oklahoma Title: Athena by VALOR Project Designer: Chloe Miller
Design School: UCO School of Design/University of Central Oklahoma Title: Blinkers, Mystery Mini Toys. Project Designer: Hannah Weiss
School:
Design School: UCO School of Design/University of Central Oklahoma Title:
Design School: UCO School of Design/University of Central Oklahoma Title: Vivid Energy Drinks Project Designer: Sylis Hancock
Design School: UCO School of Design/University of Central Oklahoma Title:
There’s no easing up in the race for creative talent in 2024. Robert Half’s latest Demand for Skilled Talent report finds that 55% of creative and marketing managers are hiring for new roles, from graphic designer to UX designers, while 43% need to recruit for vacant positions. Yet a staggering 92% say they face hurdles finding candidates with the necessary skills. What separates the successful 8% from the rest? Let’s unpack some strategies that can make a difference in the quest for top creative talent.
Tired of the refrain that paying higher salaries is the only way to attract talent? Even if you're already using the Robert Half Salary Guide to ensure your offers match or, better yet, surpass the going rates in your area, it's time to think beyond the paycheck. The entire compensation package deserves attention, especially regarding the unique preferences of creative professionals. Tailored perks could include continuous learning opportunities to hone their craft, access to the latest design tools and software, or flexible schedules that allow creatives to find
inspiration outside conventional office hours.
Clear communication about compensation is also vital in a sector known for emphasizing collaboration and openness. Robert Half research shows that 83% of managers now include salary ranges in job listings, a strategy that a majority (63%) say helps attract that best job candidates. Perhaps most important, 60% of those leaders feel this transparency gives their firm an edge over other firms looking for talent.
A talent community, or talent network, is a curated pool of candidates who have shown interest in your organization, functioning as a lead-generation tool for recruitment. This approach attempts to engage potential hires through ongoing communication, with a goal of ensuring your company remains at the forefront of their job search. Think of it as shifting gears from passively waiting for the right talent to actively keeping a bench of potential, interested candidates.
Lucy Marino is executive director of the marketing and creative practice at global talent solutions firm Robert Half, which connects employers with skilled marketing, creative, digital, advertising and public relations professionals to meet their specialized recruiting needs. Marino manages strategy and operations for the company’s marketing and creative talent solutions teams across U.S. locations.
Make your talent community easy to join by adding a straightforward form on your careers page or alongside job ads, inviting creatives to drop in their details if they’d like to receive updates about open roles at your company. This little nudge is your first step toward building a database of people keen to know more about your business.
Engage your talent network with regular updates that resonate with the candidates you want to attract. Share updates on new job postings, showcase groundbreaking work by your company, and highlight opportunities for networking. Spark conversations with your community and foster anticipation of future openings.
Finding the right creative talent means looking beyond skills to how well candidates mesh with your work culture — a task that half of the managers surveyed by Robert Half admit to finding challenging. This is where employee referral programs can be helpful. They harness your team’s insights and connections to identify candidates who not only have the right skills but are also likely to share your company's vision and values.
Enhancing your referral program with financial incentives doesn’t just boost the bank balance of people who make valuable referrals. It also lifts their morale and loyalty. This approach empowers everyone to help shape the team’s composition, fostering a sense of ownership and collective success.
As many companies shift towards return to office policies, you have the chance to stand out as an employer of choice by offering more flexibility, not less. By embracing remote work arrangements, you widen your talent search across borders and cater to varying needs, such as supporting parents with young children. This strategy, supplemented by collaborative tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Slack, ensures that creatives can thrive regardless of location.
While full-time office workers can’t benefit from fully remote work locations, a hybrid approach along with flexible scheduling, such as adjusted start times or com-
pressed workweeks, may be very welcome. This also has the advantage of nurturing your employer brand as forward-thinking and committed to meeting the evolving needs of your workforce.
In 2024, companies are increasingly turning to a mix of core permanent staff and contract professionals. Sixtyeight percent of creative and marketing employers plan to boost their use of contract professionals. Known as the scalable talent model, this approach allows you to bring in support for your team during busy times, address skills gaps quickly and revitalize your teams with fresh perspectives. Teaming up with talent solutions firms smooths out this process, giving you quick access to a vetted candidate pool, ready to jump in as either longterm players or short-term problem solvers.
With 24% of marketing and creative professionals eyeing new opportunities in the first half of 2024, and 31% actively job hunting, holding onto top talent is more crucial than ever. Success in retention hinges on genuinely understanding what drives your team — is it primarily competitive salaries, superior benefits, workplace flexibility, career advancement potential or all of the above? Work with your team to lay out career paths and acknowledge key achievements with promotions, perks or a simple (and cost-free) thank-you for a job well done.
If a top performer decides to leave, don’t waste energy on counteroffers, which usually only delay the inevitable. Instead, wish them all the best and encourage them to stay connected via your talent community. If they choose to return, bringing enhanced skills and fresh perspectives, they become invaluable “boomerang hires” and further strengthen your team.
Success in the creative job market requires more than just tweaking how you hire — it's about shaping your employer brand and how potential employees view you. To win the talent race, you must be quick to adapt, fearless of innovation, and, most crucially, tuned in to the needs of the people who will drive your future growth.
To request free product information from companies featured in this issue contact the advertisers directly as provided below or within the advertisement.
Syracuse University 25 Newhouse School of Public Communications newhouse.syr.edu
Syracuse University 11 College of Visual & Performing Arts School of Design admissu@syr.edu
https://vpa.syr.edu/cmd2022 315.443.2769
scs.georgetown.edu/design
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