Graphic Design

Molly Hopkins Album Cover Design for Ghost City

Molly Hopkins, Album Cover (detail), Graphic Design III, 2023

B.A. or B.F.A. in Studio Art with Concentration in Graphic Design

Graphic designers play a critical role in business by creating visual solutions that respond to client needs — including (but certainly not limited to) logos, brand identities, web sites, apps, game interfaces, signage systems, annual reports, books, magazines, opening sequences for films, posters, digital displays, animation, typefaces, packaging and label design.

Develop Professional Design Skills

As a student of graphic design, you will develop skills that are valued by professional design studios, advertising agencies, branding specialists, book and magazine publishers, social organizations, and more. You will learn to consider context, interdisciplinary relationships, and the role of technology while engaging in a variety of design projects. Students work with traditional media as well as software tools — engaging in topics such as creative development, the synthesis of visual ideas, typography, branding, book design, package design, web and app design, social issues, ethics, and the transition from student to professional designer.

Internships

While internships are not required, we strongly recommend that students seek opportunities during their senior year or shortly after graduation. Our students have been hired as graphic design interns at companies such as NAIL Communication, BCBSRI, the RISD Museum, Del’s, The Museum of Work + Culture and RDW Group. College credit for approved internships can be arranged through your academic adviser. AIGA provides an excellent guide to internships at https://www.aiga.org/resources/a-guide-to-internships.

College Credit for Internships?

Students who seek college credit may request 1– 4 credits for an internship through application for a Directed or Independent Study. Applications must be submitted by November 15 for Spring Semester internships and by April 15 for Summer or Fall internships. If approved, a 3-4 credit internship may be counted for the BA Program Art Elective, a BFA Program Studio Elective or as a General Elective.
The formula is 4 hours per week per credit hour for 15 weeks:
1-credit internship = 60 hours
2-credit internship = 120 hours
3-credit internship = 180 hours
4-credit internship = 240 hours.

Students compose a rationale that includes the name of the company, job description, internship duration, hours per week, the internship’s role in their plan of study, and the name of the senior designer who will serve as mentor. This individual must verify the hours you will work and be willing to provide an assessment of your experience and performance at the end of the internship.

The major professor will assist with the application form and submit for approvals.
https://www.ric.edu/documents/independent-study-form

What Our Graduates Do

Graduates from our program work as graphic designers, web developers, UX/UI designers, art directors, creative directors, illustrators, authors, and educators. Others have furthered their education in leading M.F.A. programs including Savannah College of Art and Design and Temple University.