Mae Johnson '17, Portfolio
Shelley Blair '15
Donovan Mooney '18
Libby Connolly '16
Isa Tetreault '17
Before you begin to sketch or sit down at a computer, there are two essentials of graphic design you need to know: how to turn an idea into a compelling visual message, and what you can bring to it as a maker.
As a Graphic Design major at MECA&D, you'll learn how to give concepts their most compelling voice, how to analyze and understand your audience, and how to effectively use the visual languages of type, image and context to enhance meaning.
Our collaborative faculty of practicing professionals believe that experiences combining graphic design with other creative disciplines make for a stronger, more versatile graphic designer. Our curriculum emphasizes communication design as an interdisciplinary field and provides you with methods that are adaptable across many forms of analog and digital media.
You'll explore letterforms and typography, develop effective design strategies, and keep your skills broad—delving into interactivity, motion, narrative, branding, publication and information design.
During your studies here, your techniques and design processes will evolve into an individual approach that will form the foundation of your professional practice.
Students leave the institution with a working understanding of tools and technology (including, but not limited to, drawing, printing, photography, and time-based and interactive media), and their roles in the creation, reproduction, and distribution of design. They gain a working understanding of design for production and the ability to create the design of letterforms to photographic image making, print design, web design, and motion graphics.
Students develop an awareness of the history and theory of graphic design and contemporary design practices. They are able to develop design interventions, possess the skills to identify a design need or incentive, and are adept at research and information gathering, analysis, concept development, design strategy development, exploration of alternative solutions, design prototyping, and implementation. They demonstrate an awareness of contemporary issues, cultural context, authorship and audience perception, have a command of relevant critical language, and are able to think conceptually.
Students gain a thorough understanding of what graphic design can be (a strategy, object or structure) and an awareness of the transferability and versatility of their education into the related fields of design, motion design, web design, art direction, pre-press, publishing and all areas of the fine and graphic arts, and into the field of teaching. Students leave the institution with the ability to use design strategies to explore ideas outside the discipline.
An open-mind and self-affirming attitude are hallmarks of the Graphic Design graduate. They have learned how to create and develop visual form in response to design incentives, including an understanding of principles of visual organization/composition, information hierarchy, representational strategies, and typography and style. They demonstrate a working understanding of design for production and the ability to design both in and outside the computer. Students gain a working understanding of collaborative practices in contemporary design, and experience a professional work environment, through an internship or other workplace experience, with a graphic design studio or a designer. They understand the business of being an artist/designer, and are able to write a resume and cover letter, conduct portfolio interviews, get an internship, and freelance. They have developed a body of work and presented it in an exhibition, along with a written, designed process book.
Reality-based projects along with academic investigations, collaborations with local businesses, internships, studio visits in NYC, Boston, Montreal, and Portland, working collaboratively, continuous assessment of results, and continuous analysis of the audience for any given project.
Completed Foundation year; 6 credit hours of Graphic Design: 2 introduction classes are needed to major.
Yes; we support the exploration of communication through out many mediums.
Motive, Method, Making; Letterform Design; Branding and Visual Systems; History of Graphic Design; Information Design; Interactive Design; Type Design; Senior Projects
We offer courses in letterform design, we have an emphasis on interdisciplinary study, and we have a conceptually coordinated program of study that inspires student designers to find unique paths into the practice and profession of design.
Motivated, occasionally superhuman.
Angela Adams, Martha Stewart Publishing, American Eagle Outfitters, L.L. Bean, Murphy Empire, Might & Main, Portland Museum of Art, and VIA Agency.
The Graphic Design program typically has 20-30 majors.
Preparation (1st yr)
GD 101 Perpetual Play (not required) & Foundation courses
Sophomore Year (2nd yr)
GD 102 Typography 1, GD 206 Letterform Design, GD 221 Branding and Visual Systems, GD 353 History of Graphic Design, 2 Studio Electives
Junior Year (3rd yr)
GD 311 Typography II, SEM 351 Motive, Method, Making, GD 302 Information Design, GD 380 Interactive Design, 2 Studio Electives
Senior Year
GD 411 Senior Studio, SEM 451 Professional Studio, GD 450 Independent Projects, 3 Studio Electives