Graphic Design at JMU

As the world around us grows increasingly complex, so have the problems that designers address grown in breadth, depth, and application. New and emerging technologies have enabled near-instant communication with millions, such that we’re bombarded by imagery and media on a daily basis. In response to these ongoing changes, the skills required of the graphic designer are shifting—requiring new skill sets to address unique needs. 

Graphic design has become much more than a nice logo and an advertisement. The 21st-century graphic designer must be adept at addressing complex problems through iterative research. Through this process, the designer learns about their audience. Learning current constraints and needs establishes empathy with their audience. Prototyping allows the designer to test concepts and improve them while adding complexity. 

This process equips the graphic designer to distill complex ideas into final concepts and systems. They apply the skillsets in their toolbox: a strong understanding of typographic principles and history, color theory, craft, image-making, materials and processes, interactivity, and knowledge of 2D, 3D, and 4D applications. They communicate ideas that inspire, inform or captivate their audience and ultimately connect with human emotions through storytelling and narrative.

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possible career paths

  • AIS Designer
  • Advertising Designer
  • Art Director
  • Creative Director
  • Digital Designer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Illustrator
  • Imaging Artist
  • Multimedia Designer
  • Package Designer
  • Photographer
  • Production Artist
  • Visual Designer
  • Website Designer 
Rooted in fundamental design principles

The Graphic Design program at James Madison University is rooted in fundamental design principles, research and applications while addressing current and emerging technologies through digital practice. Students learn design terminology, the theory of visual language, process and methodology, structure and craft, and industry-standard technologies and programs. Our specialized courses cover design for print, brand identity, illustration, interaction and web design, UI & UX, package design, and special topics courses addressing contemporary design issues and problems.

The study of the historical and cultural context of the field broadens students' knowledge and nurtures their creativity. Coursework involves standards of professional practice and utilizing experimental thinking through varied design processes and research methods. The core of our program is the emphasis on developing a holistic skillset while honing a high level of craft. Success within the Graphic Design program requires students to be creative, nimble, inquisitive and willing to take risks. An entrepreneurial approach to work and life defines the spirit of our alumni, who are design leaders in organizations such as The New York Times, Wired, Adobe and Google.

The Graphic Design program is professionally accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Admission to the program is very selective. Students are admitted to the School of Art, Design and Art History as candidates for the graphic design major. After foundational courses are completed, students must submit a portfolio of their sophomore-level work to be reviewed by a juried panel. Official admission into the Graphic Design program allows students to begin rigorous coursework at the 300 level. 

Frequent field trips to design-related events, studio visits, guest speakers and vetted internship opportunities provide students with exposure to top-notch professionals in the field. On campus, students can get involved in student clubs and organizations, such as student chapters of AIGA: The Professional Association for Design. There are opportunities to engage with visiting designers and exhibitions through the Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art as well as collaborate with faculty and peers for shows at JMU galleries. Graphic Design majors also have many opportunities to gain professional experience working for a variety of JMU offices and organizations.

Laptop Requirements

The purchase of an apple laptop equipped with Adobe Creative Cloud is required once a student passes GRPH 208 for use in 300-level and above graphic design courses.

Hardware

  • Apple MacBook Pro Laptop Computer 
  • 2.2 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 At least 16GB Memory (RAM)
  • At least 256GB flash storage (solid state hard drive)
  • Thunderbolt digital video output (for connecting to external monitors)

Software

Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. Make sure to get student pricing when you sign up. We use Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign almost daily.

Rob Miller Graphic Design Award

The Rob Miller Graphic Design Award was created in honor of former JMU graphic design alum Rob Miller, class of 1997, who passed away in 2002.

His parents, Dr. & Mrs. Martin Miller and his close JMU friend, Daniel Hoeck, committed to giving this award.

This award is given annually to graphic design majors who are rising seniors and have shown outstanding accomplishments in their artwork as undergraduates at James Madison University.

Professional Facilities

The Graphic Design program is housed in the Design Center, along with architectural and industrial design. The building is a hive of creative innovation and collaboration, providing graphic design students with the following designated spaces:

  • Large classrooms with digital projection
  • Seminar room
  • Dedicated classroom for interaction and web design
  • Large format drawing tablets for digital illustration
  • Professional quality scanners
  • iMac general computer lab with 22 workstations and Adobe Creative Suite installed
  • Print-production room with bookbinding/assembly equipment
  • Senior studio with designated desks for each student entering their senior year
  • Mobile print stations
  • Access to a books-arts room with bookmaking and letterpress

Fab Lab and WoodShop

The Studio Center also has a fully equipped fabrication lab and wood shop accessible to all design students. This facility houses a CNC router, laser cutters, 3D printers, a metals lab, a concrete lab and a spray booth.

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Graphic Design Faculty
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David Leicester Hardy

Associate Professor of Graphic Design

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Carissa Henriques

Associate Professor of Graphic Design

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Richard Hilliard

Professor of Graphic Design

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Dawn McCusker

Graphic Design Area Coordinator, Professor of Graphic Design

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SangJun Yoo

Assistant Professor of Graphic Design

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