We have built a Graphic Design program with all the elements needed to prepare you for success in this exciting field.

 

The faculty
Our faculty are experienced educators, but are also seasoned professionals who integrate “real world” experiences into classroom teaching. We strive to empower students to make connections both in and outside the classroom.

 

The Peace art and design faculty have complementary areas of expertise and spend valuable time mentoring students to maximize their skills and interests.

 

According to student Meredith Bateman, “The professors truly take an interest in each student's specific talents and help them apply their love for art and design in an individualized way - both in the classroom and the professional world. Whenever an opportunity arises, our professors will introduce us to professional artists and designers to help us make connections and friends in the community. They offer their students great instruction, education, and support.”

 

A thriving art and design community
The Triangle is home to a plethora of art and design cultural institutions and events. In all foundation classes, you will have the opportunity to visit internationally acclaimed shows and interact with artists and designers. You'll visit The North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, Nasher Museum of Contemporary Art in Durham, as well as numerous smaller galleries and exhibits. Peace has also hosted artists such as Sue Coe, Anthony Ulinski, Andre Leon Gray, Tina Bromberg, among others.

 

American Institute of Graphic Arts
Peace is one of three colleges and universities in North Carolina to have a student chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts. The purpose of AIGA is to set the national agenda for the role of design in its economic, social, political and cultural contexts. AIGA is the oldest and largest membership association for professionals engaged in the discipline, practice and culture of design. Students have the chance to attend local events with renowned designers and network with professionals and other area design students.

 

Emphasis on fundamentals, balanced with professionalism
We take pride in the fact that our students are exposed to a wide range of experiences in art and design. You will take a variety of courses in design fundamentals, drawing, painting, black and white photography, typography, imaging, studio courses, design for screen and a senior seminar. Skills developed are attention to aesthetic and conceptual details, creativity, effective writing and speaking, and excellent collaborative and problem-solving skills.

 

Technology
Students in our new graphic design lab use PowerMac computers and the latest software programs (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) used by graphic designers in the workplace. In the Design for the Screen class, students also have the opportunity to learn programs such as Director, Shockwave, GoLive, Dreamweaver, ImageReady, SoundEdit and work with HTML.

 

Real clients, real projects
In their junior and senior courses, students create designs “for the industry.” Clients are brought into the classroom to discuss their particular needs on a given project. Peace Graphic Design students work with a variety of communication tools to convey a message from the client to a particular audience. Who are the clients? They are organizations, corporations, and individuals with a message they want to communicate.

 

Internships
As seniors, students make the transition into the workplace by working in supervised internships with local ad agencies, design firms, corporations and nonprofit institutions and by preparing a professional portfolio. Faculty members and staff at Peace have numerous professional connections in North Carolina and in other states and offer students guidance on networking opportunities or postgraduate study.

 

Successful graduates
Graphic Design majors have a bright employment outlook. The U.S. Department of Labor recently published a list of the fastest growing fields for the next 10 years, which includes the communications fields of advertising, public relations, and graphic design. Take a look at what our graduates are doing! Employers of past graduates have commented that our well-rounded program prepares students to be extremely marketable in the workplace.