Media ArtsVisual Design

Collage featuring student work and students working in the graphic design studio.

BFA or BS in Visual DesignDesign for Tomorrow

Through a process of investigation, making and critique, you will develop a broad critical framework for evaluating design and how to apply it to every aspect of business, from classic Graphic Design and visual communication to user-centered interactions and multi-platform campaigns.

Career opportunities include: advertising, branding, web design, motion graphics, user experience design, print design, and data visualization.

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Important Dates

Portfolio Reviews

Check-in for each audition or portfolio review will be at Terry Concert Hall.

Students and professor engaged in a design thinking exercise using stick notes and collaborating on a writeboard wall.

Why Design at JU?Be the next generation of graphic designers.

Many aspects of our program are informed by a National AIGA Report, Design Futures. This research examines trends shaping the practice of design, and how the change calls for new perspectives in design education. With this, our program helps equip you with the skills to be economically viable, professionally relevant, and better prepared for changing industry demands.

Art Scholarships Pay for Your Education

The School of Art and Design at JU offers art and design scholarships based on creative merit. To be eligible, you must submit a portfolio. Watch Ron’s tips, check our portfolio review dates, and then follow the submission guidelines.

 

Design Philosophy We are designers, artists and entrepreneurs.

Built around a core of design thinking and creative investigation, the Visual Design program is grounded in exploration, embracing a user-center approach to technology while addressing the broader cultural issues associated with the role of design in our world today. This enables students to learn how to be process-oriented while refining their aesthetic approach through iteration and technical sophistication.

Graphic design students engaged in a Design Thinking exercise collaboratively on a white board using sticky notes.

We teach the skills and abilities students need to build a creative career in a changing economy. Graduates of our program are prepared to enter a competitive market and embark on careers in areas such as branding, communications, graphic design, motion graphics, digital product design, UX/UI and other areas. As a program, our core values focus on empathy; fostering collaborative, critical thinking; and empowering students to be leaders in design.

An animated mobile phone user interface design showing calorie data and cooking recipes.

We stress the importance of a small student-to-faculty ratio, emphasizing quality mentorship in a hands-on environment best suited for both independent exploration and co-design practices. In addition, our program values shared learning experiences to prepare students for the collaborative work that is fundamental to design practice—using the dessign process to turn everyday experiences into solutions that positively influence culture and society.

Students sitting at a table reviewing a poster design with instruction and guidance by a design professor.

Faculty Spotlight

Ron EdelenAssistant Professor of Design

Along with being an educator, Ron is a graphic designer, animator and director. A few career highlights:

  • Founded four businesses including Myjive, an award-winning digital advertising agency
  • Client roster includes T-Mobile, Google, ABC, Volvo, Mack Trucks, HGTV, No nonsense, Metlife, and Dr Pepper
  • Currently serves on the board of AIGA Jacksonville
  • Credited with over 50 advertising industry awards including Addy, ProAd, Telly, FWA, and CSS Awards
  • Former juror of the Adobe Design Achievement awards and Executive Member of the Digital Agency Society

 

Visiting Artists

Each year, we welcome visiting artists, designers, strategists, animators, and illustrators from around the world.

Matt Stevens

Founder, Design Office of Matt Stevens

Matt is a designer and illustrator focused on creating visual identity and illustration for brands and publications both big and small. Select clients include Esquire, ESPN, Evernote, Facebook, Google, Netflix, Nike, The New York Times, and Wired.

Christine Barnes

Art Director-Props, Universal Creative

As a former Disney Imagineer and currently crafting experiences at Universal Studios, Christine brings an incredible perspective into the themed entertainment industry and its evolution to where we are today—insanely immersive and on the cutting edge of art and technology.

Karen Kuryski

Design Director, Industry West

Karen is a designer and illustrator experimenting with watercolor, embracing its unpredictability and the surprises that can come out of using it. Select clients include The Washington Post, Nike, McDonald’s, AT&T, Reebok and Emirates Airline.

Mallory Starnes

UX Designer, Lowes Home Improvement

Mallory is a user experience professional with vast experience leading complex interactive projects for web and mobile formats. Mallory employs design thinking practices to help push innovation within the agency. Select clients include Volvo, NASCAR, Mack Trucks, MetLife and Regal Boats.

All Art and Design Programs

The School of Art & Design offers several other programs of study. Learn more about the programs available at Jacksonville University.

All Art and Design Programs

Contact Information School of Art and Design

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