Graphic Design Option

The Bachelor of Fine Arts Program

Graphic design is one of today’s fastest-growing professions, and PSU offers one of the most comprehensive graphic design programs in the Northeast. Both the BFA and BA degrees offer design options, and there is also a graphic design minor. You will also have to opportunity to apply what you learn to the real world through internships.

PSU offers you a state-of-the-art facility contained in a renovated factory building, with full accessibility to our 20-workstation Apple I-Mac Computer Lab and a smart board for enhanced instruction. You’ll work with dedicated design instructors in a hands-on curriculum that balances conceptual thinking with technical know-how, and unites traditional design skills with digital applications.

What can I do with a degree in graphic design?
Our alumni have secured positions in design studios, ad agencies, corporate in-house design departments, digital multimedia facilities, printing companies, and other professional situations.

Mission StatementComputer and Software

The intent and focus of PSU’s Graphic Design Program is to graduate students who demonstrate expertise as visual communicators. Faculty members will provide you with a solid visual/educational experience by developing your capacity for critical thinking toward problem-solving, stimulating your creativity and imagination, and preparing you for a wide variety of entry-level jobs in graphic design. You will learn conceptual and practical aspects of the design process, learn and create in a progressive digital environment, gain important communication and presentation skills, and accumulate work for your portfolio and promotional materials in preparation for the job market.

You do not have to own your own computer to be enrolled in the Graphic Design Program. Some students are opting to purchase their own computers, but PSU does have an excellent 20-station iMac Computer Lab, which is open extended hours for ease of access. Whether to buy a computer or not is a personal choice, and students sometimes prefer to use their own laptops and software.

We are on the Macintosh platform in graphic design, so Macs are the recommendation (over PC models). Most graphic design studios are on the Mac platform, so most graphic design internships and jobs after graduation will likely be done on a Mac as well. All in all, I really recommend buying a Mac instead of a PC. You will find that even with a slightly higher initial outlay, the Macs perform with fewer viruses and fewer operating problems, overall.

If you buy your own Mac, you can still print out on our 11” x 17” color printer. We have wireless Internet access throughout the Draper & Maynard building, so students can print when necessary.

Laptop or desktop?
Another decision to make is whether to buy a laptop or a desktop Mac computer. I recommend the Mac laptop—the MacBook Pro model—because it can be carried to class and all around campus, to work whenever time permits. Plus, laptops are just as powerful as the desktop models now anyway and the batteries have been highly improved over earlier models.

All MacBook Pro models are Intel processors, and very quick, so it’s just a matter of picking the size of the screen. MacBook Pros come in 13” (starting price about $1,199), 15” (starting price about $1,799) and 17” (starting price about $2,400) screen sizes. Personally, I use the 13”, and it’s a light, easy and comfortable size to work with.

For a tabletop/apartment version, I recommend the iMac. There are 2 models: the 21.5” and the 27” screen model. These are about the same price range as some of the MacBook Pro laptops. The smaller screen is about $1,200, and the larger one is about $1,700. The computer hard drive is built into the monitor screen, so these models are great looking, compact, and work well. These are the computers we use in the PSU Computer Lab (27”). So if you prefer a desktop model, this is the one to get.

Peripherals
Printers and scanners are other issues to consider, but remember to purchase peripherals that are Mac-compatible. Places like MacMall (online at macmall.com) and MacConnection (macconnection.com) sometimes offer system prices that include rebates and/or free printers, and generally are close to Apple.com prices—even with educational discounts (generally 10 percent at Apple). I suggest that you compare prices at a few different locations before you buy. The extended warranty is something I would also recommend for your laptop or desktop computer purchase. It’s only a little extra, but offers great piece of mind.

Software
Software is the final purchase to consider. The best recommendation is to purchase the Adobe Creative Suite, which includes Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks and Acrobat in one box. Be sure to specify Mac format software. We are using CS5 currently. The Adobe CS5 Design Premium software (for Mac) runs about $999 online. Compare prices for the best deal. You may also contact PSU’s Information Technology Services Help Desk to see about package deals and student discounts for Adobe CS5 software: helpdesk@plymouth.edu or (603) 535-2929.

Good luck, and I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, feel free to e-mail me at dmartin@plymouth.edu.

Professor of Graphic Design David Martin
Plymouth State University