Graphic Design at JBU
Use your creativity to become a visual problem-solver
From product design to logo identity packages to infographics, great graphic design goes deeper than just the "look and feel." Ultimately it's about solving a problem for your client and meeting the needs of their audience. At JBU, we'll equip you with both the design techniques and communication skills you need to collaborate with clients to develop unique, effective visual solutions.
What to expect as a Graphic Design student at JBU
Learn foundational design skills
You'll start with the basics of color theory, typography and good design with professors who've worked in the industry for decades.
Practice the design process
Tackle real-world print and digital projects such as logo design and branding, packaging, brochures and websites.
Build an impressive portfolio
Before you graduate, JBU professors will help you prepare a professional portfolio that will get you noticed and on the road to a career.
A broad skillset
Students are encouraged to learn skills beyond their major. Other than graphic design courses, students have the opportunity to gain skills in photography, printmaking, videography, and more that will be beneficial for their future careers.
Faculty who invest in you
One of the most amazing things about JBU is the relationships students create with the professors. Students are encouraged to visit and to ask questions with professors, so that they can become better designers.
Faith integration
At JBU, you'll be educated not only in with an academic and practical philosophy, but with a spiritual philosophy as well. This head, heart, hand educational philosophy is core to JBU's motto of "Christ Over All."
Internship opportunities
Northwest Arkansas has about 300 Fortune 500 companies in the area. We have graduates in all the top area design departments, and many of these companies actively recruit our students as interns and employees.
Incredible facilities
Our three art buildings include two 3-story facilities featuring classrooms, a theater, two galleries, photo and cinema studios, MAC labs and a printmaking workshop. The Studio Project Barn includes large spaces for a state-of-the-art photo studio, drawing and painting classrooms, woodshop, ceramics studio and individual artist stations.
World travel options
Every summer, JBU hosts a European Art Tour and one or more international summer studies trips. See world-class art and see the world! International Opportunities
Alumni Profiles
Lindy Martin ’16
Lindy is the senior book cover designer at Faceout Studio, producing book covers and jackets for publishers and bestselling authors, the majority of which are in New York City. She has won two Silver Graphis awards — one for her cover of “Make Elephants Fly” and one for a poster she designed as a client gift. “JBU’s Graphic Design program taught me the necessary technical skills required of a design professional, as well as a framework of creative problem-solving that allows me to be both innovative and adaptable in order to deliver the best possible solution to my clients,” said Martin.
Lindy also recently did an interview with author Christopher Paolini about her book cover design for the current #4 best seller in the US.
Chris Eshnaur '12
"My time at JBU really encouraged me to further the bounds of my creativity and to continually seek new and innovative ways to communicate. More importantly, I learned that with art, just like anything else in life, the quality of the product you produce is a direct result of the effort you put into it." Creative Director at Draft Creative
Kevin Gerdes '12
"My experience at JBU taught me to meet deadlines, pair typefaces, and pay attention to the details, which I now use in my work as a Graphic Designer to create greeting cards." Creative Director at Cosby Harrison Marketing
Justin Eddy '10
"JBU taught me the value of collaboration. As a designer, it is essential to look to others for critique on your work and to brainstorm ideas with. It truly is the best way to grow. There are few better places for collaboration than the classroom." Senior Art Director at Saatchi & Saatchi
JBU's facilities provide ample space for hands-on learning with everything from screenprinting labs to a pottery studio and woodshop.
What could you do with a Graphic Design degree?
Multimedia Designer
As a multimedia designer, you will create videos and animations, set design, and use other technical skills to create works.
Creative/Art Director
Advertising agencies, newspapers, public relation firms, marketing firms, and manufacturers need a creative director with an intimate understanding of product advertisement and graphic production.
Production Artist
Take over the steps of production in graphics, film, or other formats. They also establish and maintain a product or company's brand identity.
Brand Identity Designer
Establishe an entire line of graphics for a specific company or product to standardize the characteristics of the brand and the message that the client is trying to communicate.
Logo Designer
As a designer focused on logo development, you have to be creative in taking the personality of an organization and communicating it through logo art.
Web Designer
Work on a type of web design like graphics, web-interface, user-experience, and search engines. A web designer is employed to build and maintain a web presence for an organization.
Product Developer
Ideate, lead, and manage the creation of products. Communicate and work alongside various engineers, marketers, executives, and other professionals.
Meet our graphic design professors
