Media ArtsVisual Design
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.
Important Dates
Portfolio Reviews
Check-in for each audition or portfolio review will be at Terry Concert Hall.
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For audition dates, learn more about the audition and portfolio review process.
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.
Our Design ProgramMajors & Minors
We’ve designed our foundation to give you a strong core in typography, brand theory, illustration, graphic layout and visual communications. Building from this, our degree will help you develop skills for the growing demands of designer’s role in tomorrow’s digitally driven society. Our degree:
- Gives you the autonomy to specialize in three areas of design; branding, motion graphics or interactive design.
- Embraces human-centered design and time-based, technology-driven formats.
- Is built on design-thinking practices and nearly all courses support the act of investigation through making.
- Prepares you for a leadership role in your field and to pursue a career in creative entrepreneurship.
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.
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.
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.
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
Student Work
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.
Picture Yourself HereFollow us @judesigners
Take a look inside the design studio on Instagram.
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.