Graphic design at the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design is a competitive, robust area of study that enables students to investigate design theory, process, and application. Our graduates are user experience designers, art directors, professors, and marketing directors reimagining the ways in which we communicate.
Cultivate multifaceted skills in visual communication
Choose from three dynamic degree paths
From Photoshop to The Letterpress Studio
Housed in the Fine Arts Building, graphic design students have access to a range of digital design equipment in our Student Technology Centers, printing equipment in the Digital Printing Lab, and letterpress equipment in The Letterpress Studio.
The Letterpress Studio
The Letterpress Studio is a letterpress printing facility. It is used to teach typographic terminology, history, and technology. The studio is a staple of the graphic design program and has been a part of the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture and Design since the 1960s. There are a variety of resources for students to use, including Vandercook presses, abundant wood and metal fonts, a bookbinding press, a guillotine paper cutter, and a foil stamper.
B.F.A. + M.F.A. Studios
B.F.A. and M.F.A. graphic design students are provided their own individual work areas, with separate shared studio spaces. The M.F.A. studio is adjacent to The Letterpress Studio, and is a spacious shared space with a large table for collaborative work. M.F.A. students have their own desks, flat files, and metal storage cabinets. B.F.A. students have a large shared studio with their own desks and flat files. The studio is equipped with white boards for brainstorming and collaborative work.
Tools + equipment
The Letterpress Studio
- Cases of metal type (120)
- Cases of wood type (90)
- Vandercook SP-15 proof presses (3)
- Vandercook Universal III
- Vandercook 325G
- Anderson Vreeland Orbital X Platemaker
- Intimus electric paper cutter
Student Technology Centers
- Mac workstations and peripherals including scanners and printers (67)
- PC workstations and peripherals including scanners and printers (10)
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
Teaching support equipment
- HP plotter printer
- Epson inkjet printer
- Xante FilmMaker (for outputting film negatives)
Imagine + invent
In the studio, students learn the fundamental value of typography, imagery, grids, systems, and more in the course of creating everything from posters and logos to apps and other digital media.
Visiting artists
Through the McKinney Visiting Artist Series, the graphic design program hosts nationally and internationally recognized artists to meet with students, present their work, and give workshops and individual critiques.
Some of our past visiting artists include:
View upcoming visiting artistsAlumni making their mark
Matt Griffin
Matt Griffin has been recognized not only for his work as an artist but as a writer, speaker, and educator. He is the founder of Bearded, a web design and development agency based in Pittsburgh, and is an adjunct faculty member at the Carnegie Mellon School of Design.
Learn about careers