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Are you ready to jumpstart your creative career?
If you’re searching for the best Graphic Design Schools in Kentucky, you’ve come to the right place.
This article breaks down the top programs that offer unique experiences and essential skills to succeed in today’s competitive design industry.
Here’s what you need to know about Kentucky’s leading institutions for aspiring graphic designers.
Bluegrass Community and Technical College – Graphic Design Program
If you’re looking for a dynamic program in visual communication, consider the Graphic Design program at Bluegrass Community and Technical College.
The program offers a blend of courses spanning from branding and advertising to web design and multimedia design. You can choose from three tracks within the program, each leading to a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree. There’s also a variety of certificates available, including:
- Graphic Design
- Video Game Design
- Digital and Video Editing
- Social Media Design
Course Highlights:
- Software Training: Utilize industry-standard software from the Adobe Creative Suite, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere Pro.
- Real-world Experience: Engage in hands-on projects like music video filming, logo design, and character modeling for video games.
- Internship Opportunities: Gain practical experience through mandatory internships, making you job-ready upon graduation.
- Flexible Learning: Choose between online and on-campus options, ideal for recent graduates or working professionals.
Entry-level positions post-graduation typically start around $15 per hour. The program is designed to offer practical experience and portfolio-building opportunities crucial for a successful career in graphic design.
Visit the Bluegrass Community and Technical College website for more details.
Western Kentucky University – BFA Major in Visual Arts With a Concentration in Graphic Design
Western Kentucky University’s Visual Arts program emphasizes both traditional and digital design practices. The BFA Major in Visual Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design requires 79 credit hours and focuses on areas like:
- Design and Drawing: Learn the fundamentals essential for visual art.
- Illustration and Packaging Design: Improve your ability to create compelling packaging.
- Visual Thinking: Develop your creative problem-solving skills for real-world applications.
- Advanced Media Design: Explore the cutting-edge practices in digital design.
The proximity to Nashville offers a remarkable opportunity to interact with industry professionals through lectures and portfolio reviews. The 24-hour computer lab ensures you have constant access to necessary resources.
They also offer a certificate program in Graphic Design that takes about three semesters to complete. The program focuses on:
- Practical Experience: Beneficial project-based learning for a versatile portfolio.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covering everything from graphic design to motion graphics.
For more information, visit Western Kentucky University’s program page.
Eastern Kentucky University – Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
Discover the creatively stimulating environment of Eastern Kentucky University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. This program aims at preparing you for a multitude of design careers:
- Coursework: Includes typography, visual communication, multimedia, and professional practices.
- Facilities: Access state-of-the-art computer labs and Mac stations for design work.
- Community Engagement: Participate in local arts projects and exhibitions.
- Mentorship: Learn from expert faculty and visiting artists to enhance your design skills.
Whether you’re considering a concentration in Teacher Art Education or Studio Arts, the program covers a comprehensive range of art disciplines including ceramics, metals, painting, and printmaking.
Explore more details on the Eastern Kentucky University arts program page.
University of Kentucky – Digital Media Design
The University of Kentucky’s Digital Media Design program offers a well-rounded liberal arts degree that focuses on blending art and design with various media. The curriculum includes:
- Core Courses: From graphic design and digital drawing to video and animation.
- Specializations: Enroll in classes covering web design, motion graphics, 3D printing, CNC routing, and laser cutting.
- Capstone Projects: Specialize through Industry Pathways and complete Digital Media Projects.
The innovative blend of art and technology prepares you for a diverse array of design careers including art director, graphic designer, videographer, and web designer.
For additional information, visit the Digital Media Design program page.
University of Kentucky – Graphic Design
At the University of Kentucky’s School of Art and Visual Studies, you can explore a diverse range of visual arts and graphic design degrees. Their curriculum covers:
- 3D Fabrication and Animation: Focuses on cutting-edge digital design technologies.
- Ceramics and Digital Illustration: Provides a deep dive into both traditional and contemporary visual arts.
- Intermedia and Painting: Enhances creative skills through experimental practices.
- Sculpture and Video Filmmaking: Explores the dynamic relationship between form and narrative.
Students are encouraged to participate in exhibitions and benefit from the state-of-the-art Art & Visual Studies Building, which includes digital labs, student studios, and exhibition spaces. With guidance from esteemed faculty and a nurturing environment, you’ll be well-prepared for a creative career.
For more information, visit the University of Kentucky’s School of Art and Visual Studies.
Stay tuned to discover more schools that could be the perfect fit for your graphic design education.
University of Louisville – Graphic Design Program
The University of Louisville’s Hite Art Institute provides a comprehensive graphic design program that prepares students for leadership roles in the design industry.
Why Choose University of Louisville?
- Conceptual and Technical Excellence: The curriculum fosters strong conceptual and compositional skills, ensuring students are adept in various design applications like web design, packaging, and publications.
- Selective Admission: With a competitive admission process, only 22 students are accepted annually, maintaining high educational standards and personalized attention. A minimum 3.0 GPA in art subjects is required.
- Employment Success: The program boasts over 86% employment in related professions post-graduation, reflecting its effectiveness in preparing students for the job market.
- Core Focus Areas: Typography, interaction design, and design research methods form the foundation of the coursework.
- Professional Experience: Although internships are not mandatory, nearly all students engage in one, gaining valuable real-world experience.
An essential part of the curriculum is the capstone requirement, where students develop and present a professional portfolio on Portfolio Day. This intense focus on practical skills ensures graduates are job-ready.
To learn more, visit the University of Louisville Hite Art Institute’s Graphic Design Program page.
Northern Kentucky University – Visual Communication Design Program
The Northern Kentucky University (NKU) offers a standout Visual Communication Design program, frequently recognized for its excellence in the field.
Program Highlights:
- Prestigious Ranking: Named Kentucky’s top graphic design program by Animation Career Review, signaling its quality and reputation.
- Diverse Curriculum: Specializing in a range of visual communication disciplines, the program includes scholarly research, ensuring a robust theoretical foundation alongside practical skills.
- Location Advantage: Proximity to Cincinnati offers rich opportunities through access to professional design firms and cultural institutions.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Supported by NKU’s School of the Arts (SOTA), students benefit from advanced labs and resources, career development workshops, and seminars led by industry experts.
- Degree Flexibility: Offers both BA and BFA tracks, catering to different career goals and interests.
The program emphasizes creativity and artistic excellence, preparing students to excel in the graphic design industry.
Visit Northern Kentucky University’s Visual Communication Design Program for more details.
Western Kentucky University – Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Visual Arts
Western Kentucky University’s Department of Art provides a variety of degree programs that cover a wide spectrum of visual arts disciplines.
Key Program Features:
- BFA in Visual Arts: Includes focus areas like animation, graphic design, UX design, and game design, providing comprehensive training and skills development.
- Broad-Based Education: The BA in Visual Studies and BA in Art History offer well-rounded education, including theoretical grounding and contextual understanding of the arts.
- Hands-on Learning: Internship opportunities and scholarships support practical experience, ensuring students apply their learning in real-world settings.
- Unique Offerings: Certificates in Brewing and Distilling Arts & Sciences and Game Design expand learning potential beyond traditional disciplines.
- Inclusive Environment: Emphasis on diversity and inclusion fosters a welcoming and supportive learning atmosphere.
Students benefit from mentorship from experienced faculty and a multidisciplinary approach that encourages exploring various artistic disciplines.
For more information, visit Western Kentucky University’s Department of Art.
Big Sandy Community and Technical College – Visual Communications Program
Big Sandy Community and Technical College offers a Visual Communications Program that includes specialized tracks designed to meet diverse industry needs.
Program Highlights:
- Specialized Tracks: Options in Graphic Design, Mixed Media Design, and Graphic & Print Production.
- Wide Range of Skills: Courses cover design concepts, computer graphics, web design, animation, printing, photography, and video production.
- Certificates Available: Includes Apparel Design, Digital Photography, and Promotional Design & Production, allowing students to tailor their education to specific interests.
- Job Opportunities: Graduates find roles in advertising agencies, media companies, printing firms, PR departments, web, and video studios.
- Scholarships: Opportunities are available through the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF) and the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA).
- Community Outreach: Workshops like WAVE aim to raise awareness among high school students, encouraging early engagement with the Visual Communication program.
The program’s flexibility allows it to be completed in two years full-time, accommodating various student needs and career goals.
For more information, visit the Big Sandy Community and Technical College Visual Communications Program page.
How to Choose the Best Graphic Design School in Kentucky
Selecting the right graphic design school in Kentucky involves several key considerations:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited, indicating it meets specific educational standards.
- Faculty Expertise: Experienced instructors with industry connections offer valuable mentorship and insights.
- Curriculum Coverage: A strong program will cover both foundational principles and modern practices, including courses on:
- Internship Opportunities: Look for programs incorporating internships to provide hands-on experience and industry exposure.
- Technological Resources: Check if the school offers advanced computer labs and software, like Adobe Creative Suite, essential for graphic design work.
- Campus Visits: Visiting campuses helps you understand the learning environment and cultural fit. Engage with current students to get firsthand accounts of their experiences.
- Financial Considerations: Assess tuition costs, available scholarships, and financial aid options.
- Job Placement Rates: High job placement rates post-graduation reflect the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for the workforce.
By considering these factors, you can choose a program that aligns with your educational and professional aspirations.
Graphic Design Schools By State
Conclusion
Selecting the best graphic design school is a crucial step towards building a successful career in the creative industry. Kentucky offers a wealth of options, each with unique strengths tailored to various skill sets and career goals.
Explore the programs, visit the campuses, and choose the one that aligns best with your aspirations. Your future in graphic design starts with the right educational foundation.
Are you ready to make your mark in the world of graphic design? Kentucky’s top programs are waiting to help you unlock your creative potential.