International School of Art and Design

Graphic Design

International School of Art and Design

Experiment with different ways to convey messages

It is simply the art of visualizing and communicating ideas-clearly, effectively, and if done well, memorably.

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PROBLEM SOLVERS

As a graphic design student, you will learn how to solve any visual communication problem through a creative, targeted, and effective design process. You’ll also learn that good design doesn’t always result from knowing the right answers to give, but knowing the right questions to ask.

You’ll have ample opportunity to meet one-on-one with, not only your instructors but your peers as well. You’ll have studio spaces linked together with other students, providing an experience that allows students to freely bounce ideas off of each other. It’s an atmosphere that allows for your creativity to be seen and heard.

STATE OF THE ART EQUIPMENT AND SPACES

The graphic design labs at Finlandia are constructed in a way that mimics graphic design labs in the real world. Our labs, equipped with a full suite of Mac computers and drawing tables have an open environment, allowing for lots of team collaboration.

Today, most companies are shifting toward this open-styled layout for their graphic design studios, and FinnU wants to ensure that you’ll be able to collaborate with a team and be ready to work within such environments.

FINNU STUDENT WORK

PUSHING PAST COMFORT ZONES

Our instructors bring all their professional experience directly from their studios or corporate work into the classroom, providing our students with a real-world, practical insight and focus. They also encourage you to see the world differently; to challenge cultural, social, and even visual, perceptions; to reach beyond your own life experiences and freely explore their undiscovered potential. Explore past your comfort zone. Taking classes like ceramic or fashion design may help you discover new interests and explore your strengths.

“What I love about Finlandia is that no matter what your declared major is, art students are required to take courses that really help them explore other areas of art. This was huge for me. It helped me hone my design skills when I got to apply my ideas in a hands on way, from sculpting in ceramics classes, to screen printing in textile courses. I have been able to apply that knowledge to my industry and even put it into practice.”

Hayley Laban ('11)

"I knew what I wanted to do, but it was eye opening to see all of the opportunities, especially for such a small school. Once I progressed in my specialty, I was able to work very closely with my graphic design professor. Professors don’t always see the potential that students have, when they aren’t applying themselves fully, and take the extra time that they really need to push them outside of their comfort zones. At Finlandia I was able to get that."

Jessica Ingold ('13)

"What ultimately made me feel confident in choosing Finlandia was looking at the curriculum. When I was at Adrian College, the concentration in Graphic Design only offered three classes. Finlandia opened that category so much more with classes like Package Design, Critical Thinking, Typography, Environmental Design, etc. I felt like Finlandia had more to offer in that sense."

Haley Neri ('15)

Exploring the Graphic Design Degree with Professor Tom Adolphs

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Graphic Design majors learn the latest industry-standard computer programs and how to use them on a professional level. But computers are only tools. A powerful concept is a designer’s greatest strength, and computers don’t create concepts. Generating ideas – lots of ideas – workable, effective ideas, is the foundation of good design and the backbone of the industry.

Check out Denia Bent ‘s (’20) full style guide by clicking the image above.

The Degree

Progress Sheet

The Classes

Course Descriptions

GRAPHIC DESIGN IN THE NEWS

Student Spotlight: Valerie Helminen, Graphic Design

March 30, 2021

Sophomore Valerie Helminen, a graphic design major from Calumet, Mich. couldn’t seem to find the right fit when it came to colleges. Having previously attended Michigan Tech and four other schools, Helminen was looking for her next move. While attending Utica College in New York pondering what her next plan was, it seemed she had found it when her dad mentioned that Finlandia was looking for goalies.

“I was in New York playing hockey when my dad had heard Finlandia […] Read More

Finlandia Fridays Dives Into the Finlandia Gallery ISAD Faculty Exhibit

February 26, 2021

Mornings, 2021, Adobe Illustrator by Tom Adolphs

The International School of Art & Design 2021 Faculty Exhibit is on display now at the Finlandia University Gallery. Gallery Director Carrie Flaspohler joined Olivia Myers on Finlandia Fridays to talk about the exhibit and upcoming artist reception.

Retired professor Phyllis Fredendall showcasing her pieces that are in the exhibit

Recent works by full-time, adjunct and emeritus faculty representing a diverse range of media and concepts will be on display. […] Read More

ISAD program undergoing changes for Fall 2021

October 21, 2020

Finlandia’s International School of Art & Design (ISAD) will be undergoing program changes beginning in the Fall 2021.

Beginning fall 2021, FinnU will no longer accept new students into the Fiber & Fashion, Intermedia, and Ceramic Design bachelor degree programs. These programs are not completely closed, but enrollment interest over the years has waned and ISAD Dean Denise Vandeville says the programs will be suspended until enrollment interest grows and the school can sustain its re-emergence. The programs will […] Read More

LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Communication/Creative Insight: Students demonstrate the vocabulary, grammar, and sense of context required to successfully
navigate and adapt to the changing demands within the profession of graphic design.
2. Analytic and Critical Thinking/Creative Insight: Students demonstrate an independent ability to seek out and discover the resources
required to make cross-platform connections that function to solve unforeseen design problems.
3. Communication: Students demonstrate a consistent awareness for the importance of collaboration and feedback within the design
process.
4. Personal Perspective: Students demonstrate a passion for self-development through reflection and integration of peer feedback, as
well as a commitment to the need for continual exploration within the field of graphic design.
5. Global Perspective: Students demonstrate a keen awareness that the strongest design is ultimately for others, and hence, requires
that one see and explore beyond oneself.