Visual Communication

Core Requirements

Foundation Art Requirements: 12 credits
Art History Requirements: 12 credits
Visual Communication Elective Requirements: 12 credits

• ARTD 200 - Image in Visual Communication (3 credits)
• ARTD 201 - Introduction to Visual Communication (3 credits)
• ARTD 202 - Introduction to Typography (3 credits)
• ARTD 203 - Interaction Design (3 credits)
• ARTD 310 - Intermediate Typography (3 credits)
• ARTD 311 - Intermediate Visual Communication I (3 credits)
• ARTD 312 - Visual Communication II (3 credits)
• ARTD 313 - Beginning Photography (3 credits)
• ARTD 319 - Interaction Design II (3 credits)
• ARTD 320 - Motion Graphic Design (3 credits)
• ARTD 325 - Professional Practices in Design (3 credits)
• ARTD 401 - User Experience Design (3 credits)
• ARTD 411 - Advanced Visual Communication I (3 credits)
• ARTD 412 - Advanced Typography (3 credits)
• ARTD 406 - Senior Project (3 credits)

B.F.A. in visual communication requires 78 semester hours. View a suggested Visual Communication four-year plan.

First Things First

1. Read and carefully follow the guidelines on this site.
2. Develop and prepare your portfolio file so it's ready to upload before you click the application button.
3. Re-read the first two items on this list.

Once You Have Completed the Above Items

1. Click the "Online Portfolio Submission" button.
2. Enter your information in the application.
3. Upload your portfolio file.

Preparing Your Design Portfolio PDF File

The selection of work in your portfolio tells us a great deal about you. So, thoughtfully and carefully choose the pieces you think best show your design talent and potential for further development. Your portfolio should include design work, such as:

• Brochures
• Posters
• Album covers
• Menus
• Publications: books, booklets, magazine layouts
• Logos
• Package design
• Interaction design
• Motion graphics

Portfolio Requirements

You must present a minimum of 10 unique design projects in a single, multi-page PDF file that is 8.5 in tall x 11 in wide. You may use up to 20 pages (maximum) to present your 10 design projects. Please name your file: lastname_firstname.pdf

Watch a video on how to make your multi-page PDF file

Video Content

What if You Don't Have Design Projects in Your Portfolio?

You must create some projects on your own! We cannot accept a portfolio of drawings, paintings, or photographs that are presented as stand-alone images. Imagery is extremely important, but it must be part of a design or layout—as shown in the examples below.

Suggested Projects

We recommend the following book: Graphic Design School: The Principles and Practice of Graphic Design.

4th Edition by David Dabner, Sheena Calvert, Anoki Casey. (Make certain to get the 4th edition of this book; it is an older edition, but it's less expensive, and can be purchased used.)

This is a very informative introduction to graphic design, and it will provide you with projects that will assist in building and strengthening your portfolio.

Some specific suggested projects that you can do from the 4th edition of the book:

• Page 17 assignment: Research, A City Block
• Page 27 assignment: Research, Concept Development
• Page 61 assignment: Composition, Zodiac Symbols
• Page 91 assignment: Typography, Text as Image
• Page 101 assignment: Color, Map-Making

In Conclusion

You may only submit one application per year. If you wish to reapply to the visual communication program, you can do so during next year's application cycle

If you have further questions about the application process, please contact the visual communication department at viscom@niu.edu.

Interview

If your portfolio is accepted, you will be notified by email, and the next step is an interview. Only students whose portfolios have been accepted will be interviewed. The on-campus interviews will be held at Jack Arends Hall (Art and Design Building) in room 308. Please come dressed for an interview. You will be notified of a visual communication program acceptance decision by email within five business days of your interview.

During the Interview

You will be asked questions to assess your interest, commitment and level of understanding of a career as a professional designer. Questions will be concerned with general cultural awareness, design fundamentals and your academic and professional goals. You are encouraged to ask the interviewers questions regarding the visual communications program.