URI Bachelor of Graphic Arts

https://web.uri.edu/meeturi-cspd/rfp/ (URI IMAGE ON THEIR WEBSITE)

I’m writing with concerns regarding curriculum preparation in the areas of graphic design and this past spring, I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from URI with a minor in business. I am genuinely grateful for the education that I have received and acknowledge the professors who helped me along the way. Furthermore, my career goal is to become a professional graphic designer and to that end, I’ve applied to design companies throughout RI. In every instance, I’ve been told I do not have the qualifications needed for this type of work.

While a student at the university, I worked designing ads for a local newspaper, created logos for small businesses, did cover design and illustrations for a local writer. In spite of this experience, I’m realizing that I need more skills to compete in this job market. These are some skills that are required in most design professions:

• Mastery of Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign

• Familiarity with the latest versions of HTML and CSS

• UI/UX design, web design and 3D design

• Adobe CS, Typography, Print Design, Photography and Branding

• Microsoft Office, Excel and PowerPoint

• Marketing Principles and Entrepreneurship

I’m sure there are more graduates who are trying to gain a position in the growing area of design but are finding they do not have the background to break into the field. I believe URI has the capabilities to offer incoming students a firm footing because of the offerings within the multiple colleges on campus. I suggest including many of those offerings into a new major, Graphic Arts and involve all of those colleges to become involved in the decision-making process. For example:

• Communications Studies – Web Design/Programming (COM271/372)

• Computer Science – Computer Concepts/Programing (CSC/101/201)

• Business – Marketing Principles/ Entrepreneurship (BUS365/450)

• Fine Arts – Digital Art and Design (ART204/304), Photography (ART214/315),

• Video Game Design (ART 312/313), Video Production (ART 215/316), Relief Printing and Typography (ART 223/334), ect.

These classes are currently being offered at the university but many students are not aware of the occupational requirements to become a graphic artist. A Graphic Arts Curriculum would better prepare them to acquire a job upon leaving school.

I would like to be part of the solution so that others will not find themselves in the same situation I am at this time. If we can update the curriculum, create a new major, develop new classes, and network within the university, we would be able to prepare our students for work in this burgeoning field of digital design.

Many students will not take a course if it doesn't go towards a specific major. They view it as a waste of time even though it is a skill set they need within the design field. This solution will provide the knowledge required for this major as it allows students to graduate on time. Any oncoming URI art students needs to understand the requirements they need and start to fulfill them within the next 4 years.