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BYU–Hawaii Adds Graphic Design Track

The BYU–Hawaii art department’s recent addition of a graphic design emphasis has resonated well with students. Brandon Truscott, a faculty member in the art department, was hired one year ago with the special task of assisting in the creation of the graphics track. He currently teaches three of the four required classes in the track. “Fortunately or unfortunately,” Truscott laughs, “anyone going through this track is going to learn [graphic design] from me and from their own investigation.”

Plans for the new track began after a program review of the art department. The administration recognized the need for the emphasis, says Truscott. “We needed something to address the way art is evolving and changing and how it can be involved in the business world.” Students who took Truscott’s intermediate graphic design class in winter semester are discovering how true this statement is. With the help of the graphics class, many of his students have already found projects designing t-shirts, business cards, flyers, and more for businesses in the community.

Because there are only four full-time faculty members in the art department and three tracks, having a full graphic design major is not possible at the time, but Truscott says that he could see the program growing in the future  dependent on the addition of more faculty members. He has even had graphic designers contact him, voicing their desire to be involved should the program start growing in the future. Instead of creating an entire major at this time, the department has discussed offering a graphics design certificate, which would hold more weight in many countries than a minor.

For now, Truscott plans to do everything possible to prepare students. “I’m going to do as many practical projects in my class as I can so that they’re prepared to meet anything, whether it is finding a job or going to grad school.” When students finish the track, they will have completed a portfolio website, a blog, created personal business cards and online resumes, and a printed portfolio book, etc. Students also have the option of applying to receive a Fine Arts degree and printing, framing, and exhibiting their design work as a senior art show.

After completing the track, students will be prepared to work in an advertising agency, as an in-house graphic designer, or as a free-lance designer in a rapidly-growing industry.

Click here to view projects from students in the new graphic design track.