Art, color and computers

With a variety of square, colored papers scattered across metal tables, students learn the theory of color and symbolism in advanced graphics, a required course in the program of graphic design.

Housed with interior design and photography, graphic design is a one-year-old program at CSUS.

Gwen Amos, the graphic design coordinator and instructor had to overcome several obstacles to make graphic design a major.

"There were problems with resources, budget cuts and allocations for a new faculty member," said Amos.

With those problems solved, students now have the opportunity to major in graphic design. According to the department office, there are approximately 108 students majoring in graphic design and many others waiting for advising.

In order for students to get started in the program, they are required to attend an orientation that gives them an idea of what the program entails. Students are then placed in the required courses.

According to the graphic design course description, the goal of the program is to teach students how to solve visual communication problems through a wide range of courses some of which include, art, history of art, communication studies and business.

Amos teaches Advanced Graphics 102 (Symbol and Color), which teaches students how to convey what words look like through colors and symbols.

"The key to this course is teaching students how to introduce a word for a picture so the layout says what they want," said Amos.

Mariano Fedeleon, a senior in the graphic design program, was an art major who stumbled in to the graphic design program.

"I think the graphic design program is interesting because it is a fairly-new field that is teaching me to utilize a variety of skills," said Fedeleon.

Fedeleon hopes to work in the multimedia industry in the Bay Area after she graduates in May.

Steph Butts is another graphic design major and senior who changed her major from art design.

"I like the technical aspect of the program and the fact that there are a variety of opportunities in this field making the likelihood of finding employment greater," said Butts.

Butts said she hopes to find a career designing CD covers or putting her skills to work somewhere in the music industry.

Cory Sievwright, a senior who was a mechanical engineer, switched to graphic design because of his interest in drawing.

"Mechanical engineering became too math-oriented and difficult. The technical side of graphic design interested me," said Sievwright.

Sievwright is now interning at a local graphic design company designing layouts for brochures.

These three students feel the only downside to the major is the cost for class supplies, but they agreed it is worth it because there is money to be made in the field and designers usually receive a budget for projects.

According to Amos, one of the most important aspects of the graphic design program is creative problem solving.

"The design program puts creative problem solving into a structure that is understandable by weaving design and writing together," said Amos.

Graphic design students will display their works on the shape, color and form of insects on Dec. 2 in the University Union.

Each student studied a particular insect and then made a design which incorporates science and concepts learned in Advanced Graphics. The works will be on display throughout the day.

For more information about the graphic design program, drop by the Program of Design office in Mariposa 112, or call 278-6393.