This mandatory course is the culmination of the developed practices for students graduating with a BA or BFA with an emphasis in design*. Extended research opportunities, peer and professional collaboration, and critical thinking development will allow students the opportunity to develop and produce a body of work related to the visual and written documentation initiated in Design Studio I for presentation in the Capstone exhibition. Students will develop advanced comprehension of problem-solving skills required to actively participate in a professional environment.

The course will also provide an opportunity to work collaboratively on various exercises, research opportunities, and evaluation of working processes, to develop portfolio, resume and self-promotional skills suited for professional practices. Through research presentations, discussions and demonstrations by the instructor and invited guests, students will learn strategies that will develop a body of work reflective of the particular needs expected in order to be successful within the graphic design field. Meaning construction through form making is emphasized while students continue to build on the experience of working with tools, materials, and methods of a professional designer.

This course will focus on the application of advanced graphic design principles and systems in the generation of self-authored body of written and visual work. Visual, written and spoken presentation skills will be emphasized in preparation for Design Studio II: Capstone.