Graphic design schools offer training on Macintosh platforms and design software.
Graphic designers produce visual representations on everything from websites and publications to advertisements and product packaging. The level of their creative work can affect the outcome of a product's success. There are several schools in San Francisco that offer degrees in graphic design; they provide hands-on instruction, state-of-the-art equipment and help with portfolio preparation for future employment.
California College of the Arts
California College of the Arts is located on Eighth Street in San Francisco. Founded in 1907, it includes a graphic design program that offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design as well as a Master of Fine Arts degree in design. The coursework covers every aspect of graphic design, including typography, digital media, screen printing, photography and film. The facility offers a complete wireless network and computer labs with the latest digital audio and video equipment. Students also have the opportunity to work in a number of local organizations through its internship program as well as Sputnik, which is an on-campus design studio that creates materials specifically for the college.
San Francisco Art Institute
San Francisco Art Institute is located on Chestnut Street in San Francisco. Founded in 1871, it is one of the oldest schools of contemporary art in the United States. It includes a Department of Design and Technology within its School of Studio Practice that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as post-baccalaureate certificates. The program covers all aspects of graphic design, including advertising, entertainment, gaming and fashion, with technology tracks such as digital audio and 3D modeling. The facilities include digital studios that support the Macintosh platform, a library of the latest multimedia software and a full imaging studio. Students also have the opportunity to work with Bay Area artists and designers.
Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising
The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) includes four campuses, with one located on Stockton Street in San Francisco. It offers a two-year associate's degree in graphic design and a shorter 12-month professional-designation program for students who already have a college degree. Both programs include two different curriculum tracks: Branding--with a focus on brand design, marketing and development, website publishing and packaging design--and Entertainment--with a focus on illustration, motion graphics, conceptual design and digital photography. Students have access to one of the largest design-related libraries in the western United States with more than 2.5 million books and electronic materials and a full audio-visual division. In addition to hands-on instruction by working professionals, students prepare a professional portfolio and learn create, execute and pitch ideas for future employment.
Academy of Art University
The Academy of Art University is located on New Montgomery Street in San Francisco. Founded in 1929, it includes the School of Graphic Design, which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in graphic design as well as an online associate's degree. The coursework covers all aspects of graphic design in six primary areas: typography, branding, information design, print and editorial design, packaging and green strategies. The facility includes 11 classrooms, two work-storage rooms, a spray-mounting room and the library, which includes state-of-the-art graphic and electronic resources and the latest Macintosh computers and software programs. Students can also participate in the on-site, drop-in art and design workshops where students receive extra instruction to improve their skills. The workshops are free and students may attend as many as they wish.
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