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California Institute of the Arts

BFA: Graphic Design

School of Art

Three people standing in a gallery observing a wall filled with art posters

Rigorous inquiry, fearless exploration

In CalArts’ four-year BFA in Graphic Design program, the next generation of graphic designers endeavors to develop individual interests and lines of exploration that challenge traditional structures and value systems of design, criticism, theory, and practice. Working in residence in communal studios (open 24/7), students are trained in a full range of design practices, from print and publication design, web and interface design, and motion graphics for web and film, to branding, identity, and type design. With the support of their faculty-colleagues in small, intimate, and critique-based classes, students learn the skills, both practical and conceptual, to build their practice as designers as well as preparing for careers in education, cultural organizations, and more.  

Student photographing artwork on table top with a digital camera and lighting set up.

Maya Alvarado BFA 3 Graphic Design End of Year presentation.

An inclusive curriculum in a vibrant studio community

BFA Graphic Design

The BFA Graphic Design curriculum is based on CalArts’ critical approach that teaches students to develop your practice within the context of history, theory, and broad cultural literacy—and encourages you to take creative risks, try new things, and embrace the unexpected.

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As a Graphic Design BFA student, over the course of the program you won’t simply create a string of assignments—you’ll develop a body of work that is uniquely yours, preparing you to take an independent path into graphic design practice with a compelling portfolio distinguished by strong ideas expressed through form.

The BFA track is centered around a set of core courses supported by a number of required and elective classes, allowing both structure and flexibility within the curriculum, which covers all aspects of graphic design practice. Each year of the program builds upon the previous year’s experience, as progressively complex classes explore image-making, typography, and design history. Baseline coursework is followed by more specialized classes in areas such as web design, motion graphics, and type design.

Students work in communal studios, grouped by year level, and have access to an array of specialized facilities, shops, and labs.

In addition to core studio classes, all students are required to pass a graduation portfolio review in order to complete the program and obtain the BFA degree.

Interested in the program?

View our step-by-step application guide to learn more.  

Start your application

Admission requirements

To be considered for the BFA Graphic Design program, you must complete an application and all program-specific requirements, including a portfolio of representative work, a designer statement, a brief video introduction, and two letters of recommendation. Before applying, please familiarize yourself with the detailed application requirements and resources available to assist you in this important process. 

Application requirements

Degree requirements

Each CalArts student develops a course of study in consultation with their faculty mentor. The program provides a structure for developing conceptual, formal, and critical skills that align with the core studio classes (Graphic Design I through IV). As students progress through the program there is an increasing emphasis on independent work. 

View BFA Graphic Design academic requirements

In addition to work in your specific program, all undergraduate students must complete requirements in general education, which we call Critical Studies. This liberal arts curriculum is designed to enable students to consider aesthetic questions within larger socio-cultural, ethical, and political contexts.  

View Critical Studies requirements
 

Minor and interdisciplinary opportunities

CalArts offers students the chance to pursue additional interests alongside your chosen discipline, such as a minor in Digital Arts, Critical Studies, or Arts Education.

Learn more about minors and interdisciplinary opportunities

Courses you might take

What courses would you take as a BFA Graphic Design student? Browse the courses offered in the School of Art, including opportunities to work in painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, digital imaging, sculpture, installation, video, film, writing, performance, and much more.

Explore the School of Art course catalog

Meet the faculty

At CalArts, faculty and students are collaborators, teaching, learning, and working together as members of our community of artists. 

What will you make?

Here are 175 projects by 65 designers on CalArts’ 2024 End of Year Show to get you inspired.

animated gif of record spinning on a turntable

Sundhya Anthony (BFA4)

Poster culture

CalArts’ Poster Archive includes 50 years’ of student-designed and printed posters for campus lectures and performances. The small, self-contained audience and short time they hang in the hallways allow for a high level of experimentation and risk-taking, making the posters as much about the agenda of the individual designer as the event itself. 

Abstract, geometric silkscreen poster in orange, yellow, teal, and black with the words: andrea zittel / Tuesday 17 February / 7 P.M. F200.

Jose Allard (MFA 98), Andrea Zittel, 1998.

Gallery

Some of our alumni

  • Sean Adams (BFA 86): creative director; AIGA Fellow
  • Bijan Berahimi (BFA 13): Facebook Designer in Residence
  • Anne Burdick (BFA 91, MFA 92): book designer, chair of Graduate Media Design Program, Art Center College of Design
  • Kim Dulaney (BFA 05): independent art director, illustrator
  • Golden Krishna (BFA 10): senior interaction designer, Google
  • Zak Kyes (BFA 05): founder and creative director of Zak Group
  • Amanda Lui (BFA 14): graphic designer, Walt Disney Imagineering
  • James Moore (BFA 93): cofounder and creative director, Tenderling
  • Noreen Morioka (BFA 88): founder and creative director of M+ Works;AIGA Medal
  • Karen To Nakada (BFA 10): cofounder and creative director, The Happening
  • Jonathan Notaro (BFA 99): founder and creative director of Brand New School
  • Michael Polish (BFA 92): filmmaker, Big Sur
  • Brian Roettinger (BFA 04): principal, Hand Held Heart
  • Jesse Lee Stout (BFA 02, MFA 10): video designer, L.A. creative director of Moment Factory
  • Jeff Zwerner (BFA 92): branding and UX designer, Evernote

More School of Art alumni

A commitment to community and preserving design history

“We can work collectively as a design community to discover, document, and preserve our shared design history,” said Louise Sandhaus (Art BFA 93, MFA 94) upon being honored as an AIGA Medalist for her contributions to the field of design. “It’s about honoring and recognizing that everything is valued, and every person is valued, and that anyone can contribute to preserving this history.” 

Portrait of designer Louise Sandhaus, smiling and looking at the camera against a backdrop of greenery.

Graphic Design faculty and alum Louise Sandhaus. Photo: Moira Tarmy.

Want to learn more?

We got you. Our Admissions team is all about providing the information you need to decide if CalArts is right for you. We’re excited to connect with you for a tour of our legendary campus, a virtual info session, or at one of our admissions events across the country or around the world. Take the next step—we’re here to help. 

What will you make?

Here are 175 projects by 65 designers on CalArts' 2024 End of Year Show to get you inspired.

Explore our students' work