08 July 2015
"Studying Visual Communication at UniSA has enabled me to channel my passion for illustration into the development of a successful, diverse and stimulating practice. Opportunities to engage with industry through lectures and studio projects, led to my securing of a publishing contract with Scholastic Publishing in my 3rd year of study. This commitment to industry experience, along with an inspiring and supportive studio environment has made my UniSA experience genuinely invaluable."
~ Lorell Lehman
Illustration: "Monsterface" by Lorell Lehman
What is it?
Visual communication design involves working with image, type, and visual form to communicate diverse ideas, function and identity.
Students choose to major in one of two specialisations: Graphic Design or Illustration Design.
Graphic Designers and Illustration Designers commonly work with an extensive range of applications:
- paper and digital media
- still and animated images (web page design, motion graphics for film or television)
- flat and 3D (packaging, display, exhibition)
- single piece and multipage (print or electronic presentations).
The Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) enables students to address both the intellectual and practical aspects of visual communication design. By developing the individual student’s creativity and knowledge through the integration of theory and practical studio studies, the program aims to produce graduates who are able to function as reflective practitioners in the field of contemporary visual communication design and who can contribute to the cultural and social life of the community. In a team-based environment under the guidance of staff, students can create and manage a range of design outcomes.
- With an international reputation that continues to grow, this program is recognised as providing students with outstanding teaching and practical experience
- Students can begin studying at the beginning of the year, or mid-year
- No portfolio is required for entry
- A proven track record of achievement with students receiving various design awards
- High graduate employment outcomes
- World class design workshop and studio facilities
- Graduates are eligible for Associate Membership of the Design Institute of Australia
- Students work on real-life projects alongside industry and community partners
What do students study?
Graphic Design major:
- editorial design
- information and exhibition design
- advertising
- publishing
- packaging
- new media design.
Students have opportunities to engage with real-life design tasks and lecturers are themselves practising designers with strong links to the design industry.
Illustration Design major:
- develop their own individual image making system
- conceptual development
- drawing
- various illustrative mediums.
Throughout the program students engage with and utilise theory and illustration practice, which facilitates careers within industries such as publishing, gaming, animation, advertising, interactive and graphic design.
What does it take?
Visual Communication Designers must be highly motivated, disciplined and committed to their design practice. Students are expected to undertake a diverse range of idea generation, visual exploration and critical analysis using a variety of media and applications.
Visual Communication Design is a profession that requires a high level of commitment and is demanding of both time and effort. Students need to love it to succeed at the highest level. It is exciting and challenging, and is a career that can give enormous personal satisfaction. However, it's not always a standard 'nine-to-five' profession.
Further information
For more information on this program, please visit http://www.unisa.edu.au/Education-Arts-and-Social-Sciences/Art-Architecture-and-Design/
