Graphic Design & Digital Media  Limited Access Information

Download Graphic Design & Digital Media information packet  

Apply to the Limited Access Program 

The Graphic Design + Digital Media program at the University of North Florida is a limited access program designed to offer the student an in depth study of the field of graphic design. Students will be exposed to unique learning opportunities and industry standard software packages that will provide them with a competitive edge when entering the workforce or further education pursuits. 

Course work will focus on the students acquiring several portfolio building pieces through the development of fundamental skills and techniques and an understanding of the creative process. The work will consist of, but will not be limited to: page design, web design, posters, packaging, corporate identification systems and time-based motion graphics. The development of problem-solving skills and critical thinking will be stressed in all aspects of the program. Each course will emphasize the creative process as it relates to Graphic Design + Digital Media. 

Limited Access reviews will be conducted in October (approximately week 9 of Fall term) for students who desire to enroll in Spring classes. And March (approximately week 9 of Spring term) for students who desire to enroll in Fall classes. 

To be accepted into the Graphic Design & Digital Media track students must be admitted into the University and successfully pass the Limited Access review. All students that have taken and passed the prerequisite courses or approved equivalents are eligible to apply. UNF students should have completed ART2605C BCI and enrolled in, or have completed GRA2190C Introduction to Graphic Design in order to review. Transfer students may apply in either term.

Instructions for Applying:

• How do I apply?

  Apply online at http://www.unf-gddm.com/limited-access/ before the posted deadline. Once the application is received students will be provided access to a Blackboard course called GD+DM LA, this group will appear in “My Courses”. Answers to the review questions and portfolios will be posted here before each of the posted deadlines. 

• Candidates must have the following status:

  To be considered for admission into the Limited Access program in Graphic Design + Digital Media, applicants must:

  a.Be accepted to the University of North Florida.

  b.Have passed all prerequisites leading up to and including ART2605C Basic Computer Images with a minimum of a C or approved state equivalent, AND be enrolled in, or have completed GRA2190C Introduction to Graphic Design. (It is recommended that students take PGY1800C Digital Photo for Designers with Introduction to Graphic Design.)

   

  Transfer students should have completed GRA2190C Introduction to Graphic Design or state equivalent with a minimum of a C. (The faculty recommends that transfer students take GRA2190 and PGY1800 at UNF for a seamless transfer into the program.) It is recommended that transfer students meet with a major advisor or faculty member prior to the review to go over transcripts. Students will be invited to join a Blackboard group via e-mail, or if you have an n-number, the group will appear in “My Courses” after the application deadline. The group entitled GD+DM LA (and term you are applying) is where all portfolios will be submitted. Follow instructions for applying inside the group. 

• Review Day

   

  Faculty will review the submitted portfolios from the Blackboard course GD+DM LA (and the term you are applying) on the designated review date per term (week 9 of each semester). Students’ design work and writing will be evaluated and used to determine acceptance into the GD+DM track. There are limited spaces available for entry into this limited access track. Students will be ranked in order by scores from the evaluation form. Students will receive notification in the mail within approximately one week. Feedback will be provided to each applicant on the approval/denial form. The committee’s decisions are final. 

   

• If Approved

  Students will be notified of their status by mail or email prior to registration for the following semester. Students should follow the recommended course of study made available through the department. Accepted students will be allowed to register for Limited Access classes for the following term. (Students reviewing and admitted in the Spring are eligible for Fall enrollment.) Admission into the Limited Access program does not guarantee enrollment in any given class during a specific term.

  
  

  In addition, students need to make an appointment with an upper level academic advisor to formally request a change of major form.   Admission into the Limited Access program does not guarantee enrollment in any given class during a specific term.

• If Denied

   

  Students will have 1 additional chance to submit a revised portfolio in an upcoming semester. Faculty decisions are considered final, portfolios may not be re-evaluated after the completion of the review. Please review the department letter for suggestions of what needs to be improved before the next review. You may discuss your portfolio with a design professor for suggestions and improvements to your work. 

The Portfolio:

• What do I include in my portfolio?

  Submit 8 visual arts pieces for the committee to consider. At least 4 works must be graphic design based (typography and image). You may choose to show more than 4 design works, however, no more than 2 from each of the following categories: photography, digital illustration or hand rendered works (paintings/drawings).

  Examples of design works (minimum of 4):
  Computer generated works that include type and image;

  Logo, Brochure, Poster, Page Layout, CD Cover, Web, etc.

  Examples of artistic works (4 or fewer):

  Photographs, drawings, paintings, printmaking, etc.

  *Please no examples or photographs of 3-D work, such as sculpture, ceramics, 3-D computer rendering.

  Include a process slide for each of the design projects in the portfolio. This slide should be after each of the project slides and include steps that show progression to the final result. Scan or photograph and place process to show several steps of each process. Be sure process shows hand skills, concept development and digital exploration. 

   

  Work should be submitted on Blackboard as a multi-page PDF document. Final files should not exceed 50 MB maximum. [Landscape saved as screen quality is the best format.] Files must be tested and working. Design your slides, but the work should be the main focus. Be sure image quality is clear (not pixelated) and the color is accurate. (UNF students should include projects prior to the review from GRA2190C and PGY1800C.)

  A slide list for the 8 works needs to be included in the portfolio submission on the last page of the PDF. Include the following information: Project name, term and date, materials or programs used and class.

   

  Students will be enrolled in the Blackboard group entitled GD+DM LA (and term you are applying). This is where all portfolios will be submitted. The Blackboard course will appear in “My Courses” after applications are submitted. Follow the instructions for submitting your portfolio inside the group. A working and tested file needs be posted on the Blackboard group prior to 10:00 on the designated date.

• Quick Guide of work to include
  • 4 Examples of your Design Skills (minimum, may show more than 4): Computer generated works that include Type and Image; Posters, logo design, brochure, advertisement, CD cover.
  • 4 Examples of your Artistic Skills: (select a variety from each of the sections below.) Photographs (no more than 2) Paintings/Drawings (no more than 2) Digital Illustrations (no more than 2)
  • Please no examples or photographs of 3-D work. For Example, Sculpture, Ceramics. 3-D rendering.

  Show your best work from your basic design and foundations classes. The portfolio should show your ability as a designer.
• Reviewers will be considering the following criteria for evaluation:

  Creativity:  Approach to design problems/assignments, concepts and ideas.  

   

  Exploration/Process: Level of experimentation with solutions at all stages of the design process. Visual proof of testing is evident.

   

  Overall Design and Composition: Arrangement of visual elements on the page, which shows consideration of form, composition, 

  principles, details and typography.

   

  Technical Proficiency: Ability to use the computer and an understanding of software, digital camera, scanners 

  and other relevant technology as effective tools in the execution of design work.

   

  Communication in written form:  Ability to organize and express ideas clearly, use design terminology, correct use of spelling & grammar and fully answer the questions by supporting the main ideas. Meets minimum length on writing requirements.

Portfolio Review Questions:

• Please answer the following questions:
  Answer the question below (second deadline).
  

   

  1. Discuss a design piece, campaign or other project that you consider effective visual communication based on: message, concept, format and design principles. Include a visual example and examine the designer, client and audience to help expand your reasoning. 

   

  2. Discuss areas in the design field that you find motivating and how this impacted your decision to apply to the program.

   

• Portfolio review question requirements:

  Answer the questions below. Express your thoughts fully and clearly, using a formal writing style. You will be evaluated on; clear communication, use of design terminology and spelling/grammar.

   

  • Save the file as a PDF with your full last name, first initial and answers, followed by term and year;
   smithb-answersF17.pdf

• Additional Information

  Students in the Limited Access program in Graphic Design & Digital Media will need to go through the Limited Access Review process again if;

   

   

  1. A student leaves the program for more than 3 consecutive terms. 
  2. A student receives a failing grade in Introduction to Graphic Design the term he or she reviews.

  If breaking continuous enrollment, students will be under the catalog for the term that they re-enter the track, unless they have 5 or fewer classes remaining.

   

  Students that change majors or tracks (art history, ceramics, p/d/p, photo or sculpture) after being accepted into GD+DM, are no longer permitted to enroll in Limited Access classes. 

Review Dates

• 2016–2017 Academic Year

  Fall Dates: 

  Applications due October 07, 2016 by 4:00

  Questions due October 14, 2016  by 4:00

  Portfolio due October 21, 2016 by 10:00

   

  Spring Dates:

  Applications due February 24, 2017 by 4:00

  Questions due  March 03, 2017 by 4:00

  Portfolio due March 10, 2017  by 10:00