Graphic Design Program

We are creative problem solvers who apply a disciplined process, and master tools and technologies, to develop solutions to both social and business problems. Students harness strategic, conceptual, and technical skills to create user-centered experiences that inform, educate, and persuade.

Are you interested in design school, friends and family of  a student, already a working designer, or one of our own bulldog alumni? Come to this years Senior Portfolio Showcase on April 6, 2018 @ the Ferris University Center: 805 Campus Dr, Big Rapids,  MI 49307 RM. 202.

DESIGN SCHOOL SOUNDS COOL, I'M READY TO SEE WHAT IT'S ABOUT.: Stop by between 1 and 3pm, see Senior work and meet with Juniors to get a feel for what it's all about and tour where we create.
I'M ALREADY IN THE INDUSTRY, SHOW ME WHAT YOU GOT.: Meet with the newest members of the design industry, their young, fresh and eager to show you their work between 4 and 6pm.
BEEN THERE DONE THAT, THOSE  ARE MY OLD STOMPING GROUNDS.: Hey design bulldogs, stop by between 4 and 6pm. After the review come to the first design alumni event in over 10 years. Email dsgn@ferris.edu for more information.

event info

Ferris Graphic Design Students Travel to AIGA National Design Conference in Minneapolis

Students from the Graphic Design program at Ferris State University attended the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) National Design Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Each day of the conference began and ended with design education, thinking, and networking. In between, attendees schedules were packed with professional development workshops, round tables with premiere industry professionals, an intense design competition, meaningful speakers, social hours, a design fair, and more. Molly Ford — “The conference made me so excited to continue on in this field and to see where my career takes me. It showed me all the possibilities my future has to offer.”

dsgn_ferris

Going for Gold at the Addy’s

Ferris Design students take home 8 wins at The American Advertising Awards show. Kara Copeland, Natalie Ezabele, Aubrey Kemme, Kaylee Maddox, and Chelsea Marzean received a gold for their work with the Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation Mindshare Gala in 2017. Pictured: Jen Bancino, Rachel VanAken, and Natalie Dixon all received silver awards for their Junior year branding projects Sociabowl and WNBA.

"It was a great experience to receive an Addy Award with my teammates, and to be in the same room with so many talented people. It was a nice surprise and a honor to represent Ferris State University."

Kaylee Maddox, Senior , 2017

AUXILIARY @AUXinc·

October 18, 2019

Gathered around the big table to talk shop with the @FerrisDSGN program. Excited to see what this next-gen talent will do!

See some of our work

Take a look at projects from all class levels ranging from packaging projects to user experience website interactions.

let's see the work

Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation Branding

"Today’s graphic designer is expected to thrive under a wide umbrella of skillsets from print to experience design to motion graphics, illustration, photography, and more. The FSU Design Program is incredibly robust—offering an extensive range of courses that make thriving in all of these areas possible. Apart from this, much of my career trajectory can be attributed to the Design Program’s placement within the College of Business. I was able to build business acumen through marketing and management courses, as well as a real client experience senior year. It’s the skillset that gets you in the door but the well-nurtured business relationships that propel you forward."

Kathryn Shimmin, Sr. Graphic Designer, Advanced Design & Ideation, Newell Brands, New York, NY

how our program works

Throughout our program students are taught to use a 5 phase process. This guides the students to explore multiple ideas to find the best solution. The process includes multiple steps within each phase, however on a project to project basis, things can adjust, because we know in life not every project is the same.

see why we're different