Communication Arts and Design
As our world changes, so do our modes of communication. Our Communication Arts and Design program approaches the production of visual culture through a core curriculum of foundational practices and strategies used by all modern-day artists and communicators. From there, students select a specialization that focuses coursework on a specific set of creative tools and technologies with which to engage our ever-changing visual world.
Why choose Lees-McRae?
Hands-on learning in the Whitesell Art Building
Practice sculpture, ceramics, painting, drawing, photography, graphic design, and more all in one place under the guidance of our faculty.
Art exhibits in King-Shivell Gallery
The King-Shivell Gallery features a rotating display of exhibits from guest artists, Lees-McRae faculty, and current students in a variety of media, along with artist talks and presentations. Each year, students have the opportunity to submit pieces to the Juried Student Art show and compete for a cash prize.
Professional internships
The program requires at least one internship, but we encourage you to seek out others to broaden your experience and prepare you for your post-graduation plans.
What You'll Study
What you study in our program is all up to you. We are a versatile program formulated for creative people. We are not a traditional fine arts major or communications major—we have combined studio arts, digital design, and communications into a single program where you get a well-rounded foundation and the ability to choose your area of focus.
You will start with our foundations courses, which include drawing, photo/video, and digital imaging (graphic design). They will give you an opportunity to explore the history, culture, techniques, and materials encompassed in the world of Art and Design. From there, you will choose from one of our three specializations.
Specializations
The Communication Arts specialization takes a little bit from each of the main areas: studio art, digital design, professional writing, and video production. Students who are interested in going into advertising and graphic arts will benefit from this course of study.
Our Creative Marketing specialization is half communication arts and half business. We have designed this for the student who wants to work with businesses or corporations. Through the skills learned in this specialization, our students have worked as liaison’s between marketing/adverting and business teams, as media designers, and as small business managers.
The Studio Arts specialization combines traditional studio techniques with new media—this is where the past meets the future. You will learn a variety of skills and techniques ranging from drawing to digital design. This specialization is designed for those who are interested in fine or visual arts
"The variety of classes within the Studio Arts concentration prepared me to be successful in my chosen field of scientific illustration. Being able to get experience in a variety of media pushed me to think creatively and pushed my artistic abilities in ways I wouldn’t be able to if I was practicing in just a single medium.”
Tessa Wells ’23
Communication Arts and Design/Wildlife Biology
Currently studying scientific illustration at California State University Monterey Bay
“The variety of classes within the Studio Arts concentration prepared me to be successful in my chosen field of scientific illustration. Being able to get experience in a variety of media pushed me to think creatively and pushed my artistic abilities in ways I wouldn’t be able to if I was practicing in just a single medium.”
Tessa Wells ’23
Communication Arts and Design/Wildlife Biology
Currently studying scientific illustration at California State University Monterey Bay
After Graduation
Common Career Areas
- Advertising—Digital/Web Designer, Graphic Designer, Journalism, Photography, Photojournalism, Public Relations
- Fine Arts—Studio Artist, Media and Entertainment, Gallery Assistant, Education
- Creative Marketing—Marketing Creator, Social Media Marketing, Writing and Editing
Career information is provided through Vault and O'Net. Current Lees-McRae students can see the full results on Vault using their student email and password.
Alumni Success
Freelance Designer Nike
Personal Cruise Consultant Carnival Cruise and Holland American Lines
Writer and Research SCAD
Graphic Designer HED Bicycles
Assistant Art Director LOGOnation
Print Shop Assistant Weaverville, NC
Art Director Carrol Leather
Graphic Design Intern Flat Top Brewing Co.
Digital Intern Visit Sarasota County
Frequently asked questions
Meet the Faculty
Michael Iauch
Assistant Dean of Arts and Humanities, Program Coordinator of Communication Arts and Design, King-Shivell Gallery Curator, Assistant Professor
Melissa Ball-Martin
Professor of Communication Arts and Design