Communication - Graphic Design

We are happy that you have taken an interest in the minor Graphic Design!

Graphic design is the most pervasive art in our world today. It is spread throughout the branches of almost every entity in our lives. Take a look at the logo of your favorite jeans, the website you are browsing or the advertising signs you pass by while traveling. Graphic design is meant to beautify, to solve problems of communication, to create awareness, to inform, to inspire and to entertain. Simply put: graphic design touches everything we see and do. It is the art of visualizing ideas.

You will shape stories and messages that are creative and thought provoking, but also well researched and well executed. The minor in graphic design provides the necessary skill set needed in visual communication and the tools to contribute and work with marketing campaigns and creative professionals. Interdisciplinary courses in communication and art will help you develop your ability to verbalize creative ideas on a variety of platforms.

The Graphic Design minor at Fontys School of Economics is a blend of communication studies and liberal arts education with a balanced focus on conceptual, creative and technical skills.​

Impressive portfolio

The program offers you many ways to build an impressive portfolio, as you will be working on design projects for actual organizations. The minor in Graphic Design requires 4 days of study/work a week (inspiration sessions, project work, skills labs, coaching, field trips, design conference) and will supplement majors like communication, marketing, computer science, business, etc.

1. Critical Thinking & Context

The ability to describe, analyze, problematize, position and criticize visual art and graphic design.   

2. Concept & Creative Process

The skill to translate abstract concepts and ideas visually and apply high technical standards in design, in print and on the web. 

3. Creating Capacity

The skill to understand and apply high technical standards in design, photography and typography, in print and on the web.

4. Presentation & Persuasion

The skill to communicate with clients, graphic designers, advertising professionals, web designers and printers.   

5. Professional Practice

The ability to demonstrate the professional awareness and preparation necessary to enter the design workspace.

The program consists of 30 credits (ECTS), equivalent to 840 hours of study, divided into three units:

Commercial

You will be working (individually and in teams) on design projects for actual organizations. Acquisition, briefings, brainstorms, design, project management, pitching and billing are part of this unit. The money that is earned will be used for a study trip. All projects, including the creative and business processes, will be bundled in group file: the process book.   

Conceptual

You will be working on a personal design project within the theme Design for Good. You will create your own story and choose your own visuals to tell that story. Your project will be showcased in an exhibition for academic and non-academic audiences. The creative process will be documented in a concept guide.      

Personal

The portfolio is the most essential marketing piece a designer can have. It will usually have the most impact on the ability to impress clients and employers. With that in mind, you will be creating your own print or/and web portfolio with projects that showcase your skills and creativity. You present your portfolio and personal design journey during an individual assessment.

Studytrip

You will have the opportunity to travel with us to a Graphic Design convention*. For example: in 2018 and 2019 we visited OFFSET Dublin, one of the world’s most inspirational conferences for the design and creative industries. Speakers are key disruptors and influencers in their field driving everything from huge global campaigns to awe inspiring personal projects.

*Disclaimer: of course this is subject to reservation given the current Corona situation

International students

Applications should always be submitted via the International Exchange (or Erasmus) Officer at the home university. This officer will send your application request (nomination) to Fontys. Once Fontys has accepted the application, your Fontys study department will send you a link to a web application called Mobility Online. Added to the link you will receive all necessary information and a manual. Please take a look at this website to see how it works.

Fontys and Dutch UAS students

Fontys students need to apply via Progress. Dutch UAS students, apply for this minor via https://www.kiesopmaat.nl. 

Deadline for applying

Dutch students: November 15, 2021

Erasmus (exchange) students: October 30, 2021

Due to the limited number of places available a selection will be done after the application deadline. Students will be advised of their acceptance or refusal before November 26, 2021.

Motivational letter

For your application we would like to receive a motivation (in any form) in which the following questions will be answered:

• Who are you?
• Why are you applying for Graphic Design?
• What do you want to learn during the program?
• Could you rate your own design skills?

Once you are admitted to Graphic Design, you will receive a digital package with online tutorials to prepare for the program.

Program Manager

Mrs. Kris Tan

Tel: +31 (0)645955438

E-mail: minorfeht@fontys.nl

International Desk Fontys School of Economics

Mrs. Cindy Frishert

E-mail: fehtinternationaldesk@fontys.nl

Address

• Visiting address: Professor Goossenslaan 1-02, 5000 GD Tilburg. (Building P4), room 1.20
• Post address: P.O. Box 90903, 5000 GD Tilburg, the Netherlands