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IS
YOUR NEW GRAPHIC DESIGN PROGRAM TRUSTWORTHY?
Leslie Haines
Professor, Director of Graphic Design
Watkins College of Art & Design
Denise Weyhrich
Assistant Professor Art Department
School of Communication Arts Chapman University
Building a graphic design program is all about building trust. Earning trust from students, parents, faculty, colleagues, administrators, and the community. How do you gain that trust? This two-person panel has faced the challenge of starting BFA graphic design programs, and lived to tell the tale. Discussion of shared experiences will reveal credibility-building techniques such as guest speakers, events, exhibits, internships, and pro-bono design projects for non-profits. The panelists will discuss successes and failures, and the importance of looking outward to other resourcesÑdepartments and schools, the business community, AIGA (both local and national chapters), and other local arts organizations. Ms. Weyhrich brings to the forum the gradual evolution of a nine-year-old program within a school of art at a liberal arts university. Ms. Haines' program is only one-year-old and is part of a college of art and design, offering four other creative disciplines. Though their contexts vary, the two programs share many of the same attributes and face very similar challengesÑissues you are likely to face as you start your own graphic design curriculum. Marty Neumeier, paraphrasing Gene Fowler said, "Design is easy. All you do is stare at the screen until drops of blood form on your forehead." Creating a new graphic design program is just as "easy". Trust usÑwe've been there!