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Communication Design Major

A lot of programs tend to reduce design to decoration. At PNCA, we think of design as a liberal art and embrace its complexity.
— Paul Platosh, Department Chair

Comm. Des. Requirements

Pushing the boundaries of traditional graphic design, Communication Design combines design skills with conceptual thinking and practical experience, preparing students to be active participants in the creative community. The curriculum is designed for exploration in other media and students are encouraged to bring their experiences back to their design work. Skill-building, collaborative projects, learning how to work with clients, professional experience through internships, and Global Studios opportunities are balanced with theory and critical thinking for a design education that meets the needs of the global marketplace.

Center 4 Design

To gain real-world experience, you can work on actual client projects via the College’s Center 4 Design. Housed in a new location this year, C4D is an on-campus, working student studio where client work is conducted under faculty supervision for college credit. The C4D space features exposed beams, natural light, and an arched wooden ramada structure held in place by tension. Facilities include a top-of-the-line Macintosh computer lab, conference room, offices, and drawing tables placed under large windows.

Communication Design Faculty

Brian Acevedo
Assistant Professor in Communication Design
MFA 2001 Cranbrook Academy of Art (2D Design)
BFA 1998 Oregon State University (Graphic Design)
bacevedo
http://www.brianacevedo.com →

* John Calvelli
Associate Professor in Communication Design, MFA Graduate Critique Seminar
MFA 1989 CalArts (Visual Communication)
BFA 1981 San Francisco Art Institute (Photography)
1983 Whitney Museum Independent Study Program
jcalvelli

David Lowe-Rogstad
Instructor in Communication Design
BA San Francisco State University (History, Minor in Journalism)
dlowerogstad
http://findsubstance.com →

Pete McCracken
Instructor in Communication Design
BFA 1995 Pacific Northwest College of Art
pmccracken
http://www.plazm.com →

* Paul Platosh
Communication Design Department Chair
Assistant Professor in Communication Design
MALS, Reed College, 2005
BA 1995 Carnegie Mellon University (Graphic Communications Management)
BA 1995 Carnegie Mellon University (Creative Writing)
pplatosh

Jason Resch
Instructor in Communication Design
MBA 2004 Marylhurst Univeristy
BS 1998 University of Wisconsin-Stout (Marketing & Education) (Summa Cum Laude)
jresch

* = full time

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