Skip to main content

B.A. Fine Arts and Graphic Design

We See Your Future in Visual Arts.
We See the Potential in You.
Norfolk State University
Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and Graphic Design

The foundation of the principles and practices of the Visual Arts courses are in drawing and design. It is important for the Visual Arts student to understand seeing and the translation of same onto a two dimensional surface. In the basic courses the introduction of the skills of proportion, perspective, value observation in both achromatic and chromatic stages, and the understanding of illusionary and actual three dimensional forms and space are the foundational skills for the ensuing upper level courses to come.

Solomon Isekeije, M.F.A Visual Studies
Associate Professor of Fine Arts & Director Division of Fine Arts.


Concentrations & Plans of Study

  • Fine Arts
    The foundation of the principles and practices of the Visual Arts courses are in drawing and design. It is important for the Visual Arts student to understand seeing and the translation of same onto a two dimensional surface. In the basic courses the introduction of the skills of proportion, perspective, value observation in both achromatic and chromatic stages, and the understanding of illusionary and actual three dimensional forms and space are the foundational skills for the ensuing upper level courses to come.

  • Fashion Design
    The fashion curriculum in the department of Visual and Performing Arts offers students courses that provides both technical and design skills sought after in the industry.  Student original designs are presented in two-dimensional form, developed through draping and or flat pattern and finally is realized in three dimensional forms in muslin and the finished fabric.  By junior year students have developed a portfolio of work and are encouraged to pursue internships in the fashion field.  These internships provide students with professional networking skills and help them develop a better grasp of what is required of industry professionals.
  • Graphic Design
    The graphic design track is concerned with visual communication and visual problem solving in print, on the web, in digital or hand crafted forms, and in packaging design, as well as in animated sequential art.  The aim is to prepare students with a thorough understanding of the language of design, with the ability to conceptualize ideas, and with the skill set to create original solutions that can communicate in an increasingly image-driven, global society.
  • Photography
    Our photography curriculum will enrich the student with a vast knowledge of the photography industry and highlights fashion photography as it's main emphasis.  Beginning with a basic knowledge of photography, you will continue through several courses that include photography foundations, studio lighting, fashion photography and lighting, and photography fine art workshops for you to venture wherever you'd like.  The photography faculty at NSU will help you become the most creative and knowledgeable photographer, helping you grow with your technical skills, as well as critical thinking and theory.

About

B.A. Fine Arts and Graphic Design

  • What to Expect as a Fine Arts Student
    As a student you will have the opportunity to experience artworks created by regional, national and international artist in a world-class art gallery. Our James Wise Gallery has become a regional art hub as well as a teaching gallery, which gives our student the chance to engage visual art and artists under the tutelage of highly motivated instructors.

DEGREE AT A GLANCE

  • Average Class Size:
    14 - 16 for studio classes
    25 - 30 for lecture classes

Total Credit Hours: 120 credit hours

WHERE WILL MY DEGREE TAKE ME?

Considering the student’s exposure to a vast body of knowledge in fine and applied arts, while in training, a fine arts student can secure employment in the following areas of employment:

  • Graphic Designer
  • Book illustrator
  • Cartoonist (print media)
  • News photographer
  • Fashion designer
  • Fabric designer
  • Art writer
  • Public art sculptor and painter
  • Web design
  • Game design
  • Interior and exterior decoration
  • Screen printer
  • Production manager advertising
  • Sign designer and painter
  • Merchandise displayer
  • Scenic artistic director
  • Model maker
  • Package designer
  • Dressmakers
  • Master tailor
  • Metalworker
  • Architectural modeler
  • Landscape drafter
  • Miniature set designer
  • Muralist calligrapher
  • Independent filmmaker
  • Wood, stone, leather, class and fiber artists
  • Silversmith and crafter
  • Police Department
  • Central Intelligence Agency
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Art Education
  • Teacher
  • Graduate School