Visual Communication (B.A.)

Visual communication involves conveying messages through images, such as posters, large billboards, various pictogram signs, logos, animations, TV commercials, magazine layouts, and more. Creativity is one of the most important characteristics of a graphic designer, and in this competitive field, creating new ideas plays a significant role. This major is taught in Iran from high school to the master’s level. Essential skills for entering this profession include familiarity with design techniques, painting, photography, illustration, and using design software to produce images.

In graphic design, each sample work of the designer also serves as an advertisement for their work. A designer working for a graphic company can gradually become a creative director or supervisor of other designers with good performance and promotion of their sample works. Remember, success largely depends on criteria such as recognition in the job market, your efficiency, and your innovation.

About

Graphic art is the art of drawing lines, writing, and creating visual images on a surface to convey a specific message to the audience. This field is one of the important branches of visual arts with diverse and extensive applications in both publishing and digital fields. Graphic art is formed based on a commission, which is the main difference between graphic art and painting. In graphic design, the designer must answer the question of what the commission wants from them, then, based on visual and library research, reach a concept that they must express in the best and simplest way. In fact, the commission and the research done on it are the most important sources of inspiration. Students during their studies become familiar with the latest topics in the field of graphic design worldwide, its importance, and its applications.

Familiarity with all branches of graphic design in this field helps students discover their talents and interests, pursue one or more specific branches, and move towards professionalism. Ultimately, the better the graphic works created with more unique ideas, the more the visual literacy of society grows, and the public’s expectations of this art increase. Therefore, graphic design is translated as the art of visual communication, meaning conveying a concept through the language of images. A graphic designer must know the science of images like an orator knows the science of speech and establish effective communication through it, considering the type of message and audience. Graphic designers do not need to be present in a specific geographical location to work. Some choose full-time and secure jobs in government companies with specific workspaces and hours, while others work in private institutions with slightly different conditions. Some also work independently, which may not always guarantee a steady stream of clients.

Skill Areas

Graphic design encompasses a wide range of visual skills, including poster and billboard design, signage, book and publication covers, page layout, logo design, advertising and brochure design, catalogs, corporate papers, folders, lettering, typography, printing and publishing, film titling, animated illustration, and interface design (UI/UX), among others.

Job Fields

Graphic design is one of the growing and practical professions. This field has a very good job market both inside and outside Iran. Whether working as a freelancer or employed by an organization or company, it can be highly lucrative. A designer can enter professional job markets in any of the various branches mentioned above depending on their activity level, expertise, experience, innovation, effort, and perseverance. In Iran, high-income jobs in this field include logo design, animation creation, advertising teasers, web page design, and user interface design. Below are some of the career fields mentioned:

  • Executing all kinds of advertising orders in different commercial, industrial, cultural, etc., areas.
  • Preparing various designs for introducing and presenting a topic.
  • Designing illustrations for literary, political, social texts, etc.
  • Designing layout for books, magazines, newspapers.
  • Preparing brochures and guidebooks to introduce goods.
  • Packaging designs for various goods.
  • Fabric designs.
  • Website and video game designs.
  • Logo and emblem designs.
  • Business card designs.

Professional Requirements

Nowadays, indirect education and advertising are among the tools for success for governments, factories, institutions, etc. Therefore, all political, economic, social, and cultural sectors are engaging forces in this area.

The Necessity of This Profession

Looking around the city, at television programs and advertisements, we realize that we are surrounded by images. These images must be attractive and able to convey points to us. Hence, there is a need for people who have the knowledge and art of this task.

Courses

Field Courses

Basic Courses

  • Humanity, Nature, Design
  • Geometry of Landscapes and Mirrors
  • Sculpture Workshop
  • Islamic Art and Civilization

Main Courses

  • Photography
  • Scientific Principles of Communication and Advertising
  • Research Methodology in Visual Communication
  • Calligraphy and Letter Design
  • Color Photography
  • Specialized Computer
  • Advanced Printing Methods

Specialized Courses

  • Visual Communication Workshop
  • Specialized Computer
  • Print Supervision
  • Specialized Photography
  • Comprehensive Practical Project
  • Specialized Language
  • Environmental Graphics