Become a Graphic Designer in Portland, Oregon
Known as "The City of Roses", Portland is the largest city in Oregon. Portland is also home to The Art Institute of Portland, a great location to begin your education in graphic design.
Any important decision is accompanied by important questions, and attending graphic design school is no different. How much will it cost? How long does it take? How do I start? Can I get financial aid? Get the information you need, and the answers you're looking for.
If you are interested in attending graphic design school at The Art Institute of Portland, we recommend you look at the information below and see if this school is the right fit. If it is, click on the "Request Free School Info" button, fill out the short questionnaire and a representative from the school will contact you to answer any additional questions about the school, costs, financial aid and how to apply.
The Art Institute of Portland
1122 NW Davis
Portland, OR 97209
About The ARt Institute of Portland
The Art Institute is a media arts, design, and culinary arts post-secondary school that offers bachelor's and associate's degrees. Program Advisory Committees and more than 100 faculty members include working professionals who bring a real-world perspective, work setting and industry standards into the classroom.
Programs are offered on a year-round basis and are reviewed by faculty and industry professionals to ensure they meet the needs of a changing marketplace. The school partners with national and local employers to help ensure an education that benefits both students and employers.
Students can get on-the-job training by participating in internships or externships at local businesses and national corporations. The Career Services office monitors industry trends and employer satisfaction in order to fulfill employers needs and enable career success for program graduates.
Associate of Arts in Graphic Design
A 112 credit program, the Associate of Arts in Graphic Design degree can be completed in as little as 21 months. Upon graduation, students are prepared for entry-level positions in publishing, advertising, television and motion pictures, and architecture.
Exploring topics such as media design, marketing, and 2-D and 3-D design, students of the Associate of Arts in Graphic design program use page layout programs, image manipulation and computer illustration to master design skills.
Associate of Arts in Interior Design
The first step in achieving an NCIDQ certified interior designer, the Associate of Arts in Interior Design program focuses on residential interior design. With an emphasis on kitchen and bath specialties, the AA program prepares students for entry-level positions working for architects, contractors, residential designers or becoming self-employed.
Associate of Arts in Web Design & Interactive Media
Giving students a solid foundation of design skills, the Associate of Arts in Web Design & Interactive Media program emphasizes interactive and PC screen design. In addition, students of this degree program will use the latest in Adobe software to design interactive web pages and computer games.
Preparing students for positions such as a multimedia scriptwriter, web designer, web programmer, or multimedia production assistant, this program focuses on the tools needed to create interactive web content, and can be completed in as little as 21 months.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
A program that can be completed in as few as 36 months, the Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design establishes a strong foundation in computer skills and traditional design, while developing the skills of problem solving, in addition to the theories of graphic design.
As part of this program, students will learn to design, produce and deliver effective and creative design concepts. From media design, marketing, 2-D and 3-D design, to computer illustration, image manipulation, web programming and page layout programs, students of this program will have the skills necessary to gain entry-level employment in the field of graphic design.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Media Arts & Animation
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Media Arts & Animation is a great launching pad for a career in computer animation. Mastering the skills of design, drawing, and image manipulation, students learn to create animation using different types of computer animation software.
As part of the program, students will build 3-D models, in addition to editing and modifying video and composite 2-D and 3-D animation. Upon graduation, students are prepared to enter the workforce as broadcast graphic, animation, production or post-production artists.
Bachelor of Fine ARts in Web Design & Interactive Media
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Web Design & Interactive Media degree program is a user-centered program which focuses on using creative and innovative technology solutions across a wide range of media platforms. From e-learning solutions to dynamic websites, interface devices for wireless devices to rich media experiences, students of this program will learn the basics of Interactive Media Design.
Some of the skills involved with this degree program include the design and implementation of creative interactive technology solutions, business strategies, rich media design, interactive design, and web site design. Upon graduation, students are prepared for entry-level positions as a web designer, project coordinator, or interactive content developer. A 192 quarter-credits program, the BFA degree can be completed in as little as 36 months.
Bachelor of Science in Web Design & Interactive Media
The Bachelor of Science in Web Design & Interactive Media degree program is a user-centered program which focuses on using creative and innovative technology solutions across a wide range of media platforms.
From e-learning solutions to dynamic websites, interface devices for wireless devices to rich media experiences, students of this program will learn the basics of Interactive Media Design.
Focusing on interactive and PC screen design, other skills involved with this degree program include the design and implementation of creative interactive technology solutions, business strategies, rich media design, interactive design, and web site design. Upon graduation, students are prepared for entry-level positions such as a multimedia programmer, web designer, and web programmer.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design
The blending of artistic designs with practical sensibility, the Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design program is a 36 month program that teaches the fundamentals of the exciting profession of Interior Design.
Students of this program will study the histories of modern art and design, master computer-aided drafting programs, and create effective design solutions by studying ergonomics, lighting, building codes, acoustics, and furniture design. Upon graduation, students are prepared to seek entry-level employment in residential, commercial, healthcare, and hospitality interior design.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design Studies
Focusing on the academic skills of students as a means of designing, the BFA in Design Studies program focuses on the critical thinking and research skills behind the design.
While focusing on theory and research, students will also spend 60 credit hours on design alone. This includes shape analyzation, and critical thinking skills.
Bachelor of Science in Design Management
Preparing graduates for entry-level positions such as a production assistant, marketing assistant, or assistant traffic manager, the BS in Design Management program balances the creative and analytical aspects of the industry.
With coursework in business, management, technology, and studio design, students of this program will learn to work in a team environment, learning to design, plan, and strategies.
Bachelor of Science in Design Visualization
Preparing graduates to enter the industry as modelers, texture and terrain builders, or conceptual artists, the BS in Design Visualization program equips students with aesthetic awareness and technical prowess. With their work used in manufacturing, design, entertainment, architecture, and countless other industries, there is a vital demand for designers.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Film & Video
Preparing students for an entry-level position in the digital motion picture industry, the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Film & Video will allow graduates to pursue employment as a production assistant, producer's assistant, lighting assistant, multimedia specialist or audio visual specialist. This program can be completed in as little as 36 months.
With instruction from some of the industry's top professionals, this program will guide students in the industry's latest techniques, technologies and theories, allowing them to apply them in their own productions.
Culminating in a senior project that prepares a festival worthy project from start to finish, the program teaches the fundamentals of preproduction, production, and post-production, allowing students to take their creative ideas from inception to the screen.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Art & Design
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Art & Design degree develops skills such as scriptwriting, storyboarding, programming, and the development of web-based game content. In addition, students study the skills of 2-D design and animation, drawing and perspective. Upon graduation, this degree will prepare students for entry-level positions as level designers, modelers, character animators, and texture artists.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Effects & Motion Graphics
Focusing on motion graphics and digital compositing, the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Effects & Motion Graphics degree will guide students in developing a portfolio to gain employment in the fields of compositing, visual effects, motion graphics, visual display, and corporate communication.
In addition to emphasizing the technological and design foundations essential to the field, students will be able to add sound to a project, apply diagnostic and problem-solving techniques, and learn how to communicate an idea clearly and effectively.
Bachelor of Science in Visual & Game Programming
In addition to the fundamentals of art, students of the BS in Visual & Game Programming program will develop a strong foundation in mathematics and science. After a few quarters of study, students of this program will decide whether to focus on the programming or technical directing aspects of the field.
Working with real-world challenges, in a real-time environment, students of this program will also gain an appreciation and understanding of the balance between the artistic and technical demands the industry requires.
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design
Designed for students who are seeking entry-level employment as a model maker or product fabricator, the BS in Industrial Design program focuses on the science of ergonomics as it relates to industrial design.
In addition, students of this program will define and develop new products, solve dimensional design problems, build models, and participate in the evolution of products from conception to presentation.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising
Crafted to teach students the business and art aspects that drive the advertising industry, the BFA in Advertising program deals with the techniques, product, and impact of this exciting industry.
Working alongside graphic design students, students in the Advertising program will learn the business of the industry, copywriting, and public relations skills. Graduates of this program are prepared to seek employment in this exciting field.
Faculty and Facilities
Known for small class sizes, The Art Institute of Portland also features a staff truly focused on the success of their students. Leaders in their field, the faculty of Portland will turn their real life experiences into a meaningful and relevant learning environment for all. Each student has access to state-of-the-art design equipment. To increase the potential for hire after graduation, many skills focus on real-world skills.
Licensing & Accreditation
The Art Institute of Portland is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, granting it the authority to award both Associate degrees, Bachelor degrees, and diplomas.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to those who qualify for federal or state assistance. The school employs several financial representatives to answer student questions or concerns on applying for loans and grants. Scholarship options can also be considered through this office.
Going to School in Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon is considered one of the fastest growing regions in the United States for the culinary arts. Due to its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, fresh seafood is available in abundance; the local restaurant scene indicates a love of this type of cuisine.
Fresh produce and fine wines are also grown and created in the region. Open-air markets are common, and regional food festivals (including the Bite of Oregon) demonstrate the city's commitment to the culinary arts.
Incorporated in 1851, Portland is a city located near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. It's warm summers and rainy but temperate winters make it an ideal location for growing roses, and for more than a century Portland has been known as "The City of Roses".
With 28 breweries inside the city, Portland is well-known for its microbrewery beer. In fact, Portland is often said to be the home of the microbrew revolution in the United States.
In addition to good drink, Portland was also deemed by the Food Network as a "Delicious Destination of the Year: A rising city with a fast-growing food scene" for 2007.
More Information
If you are interested in any of these programs and would like to find out more, please request information from The Art Institute of Portland - Portland, OR.
Portland, OR Graphic Design School - The Art Institute of Portland