Tama Art University

The rapid development of information technology and the increasing importance of visual communication have had a profound effect on graphic design. In order to meet these new demands, students must posssess artistic sensitivity, creativity, a love of discovery, and organizational ability. The Department of Graphic Design trains students with these qualities to become information communication designers who can respond to the demands of society in creative and innovative ways.

The department has developed a curriculum based on its seventy-year-long history and on its success in responding to changing times, adding such subjects as digital media, video, and multimedia. As a result, students can acquire a practical balance of analog and digital skills, as well as a broad view of the graphic design field, a high level of cultural awareness, and an understanding of design theory.

In the first and second years, students study “handcraft” skills such as drawing, use of color, and spatial composition, machine-based skills such as photography, and digital techniques using state-of-the-art computer hardware and software.

In the third and fourth years, students select one of three courses: the Advertising Design Course, which focuses on planning, creating, and directing for the print media (e.g. newspapers, magazines and posters), TV design, web design, corporate identity design and package design; the Communication Design Course, which gives instruction in the practice and theory of editorial design, typographic design, computer graphics and information design; and the Expression Design Course, which focuses on expressive techniques and theory in photography, illustration and animation.

Educational field (communication design)

Communication design comprises three fields: Advertising design (advertising in print and film media, web design and package design); communication design (visual identity design, typography, editorial design, computer graphics and information design); expression design (illustration, animation and photography).

Introductory education (acquiring basic skills in expressive techniques)

• Through an entrance examination, the department selects talented students.
• The department trains students to acquire a high level of “handcrafted” expressive techniques.
• Students practice basic fine art skills (drawing, color, and composition), and study basic design concepts.
• The curriculum is based on the relationship between practice and theory.

Basic curriculum (acquiring basic skills and theory in expressive techniques and preparation for special curriculum)

• Expansion from “handcrafted” to “machine-based” techniques and study of basic skills.
• Practice in contemporary approaches to representation and composition using photography, printing, and digital typography.
• The curriculum balances practical work with wide-ranging theoretical studies.

Special curriculum (acquisition of knowledge of special field, planning skills and expressive techniques)

• Students acquire a deep knowledge of and techniques in communication design.
• Selecting one area from Advertising Design, Communication Design and Expression Design, students learn how to plan and realize projects.
    • The Advertising Design Course includes the planning of advertisements, art direction, graphic creation and the theory of advertising expression.
    • The Communication Design Course includes visual identity design, editorial design, typography, CG and the theory of visual images.
    • The Expression Design Course includes illustration and animation, and photography.
• After selecting one course, students can study subjects from the other two courses.
• Students commence their graduate projects and can participate in joint research projects with the industrial, governmental and academic sectors.

Graduate school (Advanced study in area of specialization)

• Graduate students pursue advanced studies in communication design.
• Students belong to one of eight study groups in which they carry out specialized research and practical projects.
    • Study groups: Interactive Information Design, Environmental Graphics, Photography, Contemporary Japanese Graphic Design, Advertising Design, Illustration, Animation, Typography