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At Pratt, we see communications design as a close alignment of thinking and making. Our curriculum pairs critical, cultural observation with emerging technologies and tools to help you form your own design process.
An illustration of a woman in profile. Their head is adorned with what looks like a crown of fire, small stuffed animal toys, and strings of charms. They are wearing headphones.
Type
Undergraduate, BFA
Credits
126
Duration
4 Years
Courses
Plan of Study
Illustration by Lily Herring, UG Communication Design, Illustration '23

Communications Design: Illustration at Pratt

Our multifaceted and interdisciplinary Communications Design courses happen within a studio culture that invites exchange of individual perspectives, critique, visual literacy, media fluency, experiential learning, and innovative formal outcomes. You’ll explore meaningful visual forms through research, historical and contemporary contexts, experimentation, audience, technology, and play. The Illustration emphasis includes studio courses in advanced storytelling, socio-political commentary, and authorship. Electives include graphic novels, animation and 3D modeling, independent publishing, production design and character design.

Student Work

The Experience

A student stands next to a three works that are pinned to the wall. They are speaking to someone off frame.

The design studio is at the core of your educational experience at Pratt. It is a creative space and a community in microcosm, from which we connect to the larger community. We believe education takes place in the studio and the classroom and that the work in the studio benefits the student’s growth through an exchange of ideas, skills, and aspirations. Working with your peers in the studio deepens knowledge of the opportunities inherent in form-making and design exploration.

Maker Spaces and Labs

Sustainability and material exploration drive our passion for making. We are hands-on and immersive; using our many production labs, any communication design student can discover, iterate and refine their investigations across different media. Learn more

Thesis

By the end of your senior year, you’ll complete a thesis that reflects and shapes your future practice. Your thesis is presented at the annual design show, a public event attended by industry leaders and potential employers. Pratt Shows 2023.

Study Abroad

Students outside the University of the Arts, London.

Immersing yourself in another culture is an incredible experience that can extend the boundaries of creativity. Study abroad programs are an integral part of the college experience, and Pratt has deep connections with university partners around the world. See where you can go.

Learning Resources

We develop disciplinary fluency in our program of study and we celebrate the interdisciplinary nature of design critical to address the plurality and complexity of the environments in which we operate. Learn about resources.

Our Faculty

Pratt’s distinguished faculty of outstanding creative professionals and scholars share a common desire to fully develop each student’s individual potential and creativity. The faculty come from diverse educational and professional backgrounds representing the breadth of Fashion Design’s complexity. This multiplicity of views and experiences provide for a tailored graduate education that is as unique as each of the students. See all Communications Design faculty and administrators.

Meta Newhouse

Chairperson of Undergraduate Communications Design

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Nida Abdullah

Associate Professor; Pre-College Lecturer

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Daisuke Endo

Adjunct Associate Professor – CCE

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Patricia Cummings

Adjunct Associate Professor

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Lynne St Clare Foster

Adjunct Professor – CCE

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Cheryl Gross

Adjunct Professor – CCE

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Rudy Gutierrez

Professor

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Duncan Hamilton

Professor

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Kimi Hanauer

Assistant Professor

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Floyd Hughes

Adjunct Associate Professor – CCE; Pre-College Lecturer

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Michael Kelly

Adjunct Professor – CCE

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Christopher Lee

Associate Professor

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Thomas La Padula

Adjunct Professor – CCE

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Veronica Lawlor

Adjunct Professor – CCE

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Xinyi Li

Associate Professor

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Scott Menchin

Adjunct Professor – CCE; K-12 Center Instructor

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Scott Santoro

Adjunct Professor – CCE; SCPS Lecturer

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Joshua Trees

Associate Professor

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Black and white portrait of a woman with voluminous curly hair, wearing a dark blazer over a light top, looking at the camera with a slight smile and intense eyes.

Jessica Wexler

Associate Professor

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Jon Weiman

Adjunct Professor – CCE

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Anthony Williams

Adjunct Professor – CCE

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Our Alumni

A group of people sits in a classroom as they watch a presentation. One of the participants is motioning with his hands as he asks a questions

Communication designers are leading thriving careers, addressing critical challenges, and creating innovative work that reimagines our world, at a diverse selection of companies and institutions. They also go on to become entrepreneurs and principals leading their own studios and businesses.

Where They Work

  • Amazon
  • Hasbro
  • Pegasus Books
  • Scholastic
  • Penguin Random House
  • Cricket Media

Success Stories

Ready for More?

HERE’S HOW TO APPLYPORTFOLIO HELPOUR CAMPUS & BEYOND
Thinking seriously about Pratt? Learn more about admissions requirements, plan your visit, talk to a counselor, and start your application. Take the next step.Building your portfolio can be daunting. We’ll answer your questions and help you feel confident about the portfolio you submit with your application. Start building your portfolio, now.Find yourself at home at Pratt: our residence halls, student organizations, athletics, exhibitions, events, the amazing City of New York and our Brooklyn neighbors. Check us out.

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From the Catalog