I am so excited to announce the University of Arts & Design! This has been quite the undertaking and we are SO excited to start in enrollment in August for our Fall Semester.
Why a University?
As many of you know, we have a program called Design Suite. This professional development program teaches budding artists and designers how to create profitable businesses. Over the last three years, the course load in this program has grown to over 17 courses and includes replays of virtual conferences, workshops, weekly meetings, and bonus courses.
The insights we have gained from working with creatives daily and understanding what it takes for any designer or artist to get sales have been invaluable.
The Evolution of Design Suite
Design Suite has been a transformative platform for our designers. The program’s growth reflects our commitment to providing comprehensive education that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities in the art and design industry.
Based on my own experiences as a designer for the last 16 years, I have seen new artists and designers find their creative strength and learn to create businesses that really work. From foundational courses on design principles to advanced workshops on business strategies, Design Suite holistic approach has helped creatives find their own markets to sell in including die cutting files, surface pattern design, printables, planners, stickers, clipart, laser files, and so much more.
Bridging the Gap: From Program to University
Given the success and expansion of Design Suite, the natural next step was to establish a university. At the beginning of 2024, I started revising and retaping the current coursework in Design Suite into semester long courses. I started adding more definitive final projects and quizzes to these courses.
This up-leveling process was to help our current (and lifetime course members) continue to improve and hone their design skills. As we see our students become better critical thinkings, develop their business skills, and develop their artwork, it became clear that what we were doing was a game changer.
This decision to create a university wasn’t made lightly. We recognized a growing need for a more structured, in-depth educational experience that could offer not just courses, but a full-fledged degree. By transitioning to a university format, we can provide a more rigorous and recognized pathway for creatives to achieve their professional goals.
What to Expect from Our University
Our university will build on the foundation laid by Design Suite. Students can expect a curriculum that integrates design and business education seamlessly. Courses will cover a wide range of topics, including advanced design techniques, marketing strategies, product development, and business management. The goal is to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the competitive world of art and design.
Starting Fall 2024, we are offering a Master of Arts in Design Business with 2 areas of Emphasis—Digital Technology and Visual Arts. We are also offering Undergraduate Certificate Programs. Both of these programs include 36 credit hours, which we recommend being done in 4 semesters.
Design Suite is NOT going away. If anything, we have seen the membership grow as we have made strides to build the University. We believe that the University appeals to those who are interested in a degree or certificate to continue to build their resume, seek higher education, or want a structured method of learning how to run a design business.
Community and Flexibility
One of the core strengths of Design Suite has been its vibrant community. As we transition to a university, we aim to foster an even stronger sense of community among our students. To achieve this, we have designed a balanced mix of meetings and flexible online courses.
Some courses will meet a few times during the semester, while others will have no scheduled meetings. This approach allows our busy students to benefit from ample opportunities to learn from classmates and build valuable professional connections while maintaining the flexibility necessary to balance work and family life
Looking Ahead
We are incredibly excited about this new chapter and the opportunities it brings. By establishing a university, we are reaffirming our commitment to supporting creatives at every stage of their careers. We believe that with the right education and resources, our students can achieve remarkable success and make a significant impact in the art and design world.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to develop our programs and prepare for the launch of our university. Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm for Design Suite and our future university. Together, we are creating a brighter future for creatives everywhere.
To learn more about the University of Arts & Design , please visit www.uad.education.
Looking forward to designing with you!
Carina Gardner, Ph.D.
