Quick Answer: Parsons Communication Design Department integrates traditional graphic design with digital interactive practice. Program distinguished by: broader “communication design” scope beyond traditional graphic design, emphasis on both print and digital, strong typography foundation, industry-focused preparation, NYC location providing design industry access. BFA Communication Design 4-year program. Requires Parsons Challenge (3 pieces) plus portfolio. Korean students with interest across print, digital, brand identity find distinctive fit. Portfolio should demonstrate visual thinking, typography awareness, some digital work, design process. Career paths include studios, in-house, digital product design. Royal Blue Art guides Korean Communication Design applicants with 19+ years of experience.
Understanding Parsons Communication Design helps Korean applicants evaluate this broad design program. According to publicly available information from Parsons Communication Design, department combines traditional and digital practice. At Royal Blue Art & Design in Apgujeong, Seoul, we work with Korean Communication Design applicants.
This guide covers Parsons Communication Design specific considerations.
Broader Communication Design Scope
“Communication Design” broader than traditional “Graphic Design” — includes print design, digital/interactive design, brand identity, publication design, information design, motion graphics, user interface design, data visualization, editorial design. Program name reflects expanded contemporary practice where design increasingly spans media. Korean students sometimes expect graphic design as print-focused — Parsons approach reflects contemporary practice reality. Students develop flexibility across media rather than single-medium specialization. Digital practice essential alongside traditional foundation. Cross-disciplinary thinking valued over narrow specialization in one design area.
Department Philosophy
Parsons Communication Design emphasizes: industry-focused preparation alongside conceptual development, typography as foundational practice, digital and print capability integration, design thinking applied to communication problems, professional design practice preparation. Approach balances creative and commercial considerations — students develop as designers capable of working in industry while maintaining design quality. More commercially-oriented than RISD Graphic Design’s research/theory emphasis. Korean students targeting industry careers find Parsons preparation practical. Design thinking for client problems central — students learn to address client needs creatively. Internship culture supports career development.
Curriculum Structure
BFA Communication Design typical progression: Year 1 integrated Parsons foundation, Year 2 introduces Communication Design through typography, design studios, digital fundamentals, Year 3 advanced design studios across print and digital, specialized electives, Year 4 senior studio with personal direction, thesis project, professional preparation. Technical courses throughout — typography, print production, digital processes. Industry connection courses prepare for professional practice. Liberal arts requirements through broader New School. Internships during studies common — NYC provides substantial internship opportunities. Program intensive — substantial time commitment required.
Portfolio Considerations
Strong Parsons Communication Design portfolio demonstrates: visual thinking through varied work, typography awareness (some typography work), drawing capability (observational valuable), design process documentation, some digital work alongside traditional, design problem-solving thinking, personal voice emergence, contemporary design awareness. Korean applicants often strong visually but need development in: conceptual thinking, typography beyond basic execution, process documentation. Include varied design approaches — print, digital, identity, typography-focused work. Process sketches and development valuable alongside finished work. Korean students sometimes show only polished work — process reveals thinking.
NYC Industry Access
NYC location provides substantial design industry access: internships at major design studios, advertising agencies, publishing companies, tech companies, Design industry events and networking, industry lectures and visiting designers, portfolio reviews with industry professionals, job placement strong given NYC concentration of design jobs. Korean students benefit from NYC immersion building professional network. Industry connections during studies lead to post-graduation employment. Major design studios regularly recruit Parsons students. Korean design firms recognize Parsons credentials. Career services support transition to professional practice.
Illustration Concentration
Notable: Communication Design program includes Illustration emphasis option — students can focus within illustration while maintaining broader communication design foundation. Different from standalone Illustration programs at other schools but enables illustration specialization. Korean students interested in illustration within design context find this option. Parsons also offers Illustration as separate BFA for purely illustration focus. Students should understand difference when choosing — Illustration BFA more illustration-focused, Communication Design with Illustration emphasis maintains design foundation alongside illustration specialization.
Faculty and Alumni
Faculty include practicing designers working at major studios and independently: designers from major NYC design firms, type designers, digital designers, illustrators, design educators with industry experience. Industry relevance of faculty substantial. Alumni network extensive in NYC design industry and internationally. Korean alumni work in Korean design industry across brands, agencies, independent practice. Networking through alumni substantial post-graduation resource. Parsons design credentials recognized in Korean design industry. Guest lectures and visiting designers supplement curriculum with current industry voices.
Career Paths
Graduates pursue varied paths: design studios (major and boutique), in-house design at companies, advertising agencies, publishing design, digital product design, brand identity practice, freelance and independent, UI/UX design at tech companies, type design specifically, editorial design at publications. Korean students have multiple paths: Korean design industry opportunities, international careers in US, freelance/independent practice, creative agency careers. Career development through internships during studies crucial — NYC internships provide substantial resume credentials. Career trajectories from Communication Design flexible given broad foundation.
Korean Applicant Preparation
Korean applicants should develop: typography literacy through practice, design thinking beyond technical execution, digital design experience alongside traditional, drawing capability (observational valuable), design research and process documentation, Parsons Challenge preparation, English writing for artist statements, understanding of contemporary design discourse. Korean design industry internships or experience valuable. Visit Korean and international design exhibitions. Read design publications (Eye magazine, It’s Nice That, Korean design publications). Personal design projects demonstrating thinking. Typography-specific work valuable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Parsons Communication Design differ from RISD Graphic Design?
Parsons more industry/practical focused, RISD more research/theory focused. Parsons broader “communication design” scope, RISD more focused graphic design. Both excellent — program culture matters.
Should I focus on print or digital?
Both. Contemporary communication design requires both. Portfolio should demonstrate capability across media. Specialization can develop later through electives.
How important is Parsons Challenge?
Very. Challenge demonstrates design thinking applied to specific problem. Strong Challenge distinguishes applications. Prepare Challenge carefully over weeks — not rushed response.
Can I work in Korean design industry with Parsons degree?
Yes. Parsons credentials recognized in Korean design industry. Korean alumni network active. Many graduates return to Korea for career development.
Next Steps
Parsons Communication Design preparation benefits from typography development, digital design exposure, and Parsons Challenge preparation. Korean students with these elements plus industry interest prepare effectively.
Ready for Parsons Communication Design preparation? Contact Royal Blue Art & Design for guidance.
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