Graphic Design and Art Direction
Rome
ITA
|
ENG
Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication Design - Specialization Graphic Design
Language
Italian, English
Start date
October 2027
January 2028
Frequency
Full time
Fruition
On campus
Duration
3 Years
Credits
180 CFA / ECTS
Course Coordination
Matteo Modena, Luigi Vernieri
The Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Art Direction at IED Roma combines visual communication and contemporary research, providing constantly updated tools to develop projects in a digital and post-digital context. Alongside traditional design themes applied to printed products and video graphics, the programme explores visual culture, with particular attention to the visual identities of companies, institutions and products, and digital publishing as a field of experimentation. Projects range from self-produced content to collaborations with brands. Rome, with its museum, tourism, film and artistic vocation, offers a kaleidoscope of evolving professional opportunities. A distinctive feature of the course is the chance to explore graphic design in relation to the design of both static and dynamic physical and digital experiences.
Course structure and contents:
The IED programme spans three years, integrating design with cultural knowledge, dialogue with professionals, technical skills and innovative tools.
First Year: Introduces design through the acquisition of basic technical, theoretical and cultural tools. Students learn professional software such as Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, study the principles of design and typography, and explore the fundamentals of visual language: form, colour, space, graphic synthesis and layout. The programme also includes colour theory, semiotics, art and design history, aiming to develop observation skills, critical thinking and autonomy in the creative process.
Second Year: Consolidates skills through more complex projects and greater professional awareness, focusing on areas such as publishing, brand design, data visualisation, packaging and motion graphics (with After Effects and Resolume Arena). Students are introduced to 3D design and the use of generative artificial intelligence for visual integration, alongside principles of user interface and experience design, oriented towards prototyping websites and apps (with Figma) and interactive pathways.
Third Year: Dedicated to advanced design and professional experience, producing complex visual systems such as complete brand identities, magazines and motion graphics projects. Students strengthen decision-making, organisational and art direction skills, working with real clients and tackling the complexity of cross-media communication with autonomy and critical vision. The programme concludes with thesis project ranging from magazine creation to coordinated brand and institutional identities, from digital publishing to interdisciplinary and audiovisual projects. The aim is to help students develop maturity, critical and self-critical awareness, and organisational and management skills.
120 Scholarships to step into the creative world!
Discover the new Scholarship Competition for Undergraduate and Foundation courses.
Faculty
Course Coordinator in Italian
Luigi Vernieri
Course Coordinator in English
Matteo Modena
Graphic Designer and Art Director
Chiara Caproni
Graphic Designer
Davide Scarpantonio
Art Director and Graphic Designer
Leo Colalillo
Graphic and Type Designer
Andrea Indini
Creative Director of Angelini Design with more than 20 years of experience
Valenzia Lafratta
Illustrator
Alessandro Risuleo
Alessandro Leoni
Marco Michiorri
Motion Graphic Designer
Sabina Minutillo
Giuseppe Coccoli
Roberto Terrinoni
Art Director and Graphic Designer
Riccardo Ippolito
Art Director
Piergiorgio Paolinelli
Graphic Designer end Art Director
Marco Colognola
Art Director
Barbara D'ambrosio
Cristina Damiani
Illustrator
Susanna Contoli
Art director and designer
Serafino Murri
Media Critic
Stefano Luceri
Inside the labs
+3
COMPUTER LABS
Projects
What people say
"Throughout my studies, I learned to view graphic design not simply as a visual outcome, but as a process driven by research, experimentation, and informed design decisions"
After graduating in Graphic Design at IED Roma, Elisa Vincenzi collaborated with Honda on the design of the commemorative vehicle wrap celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Honda Jazz. Developed during her studies, the project will be showcased at EICMA 2026, marking an important step from academic training to professional practice.
IED Alumna
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