Cultivate Your Creativity
JPCatholic's Graphic Design Program integrates both practical and conceptual skills, enabling you to unleash your creativity through mastery of visual language, design thinking, storytelling, and technology. Graphic design is more than just artwork. It’s a powerful way to shape a consumer’s experience of a brand by communicating its underlying values and story. It involves strategic thinking, imagination, and problem solving. Our unique blend of hands-on training, design thinking, business, and the liberal arts forms you to be an adaptable and powerful graphic storyteller.
Our designers master the tool set needed to be effective in print and publication design; motion graphics for broadcast and film; and branding and typography. Our unique entrepreneurial and creative culture enables students to have countless opportunities to collaborate with business people and filmmakers to realize the stories of their logos, brands, and identities.
General Education
Theology & Philosophy
Impact culture for Christ and grow in faith and understanding through a rich sequence of Scripture based Theology courses and Philosophy courses.
Business
Prepare yourself for a career in Graphic Design with foundational skills in marketing, management, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Humanities
Study the human condition by actively engaging in an exploration of art, literature, culture, politics, economics, and more.
Envision your future at JPCatholic
Hands-on, Project-based Curriculum
Our well rounded curriculum gives you a unique perspective to tackling the challenge of creating meaningful graphic design work, while building up your experience in the design process and your portfolio. Students start creating projects and growing as designers their freshman year, giving them ample opportunities to practice their craft.
See Student ShowcaseHands-on, Project-based Curriculum
Our well rounded curriculum gives you a unique perspective to tackling the challenge of creating meaningful graphic design work, while building up your experience in the design process and your portfolio. Students start creating projects and growing as designers their freshman year, giving them ample opportunities to practice their craft.
See Student ShowcasePartnerships with Design Studios
Benefit from JPCatholic's industry connections and partnerships for internship and job placement:
Drive Studios
For over a decade, our close relationship with Drive Studios has facilitated a stream of interns and alumni to work there on motion graphics for huge clients like FOX Sports (FIFA World Cup).
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Akimbo Studio
Founded by Prof. Nate Sjogren, himself a JPCatholic alumni, Akimbo Studios offers a partnership where JPCatholic students get first notification on internship and job openings.
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Yellow Line Digital
YLD President Joe Szalkiewicz teaches marketing at JPCatholic, and his partnership with JPCatholic gives our students first opportunity for open positions at this purpose-driven marketing agency. Since its founding in 2012, nearly two-thirds of all employees have been students or alumni.
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Industry Standard Equipment
Students have access to a number of Wacom Intuos Pro tablets in addition to the Illustration Studio, a designated classroom designed for drawing and fine art classes. Equipped with drawing horses (benches), a model platform, storage space, and a display wall, this compact studio provides a focused environment for art students to hone their skills. Adobe Creative Cloud products are available on iMac workstations in the media lab.
Learn moreIndustry Standard Equipment
Students have access to a number of Wacom Intuos Pro tablets in addition to the Illustration Studio, a designated classroom designed for drawing and fine art classes. Equipped with drawing horses (benches), a model platform, storage space, and a display wall, this compact studio provides a focused environment for art students to hone their skills. Adobe Creative Cloud products are available on iMac workstations in the media lab.
Learn more
Located in San Diego County
John Paul the Great Catholic University is centered in north county San Diego, just a 35-minute drive from downtown in America's Finest City. Southern California is famous for its fantastic weather, beautiful beaches and mountains, and bustling metropolitan areas. Our campus is just 15 miles from the beach, a short trip by car or train. And with Los Angeles and Hollywood within striking distance, students have even more opportunities for internships and networking.
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Our Authentically Catholic Community
Our campus is a place where students can grow both professionally and spiritually. We’re a unique community of artists and innovators, centered around our faith in Jesus Christ and the beauty of the Catholic faith. Immerse yourself in an abundance of opportunities for spiritual growth, including Daily Mass, Confession, Adoration, Rosary, Retreats, and Service Projects.
Learn MoreOur Authentically Catholic Community
Our campus is a place where students can grow both professionally and spiritually. We’re a unique community of artists and innovators, centered around our faith in Jesus Christ and the beauty of the Catholic faith. Immerse yourself in an abundance of opportunities for spiritual growth, including Daily Mass, Confession, Adoration, Rosary, Retreats, and Service Projects.
Learn More
Our Small Campus Environment
With a total student body under 300, JPCatholic offers a warm, tight-knit campus community. Foster lifelong friendships, form creative partnerships, and surround yourself with a supportive environment that encourages your growth in both virtue and artistic excellence.
See Student LifeOur Small Campus Environment
With a total student body under 300, JPCatholic offers a warm, tight-knit campus community. Foster lifelong friendships, form creative partnerships, and surround yourself with a supportive environment that encourages your growth in both virtue and artistic excellence.
See Student Life
Generous Scholarships Available
At JPCatholic, we’re committed to making a quality Catholic education affordable for every student. 99% of our students receive a scholarship, and packages take both need and merit into account. Our personalized financial counseling process assists you in identifying all awards you might be eligible for.
Learn MoreGenerous Scholarships Available
At JPCatholic, we’re committed to making a quality Catholic education affordable for every student. 99% of our students receive a scholarship, and packages take both need and merit into account. Our personalized financial counseling process assists you in identifying all awards you might be eligible for.
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Graduate in 3 Years
Our unique academic model prepares students for the real-world pace of professional life in the industry, with a focus on hands-on projects, internships, and portfolio preparation. The program is structured on a year-round quarter system, and you graduate with your Bachelors Degree in just 12 quarters. Each quarter is 10 weeks long, with about 3 weeks of break between each quarter.
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Alumni Success
JPCatholic alumni have found success in a variety of paths, ranging from Hollywood to independent media organizations, and from large corporations to nonprofits to their own entrepreneurial start-ups. View our placement rate and alumni jobs by clicking below.
Learn MoreAlumni Success
JPCatholic alumni have found success in a variety of paths, ranging from Hollywood to independent media organizations, and from large corporations to nonprofits to their own entrepreneurial start-ups. View our placement rate and alumni jobs by clicking below.
Learn MoreMeet the Faculty
With small class sizes and mentorship, professors are able to provide individualized training. They bring decades of experience and unique perspectives from varied backgrounds in Advertising, Illustration, and Design.
Max Hulburt
Professor & Chair of Visual Arts
Jacqueline Gold
Professor of Art
Eric Van Hamersveld
Adjunct Professor of 2D Animation
Robin Murray, PhD
Adjunct Professor of Humanities
Nate Sjogren
Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design
Carlos Vázquez
Adjunct Professor of Visual Development
Courtney Balaker
Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design
Get an Inside Look
How I Started My Career in Motion Graphic Design | Alumni Spotlight with Ben West
Adriana DeCarlo: Loving Your Art Where It's At | Why We Create
Grace Reding: Your Corner | Impact
Sam Wurth: The Vital Power of Creativity | Why We Create
Prof. Eric Van Hamersveld: Charting Your Career in Animation | Faculty Spotlight
Working on Client Projects | GRDS Capstone
Hear from Students
Liz Geernhart
Class of 2022
“My favourite thing about studying Graphic Design at JPCatholic is the community. The love for God and one another at this school is felt wherever you go on campus. I am constantly inspired by my fellow students, creatively and spiritually, as everyone is working hard to do what they love to the best of their abilities.”
Donna Lalonde
Class of 2023
“God is an artist so whenever I have a creative block and need inspiration for my own work, I take a walk through God’s art gallery— observing people, animals, nature, etc. Instead of forcing creativity when it’s just not there, I think it’s important to take a break from sitting at a desk and come back to your work when you have that spark of creativity and passion again.”
Alexander Beirao
Class of 2022
“I first discovered JPCatholic by chance, but I knew immediately it was the school for me. It really is a great place, especially for someone like me, who was just returning to the Faith. Seeing so many people, especially the young students, so strong in Catholicism made me feel I had a lot of catching up to do. But it’s been awesome! The classes on storytelling, in particular, have been a blast and helped me to improve my own stories. The curriculum incorporates the spirit of the Faith in a way so as to teach students on how to deliver the message universally. There are a ton of hardworking, talented individuals striving to ‘impact culture for Christ,’ and I’m so glad to be a part of that.”
Annie Fesenmaier
Class of 2022
“I’m a graphic design senior, and this school has been able to give my art all new meaning. I have a love for many different types of art, and here I’m free and encouraged to use all my skills together to create great work. I have been given more skills and opportunities to use my designs for all sorts of things. Being a transfer student, I have noticed a difference compared to other schools. Here I have been able to create work for causes such as the pro-life movement. In this community I can create art without judgment and I can’t help but feel the support. Everyone here wants me to succeed, in fact, that might be the best part about JPCatholic. It is a bunch of crazy talented students cheering on the success of everyone else.”
Liz Geernhart
Class of 2022
“My favourite thing about studying Graphic Design at JPCatholic is the community. The love for God and one another at this school is felt wherever you go on campus. I am constantly inspired by my fellow students, creatively and spiritually, as everyone is working hard to do what they love to the best of their abilities.”
Donna Lalonde
Class of 2023
“God is an artist so whenever I have a creative block and need inspiration for my own work, I take a walk through God’s art gallery— observing people, animals, nature, etc. Instead of forcing creativity when it’s just not there, I think it’s important to take a break from sitting at a desk and come back to your work when you have that spark of creativity and passion again.”
Alexander Beirao
Class of 2022
“I first discovered JPCatholic by chance, but I knew immediately it was the school for me. It really is a great place, especially for someone like me, who was just returning to the Faith. Seeing so many people, especially the young students, so strong in Catholicism made me feel I had a lot of catching up to do. But it’s been awesome! The classes on storytelling, in particular, have been a blast and helped me to improve my own stories. The curriculum incorporates the spirit of the Faith in a way so as to teach students on how to deliver the message universally. There are a ton of hardworking, talented individuals striving to ‘impact culture for Christ,’ and I’m so glad to be a part of that.”
Annie Fesenmaier
Class of 2022
“I’m a graphic design senior, and this school has been able to give my art all new meaning. I have a love for many different types of art, and here I’m free and encouraged to use all my skills together to create great work. I have been given more skills and opportunities to use my designs for all sorts of things. Being a transfer student, I have noticed a difference compared to other schools. Here I have been able to create work for causes such as the pro-life movement. In this community I can create art without judgment and I can’t help but feel the support. Everyone here wants me to succeed, in fact, that might be the best part about JPCatholic. It is a bunch of crazy talented students cheering on the success of everyone else.”