Kendall College of Art and Design, located in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan, offers a comprehensive range of programs focused on creative arts and design disciplines. As part of Ferris State University, the campus emphasizes hands-on learning, industry connections, and innovative design thinking to prepare students for dynamic careers in the creative industries.
- Graphic Design: This program immerses students in visual communication, typography, branding, and digital media. Courses cover Adobe Creative Suite mastery, user experience (UX) design, packaging design, and motion graphics. Students develop portfolios through real-world projects, learning to create compelling visuals for advertising, web, and print media. Advanced topics include sustainable design practices and emerging technologies like augmented reality in graphics.
- Interior Design: Focused on spatial planning and aesthetics, courses teach residential, commercial, and sustainable interior environments. Students explore CAD software, material selection, lighting design, and building codes. The curriculum includes studio work on client briefs, emphasizing ergonomics, cultural influences, and eco-friendly materials to create functional and inspiring spaces.
- Product Design: This hands-on program covers industrial design principles, from ideation to prototyping. Courses include sketching, 3D modeling with SolidWorks, ergonomics, and manufacturing processes. Students tackle projects in consumer products, furniture, and sustainable goods, collaborating with industry partners to understand market needs and ethical production.
- Fashion Design: Combining creativity with business acumen, the program teaches pattern making, draping, textiles, and apparel construction. Courses explore fashion illustration, trend forecasting, and merchandising. Students create collections, participate in fashion shows, and learn about global supply chains and ethical fashion practices.
- Digital Media: Encompassing animation, game design, and interactive media, this area includes courses in 3D animation using Maya, game development with Unity, and web design. Students learn storytelling through digital platforms, virtual reality applications, and user interface design, preparing for roles in entertainment and tech industries.
- Art Education: For aspiring educators, this program blends studio art with pedagogy. Courses cover art history, teaching methodologies, and curriculum development for K-12 settings. Students complete fieldwork, focusing on inclusive education and integrating technology in art classrooms.
- Liberal Arts and Foundations: Core courses in drawing, color theory, art history, and critical thinking form the bedrock of all programs. These foundational classes encourage experimentation and conceptual development, ensuring students build versatile skills applicable across design fields.
The campus fosters a collaborative environment with state-of-the-art facilities, including digital labs, fabrication studios, and galleries. Programs integrate internships, study abroad opportunities, and capstone projects to bridge academia and professional practice. With a commitment to diversity and innovation, Kendall equips students to lead in evolving creative sectors, producing graduates who contribute to cultural and economic vitality.
