Cal Poly Graphic Communication Department
Cal Poly GrC!
Graphic Communication is the study of how visual systems are designed, engineered, and managed to drive impact across physical and digital media.
Our Labs
With over 30,000 square feet of specialized laboratory space, students gain hands-on experience designing, engineering, and implementing graphic systems across digital and physical media.
Design Systems Lab
Develop integrated graphic systems that move from concept to implementation across digital and physical media. Students explore typography, layout, information hierarchy, and content structure while learning how design decisions translate into scalable production systems. Students practice the technical execution required to transform ideas into high-performance graphic solutions.
Photography, Packaging Design & Color Science Lab
Develop expertise in professional photography workflow, advanced photo retouching, motion graphics, packaging design, and color management. Students develop skills in both structural and visual design, work with calibrated workflows and controlled production environments, and learn to maintain visual consistency and quality across platforms, materials, and media technologies.
Innovation Lab for Graphic Communication Excellence
Equipped with cutting-edge technology for packaging, materials, and prototyping. Dedicated to the visionary leader in graphic communication, Harvey Levenson.
Design and engineer packaging systems that integrate structure, branding, materials, sustainability, and consumer behavior. Students use digital modeling, structural design tools, decorative technologies, and rapid prototyping systems to create market-ready solutions applicable across retail and distribution environments.
Media & Production Technologies Lab
Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard graphic production systems across digital and physical platforms. Students work with high-volume production systems, specialty graphics equipment, and industrial-scale processes to understand how graphics are implemented accurately, efficiently, and at scale.
Operations & Enterprise Lab
Apply principles of workflow optimization, quality control, estimating, sales strategy, data analytics, and entrepreneurship to understand how graphic systems operate within organizations. Students practice through applied projects and a student-run enterprise environment, experience real production ecosystems, and develop operational leadership skills.
Experience & Immersive Media Lab
Design and evaluate interactive and immersive visual environments. Students develop user-centered digital systems, augmented and virtual reality experiences, and spatial storytelling applications informed by research, usability testing, accessibility standards, and technical integration to ensure reliable, effective performance across platforms and contexts.
Student Clubs
Join vibrant student communities that foster creativity, collaboration, and professional growth beyond the classroom.
iter8
Cal Poly’s first hands-on product design agency, operated by students from the Graphic Communication and other programs.
TAGA
Technical Association of Graphic Arts
Every year, Cal Poly TAGA Student Chapter enters a year-long research, development, design, and production process for the international TAGA student competition. Their journal is showcased at the Annual Technical Association of Graphic Arts Conference and competes with other student chapters around the world.
MPP
Mat Pica Pi
Mat Pica Pi is a social and professional development club. MPP aims to help underclassmen better understand the Graphic Communication industry and curriculum by creating a mentorship program with upperclassmen students who have a plethora of knowledge and experience to share.
UGS
University Graphic Systems
UGS is a student-managed, student-operated commercial printing and digital imaging enterprise within the Graphic Communication Department.
SPM
Shakespeare Press Museum
Curious about the age-old practice of setting type and working with letterpress equipment? The Shakespeare Press Museum can help ignite your passion for creativity and craftmanship. The museum curates rare letterpress equipment, over 500 fonts of handset type, and a variety of paper for crafting artworks. The club prints holiday greeting cards, wedding invitations, bookmarks, posters, and personal projects.
PHX
Phoenix Challenge
The Phoenix Challenge team focuses on a year-long branding and packaging refresh for a local small business or event. They present their research, design, and quality production at the FTA (Flexo Technical Association) Forum and compete against other colleges and universities.
Student Work
Explore a curated collection of our past work, where imagination meets strategy. Each project reflects our drive to deliver thoughtful, effective solutions.
Personal Identity Mock Up
Brooke Higuera
GRC 2050 - Digital Typography
Nuance - What the Black and White Perspective Overlooks
Nate Posner
GRC 3020 - Digital Photography and Motion Graphics
Experince Design Proposal: Goodreads
Piper Ferch, Zoe Li, Edward Nguyen, Skylar Novak
GRC 4290 - User Experience Research Methods
Box Design Competition
Audrey Walch
GRC 2070 - Consumer Packaging