Cal Poly Graphic Communication

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United States
San Luis Obispo, CA
Cal Poly Graphic Communication

https://linktr.ee/calpolygrc
The Graphic Communication Department at Cal Poly State University, SLO

Graphic communication includes electronic and traditional printing, publishing, packaging, digital imaging, computer graphics, website development, digital photography, printable electronics and related areas. The discipline includes media and mass communication involving the creation, production, management and distribution of advertising, marketing, web-sites, books, magazines, newspapers, catal

ogs, packages and other media in printed and digital form. Graduates are in high demand by leading national and international corporations.

05/30/2026

Meet the current GrC Concentration Coordinators!

Behind every GrC concentration is a coordinator dedicated to helping students grow creatively, professionally, and academically. From mentorship and career guidance to industry expertise, our coordinators play a huge role in shaping the student experience.

Our coordinators are here to support students every step of the way — both inside and outside the classroom!

05/25/2026

It is almost time for semesters! Make sure to mark down these important semester dates in your calendar so you can keep up with Cal Poly's semester conversion process! 🗓️ ✏️

Click on the link in the comments to see the 2026-27 tentative offerings for courses in the Graphic Communication Department. These offerings are subject to change.

05/24/2026

From first press to final print ✨

At the Shakespeare Letterpress Museum, Cal Poly students gain hands-on experience you can't get from a screen—working with historic presses, setting type, and printing each piece by hand. 🖨️

It is a unique blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and problem-solving that helps students build real-world skills while preserving traditional techniques. 📚

05/23/2026

Ever notice how certain colors make brands instantly recognizable? 👀

Graphic Communication combines color, typography, and layout to create designs people remember and love. One of the strongest examples is Coca-Cola—from its signature red, often referred to as Pantone 484C! This shade of red is trademarked and protected, particularly in connection with beverage packaging and marketing. Its classic script logo design has remained recognizable for generations.

What brand instantly comes to mind when you think of the color red? 🤔

05/21/2026

What do Graphic Communication students bring to the table by graduation? 🎓

By the time they graduate, GrC students have built:
✨ Real-world project experience
📁 A portfolio that’s ready to impress
🎨 Advanced design and production skills

In GrC classes, students go beyond design and delve into strategy and storytelling.

05/19/2026

Congratulations to Cal Poly's Phoenix Challenge team on earning awards in both Concept and Ex*****on at the Phoenix Challenge Foundation competition! 🏆

Over the past year, the student team partnered with local restaurant Baby Bear Biscuits to research, design, and produce flexographic packaging, bringing their concepts to life through a highly technical and collaborative process.

From concept development to final production, students gained hands-on experience in areas such as substrate and ink selection, color management, press setup, and finishing.

Led by student leads Audrey Walch and Tiffany Rivera, and guided by advisor Dina Vees, the team’s work was recognized at the Flexographic Technical Association’s Forum Infoflex conference, highlighting their dedication, innovation, and craftsmanship throughout the project.

Join us in congratulating these students on their achievements and hard work! 🎉

05/18/2026

Meet Mykaela Le🌟

Mykaela is a first-year Graphic Communication major. Outside of school, she loves to go on runs with her friends and go to the beach!

She loves being a student in GrC because of the close-knit community and amazing professors. She says, "It is so fun being able to be creative and design things."

Mykaela's favorite GrC project was getting to design and make cards in GrC 203, because she got to fully customize her own cards and get the physical final product.

05/16/2026

Curious about the business side of design and print? 📊✨

The Graphic Communication Management concentration in GrC blends creativity with strategy, covering everything from project management and workflow optimization to cost estimating, client relations, and production planning. Students learn how to lead teams, manage complex print and digital projects, and keep operations running smoothly.

This concentration is perfect for organized, detail-oriented problem solvers who like both creative environments and leadership roles. GCM might be the path for you if you enjoy:

• Working with people
• Thinking critically
• Executing ideas into projects

Through hands-on experiences, students gain real-world skills using industry-standard tools and workflows while collaborating on projects. Graduates are prepared for careers in production management, operations, sales, and beyond, playing a key role in bridging the gap between design, technology, and business in the Graphic Communication industry.

Share in the comments what your GrC concentration is/was!

05/14/2026

Behind the scenes of GrC 📚✨

Three weeks ago, our Graphic Communication students had an incredible opportunity to step into the industry and see it all in action during a tour of XYZ and On Line Bindery in San Francisco. Thanks to Mat Pica Pi, our students gained firsthand knowledge of everything from prepress to finishing. Students explored the full production process, connected with professionals, and gained a new perspective on the craftsmanship and technology that bring ideas to life.

Experiences like this are a true showcase of Cal Poly's "Learn By Doing Motto" —and spark inspiration for what’s next for our students! 🚀

05/13/2026

Meet Mira Pinto!

Mira is a third-year GrC student from San Jose, CA, concentrating in UX/UI.

Over the past three years, Mira has explored her interests in visual design, layout, and UX/UI while gaining real-world experience through leadership roles in Cal Poly iter8, UX Fest, and Phoenix Challenge.

One of her favorite projects was in GrC 320: Managing Quality in Graphic Communication, where her team redesigned the website for Nomo Domo, a ramen restaurant in San Luis Obispo. Through user research, Mira improved the menu page with product photography, filtering options, and icons for dietary restrictions, reinforcing the importance of putting the user first.

Mira reflects that GrC has helped strengthen her ability to communicate effectively, balance design aesthetics with functionality, and always design with the end user in mind. “I look forward to using my creativity to create story-driven and human-centered designs that improve both physical and digital user experiences.”

Hey alum—what GrC project or class had the biggest impact on your experience? Share below! 🩵

Address

Cal Poly State University, Graphic Comm. Dept. Bldg. 26, 1 Grand Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA
93407

Website

http://www.grc.calpoly.edu/

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