Jefferson Visual Communication Design

Jefferson Visual Communication Design Cultivating design strategists with an innovative spirit and superior critical thinking skills.

The Visual Communication Design program at Thomas Jefferson University emphasizes the role of design as a vital cultural, social, economic, political, and environmental force in society. Rooted in the universal principles of design that shape our world and the human experience, graduates learn to make and think critically in order to identify and solve a wide variety of modern problems. Every student in the program learns the foundations of visual aesthetics, design research, the creative process, and a variety of tools and technology. Students can extend this core knowledge to either the Graphic Design Communication or Web Design & Development concentration in order to find their unique place within the ever-changing and expanding design profession. By fostering curiosity, faculty empower students to develop individual points of view and equip them to investigate and tackle the complex challenges of our profession and the world. We provide students with opportunities to explore a range of techniques and applications, to collaborate with peers and faculty from other programs, to work on industry projects, and to engage with the professional design community.

Ransom notesFun exercise in Typography class exploring the vernacular of ransom notes. Please note: no one was harmed in...
09/30/2026

Ransom notes
Fun exercise in Typography class exploring the vernacular of ransom notes. Please note: no one was harmed in the creation of this work.
Jefferson CADE Frank Baseman

What is Experience Design? Graphic Design + Interior Design + BeyondJoin Renée Walker (Graphic Design), Grace Ong Yan, P...
09/28/2026

What is Experience Design? Graphic Design + Interior Design + Beyond
Join Renée Walker (Graphic Design), Grace Ong Yan, Ph.D. (Interior Design), and special guest Sara Schmidt for a DesignPhiladelphia panel on Experience Design.
We’ll cover Sara’s practitioner work in the field at Portland International Airport, Nike, and in healthcare, Grace’s research on branding and architecture, and how we’re integrating Experience Design into our studios here at CADE.

Monday, Oct. 5 at 6pm

Village of Industry & Art
320 South Broad St, Philadelphia

Free and open to the public. Space is limited, register at the link in bio.

Whether you’re a current student, alum, or just curious about what’s next for design, come see what’s possible when Graphic Design and Interior Design share a table.



Congratulations to Deanna Brown, senior in our Graphic Design and Visual Communication program, for being named a 2026 A...
09/23/2026

Congratulations to Deanna Brown, senior in our Graphic Design and Visual Communication program, for being named a 2026 AIGA Worldstudio D×D Scholarship winner in the Communication Design category.

Deanna was selected from 204 applicants nationwide and judges specifically called out two bodies of work: a restaurant branding system rooted in her Jamaican heritage, and a branding identity for Black women in small business. Both projects were developed in an Intro to Branding studio here at CADE with Associate Professor Renée Walker.

The D×D Scholarship supports emerging designers building a more inclusive pipeline into the creative professions, exactly the kind of work Deanna’s practice already reflects.

Swipe through to see the work. 🎨

A small, diverse group of students can drive big change, and this year’s Justice Alliance for Design Education (JADE) Fe...
08/07/2026

A small, diverse group of students can drive big change, and this year’s Justice Alliance for Design Education (JADE) Fellows are proving just that.

Last week, we heard from six remarkable undergraduate design students from across Philadelphia as they presented capstone ideas developed through their summer fellowship experience. Their thoughtful proposals were deeply rooted in personal experience, offering fresh perspectives on design and meaningful ways to support others. It was inspiring to witness.

We’re especially proud to celebrate three Jefferson fellows:

✨ Senior Deanna Brown, Graphic Design & Visual Communication — Deanna Brown

✨ Junior Nate Fireall, Graphic Design & Visual Communication — Nate Fireall

✨ Andre Pacheco, Architecture

Organized by DesignPhiladelphia in partnership with local colleges and universities, the JADE Fellowship provides each student with a $10,000 award, professional development opportunities, and connections with design leaders and firm founders throughout Philadelphia and beyond.

Through joyful learning, collaboration, and advocacy, the fellows are growing as leaders while helping build a more inclusive and equitable design community.

Congratulations to Deanna, Nate, Andre, and the entire cohort of JADE Fellows! Thank you to JADE and DesignPhiladelphia for creating this transformative experience and investing in the next generation of design leaders.

Jefferson CADE DesignPhiladelphia Thomas Jefferson University

Brand identities, built block by block.This past fall, students GRAPH 301: Intro to Branding studio teamed up with Germa...
06/23/2026

Brand identities, built block by block.

This past fall, students GRAPH 301: Intro to Branding studio teamed up with Germantown United CDC to design new branding for small businesses and food entrepreneurs in Germantown.

Featured work: Deanna Brown (Jerk Squad), Yadira Villa (Maplewood Mall), Jocelyn Williams (Philadelphia Vision Center) — plus a look at the neighborhood tour with GUCDC’s Matthew George that grounded it all.

Real businesses. Real stories. Real design. Read more about the project link in bio 🔗

designeducation studentwork

It was a beautiful day to celebrate the accomplishments of our incredible VCD students. Congratulations!! Excited to see...
05/13/2026

It was a beautiful day to celebrate the accomplishments of our incredible VCD students. Congratulations!! Excited to see what’s next.
🍾🙌🫶👏

Meet Senior Sophia TotoLast week, Sophia presents Tempo — a wellness and task management app designed to help college st...
05/07/2026

Meet Senior Sophia Toto

Last week, Sophia presents Tempo — a wellness and task management app designed to help college students reduce stress and build healthier sleep habits.

“Tempo helps students structure their time, stay on top of assignments, and reduce procrastination—creating a healthier balance between productivity, stress, and quality sleep. Grounded in research around sleep deprivation and student well-being, the project explores how thoughtful digital tools can support healthier routines, stronger time management, and improved daily functioning.”

🔗 Explore more: stotodesigns.com

Meet Senior Maggie ZengLast week, Maggie presents Out of Office — a platform designed to help young adults build more me...
05/07/2026

Meet Senior Maggie Zeng

Last week, Maggie presents Out of Office — a platform designed to help young adults build more meaningful, in-person relationships.

“With many young adults feeling connected digitally but disconnected socially, Out of Office creates opportunities for face-to-face interaction through shared interests and real-world experiences. Grounded in research around social fragmentation and mental well-being, the project rethinks how technology can support deeper human connection rather than replace it.”

Maggie is a designer focused on creating meaningful, user-centered digital experiences that blend visual storytelling with intuitive functionality. Outside of design, you can find her café hopping or hiking.

“Great design isn’t found on a screen; it’s gathered on the trail.”

🔗 Explore more: maggiezengdesign.com

Meet Senior Aliya GriffinToday, Aliya presents PAWWATCH — a community-powered app designed to reunite lost pets with the...
04/27/2026

Meet Senior Aliya Griffin

Today, Aliya presents PAWWATCH — a community-powered app designed to reunite lost pets with their families faster.

“Paw Watch connects neighbors in real time, allowing users to share alerts, report sightings, and mobilize local volunteers—turning communities into active search networks.”

By combining instant communication with collective action, the app transforms a stressful, often isolating experience into one rooted in support, visibility, and shared responsibility.

Aliya is a designer driven by curiosity, constantly exploring beyond traditional boundaries. She experiments across mediums, blending design with storytelling, video, and unexpected influences.
“I like building things, breaking them, improving them—and having fun while doing it.”

Outside of design, she’s inspired by travel, forensic science, and finding ways to make everyday moments more interesting.

🔗 Explore more: agcreative.design

Meet Senior Sam VandenHeuvel Reed Today, Sam presents Alere — a meal planning app designed to reduce the everyday stress...
04/27/2026

Meet Senior Sam VandenHeuvel Reed

Today, Sam presents Alere — a meal planning app designed to reduce the everyday stress of deciding what to eat.

Alere simplifies planning, shopping, and daily decisions—helping families stay consistent, save money, and make better food choices over time. Rather than focusing on calorie tracking, the app prioritizes clarity and ease—supporting real routines and reducing friction in everyday life.

Sam is a UX/UI designer focused on making complex systems feel simple, intuitive, and human—translating complexity into clear, approachable experiences.

🔗 Explore more: samdvanden.com

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