Lorrie Frear

Professor

School of Design

College of Art and Design

lorrie.frear@rit.edu

585-475-6904

Office Location

BOO-3434

Lorrie Frear

Professor

School of Design

College of Art and Design

Education

BFA, MFA, Rochester Institute of Technology

Bio

Lorrie Frear is a Professor in the School of Design in the College of Art and Design at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where she is committed to creating collaborative learning experiences for students representing different departments in the college, other colleges at RIT and other universities. In all of Lorrie’s classes, there is an emphasis on current design issues and challenges, creativity, critical thinking, individual development and a passion for life-long learning. Lorrie’s specific areas of expertise include typography, calligraphy, packaging design, design systems, design literacy and contemporary lettering.

lorrie.frear@rit.edu

585-475-6904

Personal Links

Personal Website

Curriculum Vitae

Areas of Expertise

Graphic Design

Calligraphy

Lettering

Typography

Packaging Design

Editorial Design

Systems Thinking

Currently Teaching

GRDE-201

Typography I

3 Credits

This course is an introduction to the fundamental principles of typography (the visual representation of language) to effectively convey information and ideas to specific audiences. Focus is on the communicative function and aesthetic nature of typographic problem-solving. Course content and lectures will cover typographic terminology, type anatomy, history of typography as well as type classification, type measurement, and issues of legibility and readability. Once students are introduced to the fundamentals of typography, they will include imagery as appropriate. Students will also refine their skills using relevant software.

GRDE-206

Typography II

3 Credits

Students will expand upon the principles of grid theory, text and display typography, sequence, page layout, and type and image integration as they relate to a range of design applications: posters, instructional materials, brochures, magazines, books, etc. Visual organization, message communication, and imaging and page layout software skills are integrated in the course.

GRDE-308

Experiential Graphic Design

3 Credits

This course will focus on design problem solving for three-dimensional spaces and environments. Design process, initial concepts, and final design solutions are developed to assist users in negotiating various interior and exterior environments. Areas of application may include: architectural graphics, signage systems, exhibit design, themed museum experiences, and dynamic environments. Two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and digital design attributes are incorporated using appropriate materials and software.

GRDE-431

Packaging Systems Collaborative

3 Credits

This course focuses on the design of physical packaging for the protection and marketing of goods. Aspects of visual, structural, ergonomic and environmental issues are considered in the design of rigid and flexible containers. Taught as a team/collaborative course, students from graphic design, packaging science, and industrial design will work together to develop effective packaging design solutions.

GRDE-432

Packaging Systems Projects

3 Credits

This course will focus on the design of physical packaging for the protection and marketing of goods. Aspects of visual, structural, ergonomic and environmental issues are considered in the design of rigid and flexible containers, in order to develop effective packaging design solutions.

GRDE-498

Graphic Design Internship

1 - 6 Credits

This course exposes students to the professional environment through outside job opportunities in graphic design studios, advertising agencies, corporate communications departments, and other acceptable organizations. Students will work under the guidance of art directors, creative directors, senior graphic designers, or marketing communications managers and perform creative work that is educational and meaningful for their short-term academic goals as well as their long-range career preparation. Documentation of the experience is required and final review from employer is obtained. The appointed faculty adviser will meet with the student upon completion for final evaluation for a grade. Students must obtain pre-approval of their department and complete the Internship Approval Form. Credit earned is used toward elective credits.

GRDE-599

Graphic Design Independent Study

1 - 6 Credits

Graphic Design Independent Study will provide students with the ability to focus in a specialized area of graphic design with an individual faculty member. Students, with the assistance of a faculty adviser, will propose a course of study. The independent study student must obtain permission of an instructor and department by completing the Independent Study Proposal Form to enroll.

IDEA-150

Topics in Art and Design

1 - 3 Credits

This course will introduce students to selected topics in the areas of art and design. The course content will vary according to topic. A topic course description will be published each term the course is offered. Students may take this course multiple times with different topics.

IDEA-216

Calligraphy

3 Credits

This course will introduce students to a calligraphic hand for the purpose of acquiring a comprehensive understanding of letterform design and application for personal and professional application. Students will learn to letter using traditional and current tools and techniques. This course is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about lettering, the historical evolution of calligraphy as a precursor to typography and about past, present and emerging styles and practitioners in the fields of lettering, calligraphy and typography.

In the News

January 22, 2024

RIT's Signatures Magazine Earns High Ranking

The 38th edition of the Rochester Institute of Technology student-run art and literary magazine, Signatures, was recently recognized by the National Council of Teachers of English in its annual Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines award program.
November 13, 2023

RIT partners with American Red Cross for annual outreach initiative

Six interdisciplinary teams of RIT students put on their design-thinking caps in support of the American Red Cross of Western New York for the ninth annual EUREKA! Workshop.
August 25, 2023

Well, hello, Wallace Library, have we met?

First came COVID-19, then came a massive construction project, and now after more than three-and-half years, RIT’s university library reopens with a new look and a new neighbor.

More News

January 23, 2024

Signatures Magazine recognized for excellence by NCTE

More News

Featured Work

Typography / GRDE 201 American City Posters

Sophomore Typography Students

The final project involved the research of an American city and the selection of a typeface that exuded the personality or energy of the city. Students wrote headlines and body copy to promote their...

Typography / GRDE 201 Twentieth Century Posters

Sophomore Typography Students

Students were given randomly a 12-15 year period of the 20th Century to research. Students edited this information to pursue a topic of interest related to an art style or period, typographer, or...

Typography / GRDE 206 Various Projects

Sophomore Typography Students

The students were challenged this semester by diverse projects; a poster for a play on campus, a spread on a life-changing innovation of the 20th Century, book cover design, and playing cards using...

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