Lorrie Frear Headshot

Lorrie Frear

Professor

School of Design
College of Art and Design
lorrie.frear@rit.edu
5854752668
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 for social change, design literacy and contemporary lettering.

lorrie.frear@rit.edu
5854752668
Personal Links
Curriculum Vitae
Areas of Expertise
Graphic Design
Calligraphy
Lettering
Typography
Packaging Design
Editorial Design
Systems Thinking

Select Scholarship

My scholarship includes presenting at conferences, writing articles, participating in exhibitions, and leading workshops. All information is provided on my CV for further reference.

 

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-307
Design Systems I
3 Credits
This course will provide students with conceptual, organizational, and aesthetic problem-solving methods to create unified and effective design systems, such as corporate identity systems, icon sets, poster and/or packaging series. Students will have an opportunity to synthesize graphic design principles from their previous courses into more advanced and in-depth projects. Research, concept generation, and relevant aesthetic principles will be emphasized. Presentation, writing, and professional skills will be a focus to prepare students for senior year coursework . Teamwork strategies and skills are implemented throughout the semester.
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

  • May 1, 2025

    Lorrie Frear with JamieLynn and her mother, JanMarie.

    Like mother, like designer: RIT student inherits creative spark

    JamieLynn Gallagher '25 cared more about kerning than any kid she knew growing up. Her innate eye for creative detail can be traced to her mother, who also graduated from RIT's College of Art and Design. JamieLynn continued the family's design legacy and will work for a Syracuse-based agency after graduation.

  • January 22, 2024

    Signatures magazine on a wooden table

    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.

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