As a college professor, media artist, and creative consultant, Rhea's strengths include problem-solving, project organization, and collaborative leadership through the creative process of both fine art and professional projects. He has worked for Macy’s corporate advertising, Boston's top agency C-bridge.com, and for Webstakes.com in New York City.
Graphic Design Programs at OHIO
Graphic Design Programs at OHIO
Ohio University and the Athens community provide an incubator for the focused development of innovative work in a retreat location that combines an intimacy with the natural environment with a vibrant community of ideation-engaged designers and artists.
The Master of Fine Arts graduate degree is a three-year program that allows a balance of rigorous professional work as well as social and collaborative experiences. It is optimal for those seeking a place of refuge for graduate research in innovative design.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts undergraduate degree focuses on sustainability and social impact, while developing a capacity for critical thinking, problem solving and impact-driven innovation.
Our Degree Programs
Graphic Design Faculty Expertise
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Mark Franz
Mark Franz’s work focuses on UI/UX, Motion, and Data and where each of these fields overlap. Over the past two decades, Mark has worked as a UX/UI and motion designer for clients such as the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and Red Light Management. In addition, he has exhibited and discussed his work in over 100 exhibitions, invited lectures, and artist residencies.
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Kholoud Khaled Essawy is an Egyptian Graphic Designer/Type Designer who has graduated with a PhD degree in Graphic Design from the German University in Cairo in 2025. She has her own Type Foundry “MAKYN” where she designs her own Bilingual Typefaces in addition to her teaching experience.
Interdisciplinary Research Opportunities
The graphic design student finds their home within the Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts along with film, music, theater, and dance schools. Cross-disciplinary activity is encouraged.
Graphic design students are encouraged to diversify their exploration through interdisciplinary research. Graphic Design shares Seigfred Hall with:
- Printmaking, with the largest number of Bavarian limestones in the United States
- Papermaking, etching, and serigraphy
- Photography + integrated media, with its labs both new and traditional
- Ceramics, known as one of the top three ceramics research institutions
- Painting and drawing, offering both traditional and new-media with private studios at our Ridges’ facility
- Sculpture + expanded practice with one of the best foundries in the Midwest and offering an expanded practices program
- Art history, researching topics such as contemporary Asian cultures, gender-specific extensions in critical art discourse along with traditional art history
This interdisciplinary approach encourages a comprehensive understanding of the role of design and its relationship to fine art. Studio classes inside and outside of the graphic design program, as well as liberal arts courses, prepare students for a range of design practices while also providing intellectual, personal, and creative growth. The final year of study culminates in a group exhibition in the Ohio University School of Art + Design Gallery.
Prospective students and others seeking further information about the program can reach JP Rhea via email at: jprhea@ohio.edu
Graphic Design Facilities
Graphic Design Labs
Our students have the opportunity to work in multiple studio disciplines in the College of Fine Arts, including but not limited to the Graphic Design labs, Don E. Adleta Typeshop, and the printmaking facilities.
Where Imagination Meets Innovation: Inside CREATE_space
A new facility from the Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts helps students and faculty transform creative ideas into real-world projects through hands-on technology and collaboration.
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Contact Us
Prospective students and others seeking further information about the program can reach Division Coordinator Mark Franz Professor of Graphic Design, at franzm@ohio.edu or 740.566.6462.