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faculty
Laura Franz she/her
Professor
Art & Design
Contact
508-999-9285
508-910-6977
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College of Visual & Performing Arts 204A
Education
| 1997 | Carnegie Mellon University | MDes |
| 1991 | Western Michigan University | BFA |
Teaching
- Graphic Design History
- Introduction to the History of Art
- Typography (print, web, screen, typeface design)
- Digital Essentials
Teaching
Programs
Programs
Teaching
Courses
A study of the history of art and visual culture from the ancient world to the present. This course consists of a chronological study of painting, sculpture and architecture as well as photography, film and digital media, with an emphasis on the historical, cultural and social forces that shape these artifacts.
A study of the history of art and visual culture from the ancient world to the present. This course consists of a chronological study of painting, sculpture and architecture as well as photography, film and digital media, with an emphasis on the historical, cultural and social forces that shape these artifacts.
A study of the history of art and visual culture from the ancient world to the present. This course consists of a chronological study of painting, sculpture and architecture as well as photography, film and digital media, with an emphasis on the historical, cultural and social forces that shape these artifacts.
A study of the history of art and visual culture from the ancient world to the present. This course consists of a chronological study of painting, sculpture and architecture as well as photography, film and digital media, with an emphasis on the historical, cultural and social forces that shape these artifacts.
Open to all University Students Chronological survey of Graphic Design from pre-writing to present. This course examines graphic design within the context of technological, political, social, and economic developments ¿ and occasionally its relationship to other visual arts. Emphasis is on the story of Graphic Design ¿ how it changed over time, and some of the forces that played a part in that change.
Open to all University Students Chronological survey of Graphic Design from pre-writing to present. This course examines graphic design within the context of technological, political, social, and economic developments ¿ and occasionally its relationship to other visual arts. Emphasis is on the story of Graphic Design ¿ how it changed over time, and some of the forces that played a part in that change.
Study under the supervision of a faculty member in an area covered in a regular course not currently being offered. Conditions and hours to be arranged.
Study under the supervision of a faculty member in an area covered in a regular course not currently being offered. Conditions and hours to be arranged.
Fundamental digital media concepts and techniques in studio art and design practice. Emphasis is placed on the use of digital tools in all creative areas. Hands-on projects demonstrate and reinforce integration of computers in the creation of two, three, and four-dimensional work. Students will develop a visual and verbal language for developing, analyzing, and presenting work. Course is designed for first-year art students.
Fundamental digital media concepts and techniques in studio art and design practice. Emphasis is placed on the use of digital tools in all creative areas. Hands-on projects demonstrate and reinforce integration of computers in the creation of two, three, and four-dimensional work. Students will develop a visual and verbal language for developing, analyzing, and presenting work. Course is designed for first-year art students.
Research
Research activities
- "Expanding the First-Year Survey without Breaking First-Year Students" (with Dr. Anna Dempsey). Expanding Art History Discourse panel, SECAC Conference, Baltimore, MD, Fall 2022.
- "Graphic Design History + Research + Student Agency." UCDA Design Education Summit. Johnson City, TN, Spring 2022.
- “Using Categorical Analysis to Identify Underrepresentation in Graphic Design History” as part of "Hidden Histories: Gender in Design: Historiography and Methodology" -- one of a series of lectures organized by the Design History Society, London, UK, Spring 2022.
- "Who Wore it Better: Augustus Prima Porta or Daniel J. Levy? Identity, Power, and Protection" as part of the LGBTQ+ lunch series sponsored by the Center for Women, Gender, and Sexuality, UMassD, Spring 2021.
- "Dangerous" a collaborative text sculpture installation (with Stacy Savage) as part of the exhibition "Intolerance as Violence" Hera Gallery, Wakefield, RI, Spring 2018. Juror: Ian Alden Russell Ph.D., Curator of David Winton Bell Gallery, Brown University.
Research
Research interests
- Research & Writing & Student Agency in Graphic Design/Art History
- Reframing the story of Graphic Design/Art History
- (TL:DR) Redefining Reading: the history and mechanics of reading to better understand how and why people read.
- Web Typography: traditional typographic practice and theories applied to web typography
- Typography & the Body: Identity, Power, and Protection
Select publications
- Laura Franz (2014).
Size Matters: Balancing Line Length and Font Size in Responsive Web Design
Smashing Magazine. Publisher: Smashing Media GmbH. - Laura Franz (2013).
Dear Web Font Providers
Smashing Magazine. Publisher: Smashing Media GmbH. - Laura Franz (2013).
Setting Weights and Styles With The @font-face Declaration
Smashing Magazine. Publisher: Smashing Media GmbH.
Biography
Inspired by the intersection of tradition and technology, Laura's research interests include how we can use theory from established media to inform our understanding of new media and contemporary messages. She writes, presents, and makes art related to typography, how and why people read, and art/design history.
Additional links
- LauraFranz.com
- Articles Written for Smashing Magazine
- Video Courses created for Lynda.com
- Typographic Web Design
- Follow me (Type Geek) on Facebook