Most of the walls around Bismarck State College’s campus are little more than a blank slate. But in the graphic design and communications department, at the end of a long eastern corridor, there lies a humble stretch of drywall covered top-to-bottom in...logos? 

It’s a puzzling sight at first glance: symbols of state colleges sit next to government departments; local businesses stand alongside internationally recognized brands. The connection between all these symbols would be impossible to decipher without the stainless-steel banner running across the midsection, and the words “Campus to Careers” etched into the metal plate. 

Every logo that decorates the “Campus to Careers” wall—from BSC to Universal Pictures—represents a company where graduates of BSC’s graphic design and communications program have been hired. 

“We envisioned this wall to be a showcase to the prospective student who is asking themselves, ‘what am I going to end up doing if I get this degree in graphic design and communications?’” said Sean Thorenson, longtime BSC professor and freelance designer. “This wall is really kind of a visual testament to how widespread the options are for someone who graduates from our program.” 

Thorenson’s praise for BSC is well-informed; after graduating from the school’s commercial arts program in 1993, he eventually came back as a professor, teaching graphic design and communications for nearly 26 years. In that time, he’s seen immense changes within the industry—and to the way graphic designers are being perceived. 

Many of these changes are closely tied to the growth of artificial intelligence. Since the advent of generative AI, the belief that graphic design is an unviable career path has reached new heights. Sean explores how this is not the first time new tech has spurred such sentiments. 

“We're in this era where AI is making a big splash, and it is concerning for folks that are considering a creative job,” said Sean. “But I compare it to when the desktop computer became popular. People’s argument back then was, ‘Why are you going into commercial art? The computer is going to replace everything that you do.’ 

“That just wasn’t true; because those that didn't have the training, the background, the fundamentals and principles of design...sure, they were able to produce something, but was it beautiful? Was it technically sound?” 

Like the computer before it, Sean sees AI as a useful tool. But when businesses make the mistake of thinking a tool can replace the craftsman, their customers are quick to notice. 

“If you’re scrolling social media, I don’t think it’s going to take you more than two seconds to pick out something that was generated by AI,” Sean observed. “And I think there's this kind of pushback where the public is almost getting AI fatigue; they see it, and they don't necessarily want it. Yes, it's fast. Yes, it's easy. But it's missing the human element.” 

That human element, Sean believes, is what a graphic design education teaches and refines. It’s also where BSC’s program excels. 

“Our program focuses on the fundamentals and the foundations of graphic design,” he said. “You're exposed to the basics so that you can gain entry-level employment. That's always been the goal of our program; we want students to learn the basics and have enough education so that they can go out and become gainfully employed in a creative position.” 

The dozens of logos decorating the department’s Campus to Career wall serve as the ultimate proof of that goal’s success. In many cases, students finished the two-year program and went right into a job, never to look back. 

Its strong foundation in design principles, individualized attention from instructors and direct path to the workforce are among the many qualities that set the program apart. But the most impactful aspect for Sean has been the graduates themselves. 

“I've met a lot of amazing people over these last twenty-six years,” Sean mused. “And it's incredible, the number of students that I’ve seen go on to accomplish great things. 

“It's been fascinating, it's been fun, and I'm proud to call them all my friends and colleagues.” 

The future of graphic design will surely continue to evolve in complex ways. But regardless of how generative AI develops, creativity—that wonderful human element—will always be in demand. 

Graphic design and communications at BSC means harnessing that creativity, supporting it with strong technical skills and giving students a fast track into the workforce. With talented, passionate and proud instructors like Sean Thorenson teaching the next generation of creators, the future is looking bright. 

Learn more about BSC's graphic design degrees here.