Cal Poly Graphic Communication

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United States
San Luis Obispo, CA
Cal Poly Graphic Communication

https://linktr.ee/calpolygrc
The Graphic Communication Department at Cal Poly State University, SLO

Graphic communication includes electronic and traditional printing, publishing, packaging, digital imaging, computer graphics, website development, digital photography, printable electronics and related areas. The discipline includes media and mass communication involving the creation, production, management and distribution of advertising, marketing, web-sites, books, magazines, newspapers, catal

ogs, packages and other media in printed and digital form. Graduates are in high demand by leading national and international corporations.

06/19/2026

Do you know the origin of free coffee in the GrC building? ☕

Long before today's coffee station, faculty member and former department chair Ken Macro started providing free coffee for students from his office, an unofficial gathering place known as "Cafe Ken." As the tradition grew, Ken held a contest to create a name, logo, and typography for the space, resulting in the Gutenberg Cafe.

Complete with an illustration by Michael Mayorga, the sign proudly welcomed visitors with the tagline: "Where the coffee is old and tastes like type metal." Fortunately, students kept coming back anyway.

During Ken's time as department chair from 2013 to 2019, the Gutenberg Cafe became a familiar gathering place to get some coffee. Although the original sign was eventually removed during hallway renovations, the tradition of free coffee continues today, carrying on a small piece of GrC history.

As Ken prepares for retirement, we are grateful for the many ways he has contributed to the GrC pod over the years!

Alum, do you remember Cafe Ken or the Gutenberg Cafe?

06/15/2026

☀️ The presses may be quiet for now, but summer adventures are just getting started.

After many final projects and deadlines, our students are finally on a well-deserved summer break. Whether they're gaining industry experience through internships, traveling, spending time with friends and family, or simply taking time to recharge, we hope their summer is filled with memorable experiences and plenty of fun.

Enjoy your summer, GrC pod! We look forward to welcoming our newest students when classes start on Monday, August 24, 2026!

06/14/2026

Farewell from the 2026 Spring Facebook Social Media Team. Thank you for being part of our journey. 💞

06/13/2026

Cheers to the GrC Class of 2026! 🎓

As you take the next step toward new opportunities and adventures, know that we are so proud of all you have accomplished and excited for all that is ahead. Your hard work, dedication, and passion have made this year unforgettable. We cannot wait to see all the amazing things you do next!

Congratulations, Class of 2026 — your future is bright, and the best is yet to come!

06/11/2026

A night of innovative print and packaging among the dinosaurs! 🦕

Graphics Night in Los Angeles was an incredible opportunity for our students to connect with industry professionals, celebrate outstanding work in print and design, and experience an inspiring evening hosted at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles.

Throughout the night, students had the chance to view a variety of award-winning print projects showcasing creativity and invention across the graphic communication industry.

A special congratulations to the 2025 TAGA Cal Poly chapter for receiving the award for Best Bindery! This achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and talent of everyone involved.

06/09/2026

We are so excited to welcome the incoming freshman to our GrC pod this fall! 🍂

Starting college can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. Do not be afraid to reach out to your advisor, ask questions in labs, explore different clubs, and take advantage of the free coffee in the GrC building and popcorn on Fridays!

As you begin this new chapter, stay curious, get involved, and give yourself time to adjust. We cannot wait to meet you.

06/09/2026

After two quarters of research, collaboration, iteration, and design, iter8’s 2026 Design Showcase celebrated the UX work students have been building throughout the year. With more than 40 attendees, the event brought together students, faculty, and supporters to experience the creativity and innovation happening across Graphic Communication and beyond! 💡

This quarter’s showcase featured five client projects: Creek Lands Conservation, Ecoplasticity, E-Turns, Gemlato, and Smart Share Housing Solutions. Through app redesigns, website experiences, interactive UX concepts, and gamified digital experiences, students applied user research, prototyping, and design thinking to create meaningful solutions for real-world clients.

Experiences like these highlight the hands-on, collaborative learning opportunities students gain through organizations like iter8 and the growing UX/UI community within GrC.

Join us in celebrating these students and the incredible work they brought to life this year! Alum, what project from a GrC class or club are you the most proud of? We would love to hear about it 💙

06/06/2026

Not sure how to stay productive this summer as a GrC student? ☀️

Summer is the perfect time to practice creativity, gain experience, and prepare for the year ahead. Here are a few ways GrC students can stay inspired during break and level up their skills:

🎓 Earn a Certificate
Explore an area of interest like UX/UI, Adobe Creative Suite, marketing, coding, packaging, or project management. Online certifications are a great way to expand knowledge and strengthen a resume.

🖼️ Work on a Portfolio
Update old projects, create new passion projects, or redesign existing work. A strong portfolio is one of the best ways to showcase creativity and growth to future employers.

🤝 Network & Connect
Reach out to alumni, attend industry events, connect on LinkedIn, or schedule informational interviews. Building relationships now can open doors later.

💼 Gain Experience
Whether it is an internship, freelance project, part-time job, or personal creative work, hands-on experience helps develop both technical and professional skills.

No matter how a Graphic Communication student spends their summer, every small step helps them grow as a student and future professional.

06/04/2026

Meet Anna Frias! ⭐

Anna is a third-year GrC student from Temecula, CA. She is concentrating in Design Reproduction Technology and minoring in Entrepreneurship.

Anna is currently the UGS general manager for this school year! When asked about our program, she said she "[loves] GrC because of our amazing Pod! GrC has created a wonderful community and I’ve been able to connect with so many different people. My favorite experience has been working in UGS and truly getting the Learn by Doing experience!"

06/02/2026

Throwing it back to the 1970s! ✨

Ever wonder what GrC was like back then?

Take a look at these fun photos from the GrC banquet and see how much history, community, and tradition have been part of GrC for decades.

Swipe through for more vintage GrC moments! 📸

Address

Cal Poly State University, Graphic Comm. Dept. Bldg. 26, 1 Grand Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA
93407

Website

http://www.grc.calpoly.edu/

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