The design thesis is a focused exploration of a design idea or area. Students pursue their idea both verbally and visually. Their investigation positions students relative to conventional and contemporary practice. Both visuals and text are formally presented to the design option at the completion of the project.

Graphic Design is a complex, multi-faceted and highly competitive field of communication requiring a synthetic understanding of a broad range of formal, technical, and conceptual issues. The Graphic Design BFA program at SUNY New Paltz is a professional program, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design(NASAD). The program’s objectives align with the essential competencies defined by NASAD and AIGA, the professional association for design.

The 2016 Thesis Show was instructed by Amy Papaelias and Dimitry Tetin and showcased work by: Milo Axelrod, Izzy Bass-Brown, Carolyn Cino, Charles Cultrara, Layla Cummings, Michael Czerniuk, Frankie Dineen, Megan Doty, Nicole Gaynor, Stephen Geary, Caroline Henderson, Andrew Joseph, Shauna Keating, Melina MacFarlane, Jacqueline McCullough, Rose Mundschenk, Kristen O'Connor, Drew David Park, Louis Pearlman, Kaylie Pyrch, Allison Schmitz, Nicole Striffolino, Sara Wagner, Carly Watson, Emma Wenig, Daniel Wolf, Chelsea Yolalan, Yao Yao Zhou.

The concept of the brand was inspired by the idea that there was no central concept that could possibly define the thesis show. Each project was so different from every other, the commonality between them became their differences. The asterisk was chosen as a symbol that represents a need for further definition. Each designer in the thesis group created their own asterisk to contribute to the branding, all of which are represented on the posters, show cards, and the website homepage.