Graphic Design Diploma Program

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of graphic design and its application for print and web. Students discover that design is a complex process that involves research and analysis, concept development, evaluation, refinement, and execution.

This module is an investigation into the principles of visual communication. Topics include the fundamental visual elements, Gestalt principles and essential design techniques. Students will learn how to apply these concepts to craft visual media that is both expressive and clear.

Students learn about visual contrast, colour, rhythm, and pattern in design. They also learn the process involved in making an abstract design from shapes, and how to use that element to create a repeating pattern design. Students explore the various aspects of colour and identify many ways of integrating colour for effective design layouts.

This course teaches students about typography and its significance within graphic design in the development of type. Students learn about the terms and measurements that form the basis of typographic vocabulary, and deconstruct fonts to show the working components.

Students create and design scalable computer graphics with Adobe Illustrator, including core drawing and shape tools, transformation and reshaping features. The module prepares students to create simple vector graphics, learn about best practices to enhance workflow, understand how to integrate colour and type, and prepare documents for output.

Students examine the essential capabilities and creative applications of Adobe Photoshop, from correcting colour to retouching portraits, resolution, cropping, selecting, printing, and making web graphics.

This course in Photoshop builds on the knowledge previously gained in Adobe Photoshop Beginner, such as layer styles, layer effects, and adjustment layers. Students will apply these techniques to create a composite image and explore more advanced techniques such as custom brushes and displacement masks.

This course will focus on the essential capabilities and creative applications of InDesign. Students will create a series of projects using a range of tools and techniques. Topics include understanding the anatomy of a page, the effective use of layout grids, and typographic styles. Students will learn how to create and share complex multi-page documents.

In this course, students will explore the features of Adobe Premiere Pro, a non-linear editing application for creative video production. Premiere Pro integrates with tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to help graphic designers stay current in a rapidly changing industry. Class exercises will show how to start projects with the correct settings, edit video sequences with audio, design professional titles, and export projects for HD playback.

This module introduces the student to the basic principles of drawing. Students learn basic techniques in drawing and practice their drawing skills using line work and linear perspective principles.

This course is an introduction to photography from a graphic design perspective. Students will learn what it takes to capture engaging images for various environments, including print and online.

Graphic Design is a creative field, but it is also a professional business. This course focuses on the pragmatic aspects of design and aims to educate students on why designers do more than simply design things.

Students learn how to create a professional Graphic Design portfolio that effectively showcases their work and abilities. Students can then use this portfolio to present to potential employers. Students will work individually on six (6) projects and reach out to the instructor for clarification and feedback when needed. One project must be Portfolio Creation.