Graphic Design, Certificate

Program Overview

This graphic design program provides comprehensive training in vector graphics, digital media design, and packaging design. Students can choose from full-time or part-time options and will develop practical skills and knowledge for a successful design career. The program includes courses in layout, visual composition, color theory, web design, and typography, preparing graduates for various roles in the design industry.

Program Outline

Outline:

Program Content:

• Vector graphics
• Digital media design
• Packaging design
• Practical skills and knowledge for a successful design career

Program Structure:

• Full-time: 2-term or 3-term format
• Part-time: Flexible pace

Course Schedule:

• Courses offered in fall, winter, and spring/summer terms
• Course prerequisites must be met prior to registration

Individual Modules with Descriptions:

| Course Code | Course Title | Description | |---|---|---| | GDES 1069 | Layout: Adobe InDesign | Engage with InDesign, explore basics and features, create layouts for print and digital media. | | GDES 1105 | Visual Composition and Layout | Apply principles and elements of composition and layout for balanced design solutions in print, web, mobile, and interface applications. | | GDES 1140 | Colour Theory | Explore colour principles, identify ways to integrate colour for effective communication in design layouts. | | GDES 1190 | Web Design | Introduction to front-end development and code management, learn basic tools of web design, code HTML 5, CSS3. | | GDES 1235 | Graphic Design Process | Discover design as a complex process involving research, concept development, evaluation, refinement, and execution. | | GDES 1255 | Visual Language | Analyze how Gestalt psychology establishes hierarchical relationships in compositions, apply knowledge of signs and symbols to create unique visual language. | | GDES 1270 | Vector Graphics: Adobe Illustrator | Introduction to vector graphics, understand anchor point types, create paths and shapes, work with gradients, organize objects in groups and layers. | | GDES 1275 | Raster Graphics: Adobe Photoshop | Master Photoshop for image editing, retouching, and high-quality image compositions, learn tools, work with layers, channels, paths, selections, and filters. | | GDES 2012 | Image Post Production | Explore fundamentals of working with digital images, focus on image optimization process within Adobe Photoshop, produce high-quality images for multiple purposes. | | GDES 2087 | Prepress | Learn prepress process for visually correct digital files to meet offset and digital production and post-production requirements, understand colour management, ink transfer, imaging processes, and print project finishing. | | GDES 2088 | Strategic Design For Business | Examine how design supports and reinforces a client's business goals, apply critical components of the design process, explore business practices and effective client collaboration. | | GDES 2125 | Brand Identity | Establish how brand equity is maintained through implementation of a vital and compelling corporate identity program, explore intricacies of brand creation, implementation, and maintenance. | | GDES 2135 | Corporate Communications | Build and strengthen a brand message by applying a visual language across corporate identity applications, discuss broader brand issues. | | GDES 2145 | Typography | Learn the art of designing with type, understand history of language and type development, apply typographic vocabulary, control type aesthetics, and optimize kerning. | | GDES 2150 | Introductory UI/UX | Introduce research, interface design, and user experience, design compelling human-centric designs in physical and digital mediums, learn about UX agency and consultancy projects. | | GDES 2430 | Major Project and Online Portfolio | Integrate knowledge and skills gained throughout the program, include major design projects in an online graphic design print and web portfolio, develop professional methods for effective content, build portfolio website. |

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Communication Designer
• Graphic Designer
• Creative Director
• Digital Communication Specialist
• Communications Specialist
• Corporate Communication Designer
• Editorial Designer
• Publication Designer
• Package Designer
• Brand Strategist or Manager
• Prepress Specialist
• Production Specialist
• Customer Service
• Marketing Specialist

Opportunities and Outcomes:

• Begin a career in graphic design
• Accelerate study of print and web design
• Pursue further study to earn a bachelor's degree in design