Graphic Design

In this course, you will explore additional theories and methods for increasing the visual appeal of your work, with an emphasis on “must know” type and colour basics (as supplemental content for this program's specific modules on these subjects.) You will learn the basics of storyboarding to help you visualize and present your concepts to clients, and you will learn about the design theory behind infographics and information design. The hands-on focus of this module provides plenty of practice activities to ensure competence.

In this course, you will explore the guiding principles, harmony, and cultural implication of colour, including colour rules, colour systems, and colour models. You will explore these topics by examining case studies as well as design examples and processes. In applying the theory and techniques learned in this class, you will select and develop appropriate colour palettes and systems for enhancing the message of your designs.

This module introduces tools for planning and preparing for a successful job search, so that students can maintain a career-focused approach throughout their education program. Students will learn how to research opportunities and network for industry contacts, and use appropriate etiquette when communicating with prospective employers. Students will identify their personal skills, values and preferences for the workplace, begin preparation of a professional resume, cover letter, thank you note and references. Class discussions on various self-management topics introduced in Student Success Strategies will round out this module, which is a pre-requisite for Career Planning and Preparation – Level 2.

This course will introduce you to and provide practice in using the tools required for a successful job search. The concepts covered in this course will help you maintain a career-focused approach throughout your studies so that you are better prepared to conduct a job search after graduating. Specifically, you will learn how to identify your soft and hard skills and how to articulate your abilities in a clear and concise Elevator Pitch that will appeal to employers and resonate with industry contacts. You will learn about the job search resources available to you including using career websites, creating LinkedIn profiles, accessing the “hidden” job market, and networking. You will examine sample résumés and cover letters and begin the process of creating your own professional résumés and cover letters that align with current conventions for content, organization, and formatting. You will also learn about the role of references, thank you letters, workplace philosophies, and strategies for success including maintaining a professional image and using proper etiquette when communicating with potential employers and industry contacts.

This course builds on concepts and skills introduced in the Career Planning and Preparation Level 1 course. In this subsequent course, you will update and refine your résumé and LinkedIn Profile. You will continue writing cover letters and learn the value of customizing cover letters to specific job postings. You will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge as you conduct a job search and write a cover letter tailored to an ideal job post. Through research, you will create a list of top employers and target current industry opportunities. You will learn about current methods for applying to job postings using technology. You will also gain an understanding of the job interview process, typical interview questions and possible responses, and expectations of both the interviewer and interviewee. In addition, you will engage in practical application of the interview process through role-play. Topics such as negotiating salary, self-management, and on-the-job success for placements and post-graduate employment will be also covered.

Using paper-based techniques as well as online inspiration, you will exercise free thinking and observation while developing an efficient work process for future projects. You will be immersed in real-life scenarios and explore procedures for meeting design deadlines. This course also provides an exploration of brainstorming techniques and builds fundamental design and work discipline skills. The competencies developed in this class will prepare you to meet the demanding challenges of exercising creativity while meeting time-sensitive deadlines.

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and principles of learning and working in a digital environment. This course will cover the following elements: using devices and handling information, creating and editing information, communicating and collaborating, and being safe and responsible online.

In this course, you will learn to apply the rules of basic design theory, design analysis, and inspirational collections techniques to become a better designer. You will explore a range of media and design applications with emphasis on the creative process, including research, brainstorming, and conceptual development. During this course, you will also identify methods for arranging your personal workspace for optimum working conditions, while adhering to time limits for the various stages of project completion. These techniques will be repeated and used throughout the rest of the program.

In this course, you will explore the many forms of communication vital to a graphic design career, including reports and emails, sales pitches, client interviews, and creative meetings. You will also develop familiarity with visual communication media, such as presentations, infographics, and charts for professional projects.

In this course, you will learn to use Adobe InDesign: the industry software used to produce printable, professional-quality, full-colour documents. After being introduced to the basic functions of this software, you will complete a module-length design project, which ensures that you have a running canvas for practicing the complex techniques included in InDesign’s suite of features.

In this course, you will learn to use Adobe Illustrator, the industry-leading vector illustration software. Learning and applying design principles, you will explore this software through the completion of design-specific projects and tasks that will enhance your creative portfolios. Going beyond the software, you will also learn tips and techniques for using and upgrading to the latest tools and keeping up with cloud-based software.

In this course, you will learn the fundamental features of Adobe Photoshop, the industry benchmark for digital imaging excellence among graphic designers. Once a good foundation is established, you will also learn advanced features, including tips and techniques in photo manipulation, layer control, masking, selection, and preparing images for print.

In this course, you will explore methods of creating beautiful type settings for pleasant and legible reading experiences. You will cover fundamental aspects of typography, including style, colour, size, shape, and background. This course teaches you the necessary skills for designing visual communications and enhancing your personal creativity through visual collecting.

In this course, you will learn the design process for producing effective, creative branding. As an extension of logo design, a brand tells a customer what they can expect from products and services, and it differentiates clients from their competitors. During this module, you will be introduced to creative briefs, design briefs, conceptions generation, major graphic design, and advertising applications. Case studies on design planning and the ethics of branding will help you devise solutions to branding problems.

In this course, you will learn to create great logos, from inspiration to execution. The content of this module covers three stages that can be used to get logo projects off to an efficient and well-targeted start, including how to gather information from clients, generate ideas, and develop and prepare visuals for a presentation. By the end of the course, you will have sketched, developed, and polished dozens of logos, symbols, wordmarks, emblems, and other logo elements.

In this course, you will learn skills and techniques for designing and creating professional creative portfolios. This module covers important topics in portfolio design, including planning, setup, organization, file management, and layout. In completing this course, you will prepare your own professional portfolio, an essential asset for your professional development and career management in the field of graphic design.

In this course, you will develop the ability to design and deliver audience-specific messages using media and presentation software. By practicing these applications, you will learn to communicate effectively in academic, business, and social situations. This course also emphasizes the preparation and delivery of formal speeches and gives you the skills you need to pitch designs to your clients.

In this course, you will learn about the effective use of type in print, through advanced typographic treatments, technical illustrations, imaging techniques, proper formats, and preparing design projects for final output. You will use these skills to create and use page formats, work with grids to achieve interesting page compositions, and successfully combine type and imagery for print solutions. By completing the objectives of this module, you will learn to produce well-designed, professional projects.

This course stresses the importance of developing non-technical skills to enhance personal, academic and career success. This includes understanding learning styles and honing practical study skills, such as memory, reading, note- and test-taking techniques. Personal exercises will focus on teamwork, decision making and problem solving skills, setting goals and maintaining a positive attitude techniques for managing change, stress and conflict will also be explored.

In this course, you will learn the essentials of visual communication related to web design — from getting finicky web fonts and web colours under your control to navigating intuitively and creating a GUI. You will also learn to use a content management system (CMS) and template to create a well-designed website for a mock company with a unique brand identity. Through this process, you will design an appealing design plan and prepare a portfolio for presentation.