ObjectivesOur exceptional Graphic Design program allows you to study professional design principles and practices, including typography, photography, layout and illustration. Our knowledgeable faculty also helps you learn printing production procedures, client presentation techniques and business practices. In the first year, graphic design students study traditional design techniques and are introduced to electronic design methods. Year Two provides a solid base in Mac-based graphic design software, and the third year allows students to work in professional industry settings and to develop a portfolio.
Practical experienceExtensive real-world, practical work in our state-of-the-art graphic design labs is featured throughout this three-year program.
Academic titleGraphic Design Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Course descriptionLevel One
COMM1030 Interpersonal And Group Dynamics
Description: In this introductory level course, students learn to apply knowledge from interpersonal relations and group dynamics to working in a team. Emphasis will be placed on utilizing effective communication skills with individuals and groups. Group cohesiveness and group decision-making will be discussed.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
GRDN1060 Design Fundamentals - A
Description: This course establishes the basic conceptual and perceptual principles which constitute design. Involvement in a series of exercises develops an awareness of the relationships of line, form, space and colour. Intensive instruction is given in rendering materials and techniques. Experimentation in essential colour mixing and theory will develop experience and practical abilities.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
GRDN1080 Illustration/Rendering Techniques I-A
Description: This course establishes the fundamentals of commercial illustration through experimentation with a variety of media, drawing instruments and rendering techniques. The application of these to product, editorial layout and storyboard illustration results in a platform for the creative development of an individual style and a professional standard of illustration.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
GRDN1100 Introduction to Printing Technology Electronic Production-A
Description: This course introduces the student to the methods, terminology, materials and studio techniques of printing technology. Attention is given to the introduction and development of technical skills, both drawing board and electronic production, necessary for the preparation of mechanical art assembly for printing.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
GRDN1120 Letterform Typographic Design I-A
Description: This introductory course studies basic letterform and the use of letters and words as units of typographic design. Emphasis is placed on the relationship of visually well-spaced and well-designed type and the techniques and craftsmanship required for professional standards of typographic layout design in advertising, promotional print and packaging.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
GRDN1140 Photography Basics (Design)-A
Description: This course is an introduction to the basic skills and techniques which allow the design student to employ the camera and photographic processes as a creative and versatile tool.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
GRDN1160 Two Dimensional Design I-A
Description: This course applies the basic design principles to problem-solving situations. The implementation of illustrative, typographic and creative design knowledge produces visual graphic solutions for the advertising and communications industry. Emphasis is placed upon the development of competent, creative solutions accomplished within the restrictions inherent in any client briefing.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Electives: General Education
Description: Student must complete a minimum of 36 Hours
Level Two
GRDN1070 Design Fundamentals-B
Description: This course builds on the information of Design Fundamentals ? A. It expands and improves their knowledge of conceptual and perceptual principles which constitute design. Involvement in a series of more indepth exercises develops an awareness of the relationships of line, form, space and colour. Intensive instruction is expanded in rendering materials and techniques. Experimentation in essential colour mixing and theory will develop experience and practical abilities.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: GRDN1060
GRDN1090 Illustration/Rendering Techniques I-B
Description: This course builds on the information covered in Illustration/Rendering Techniques 1-A. throughout the course, students improve and expand their knowledge of commercial illustration through experimentation with a variety of media, drawing instruments and rendering techniques. The application of these to product, editorial layout and storyboard illustration results in a platform for the creative development of an individual style and a professional standard of illustration.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: GRDN1080
GRDN1110 Introduction to Printing Technology Electronic Production-B
Description: This course builds on the information covered in Introduction to Printing Technology Electronic Production ? A. Throughout the course the students improve and expand their knowledge of the methods, terminology, materials and studio techniques of printing technology. Through more indepth projects attention is given to the introduction and development of technical skills, both drawing board and electronic production necessary for the preparation of mechanical art assembly for printing.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: GRDN1100
GRDN1130 Letterform Typographic Design I-B
Description: This course builds on the information covered in Letterform/Typographic Design I ? A. The students improve and expand their knowledge of basic letterform and the use of letters and words as units of typographic designs. More in-depth emphasis is placed on the relationship of visually well spaced and well designed type and the techniques and craftsmanship required for professional standards of typographic layout design in advertising, promotional print and packaging.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: GRDN1120
GRDN1150 Photography Basics (Design) - B
Description: This course builds on the information covered in Photography Basics (Design) ? A, which allows the design students to employ the camera and digital photographic processes as creative and versatile tools.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: GRDN1140
CoRequisites:
GRDN1170 Two Dimensional Design I-B
Description: This course builds on the information covered in Two Dimensional Design I ? A. It improves and expands their knowledge of basic design principles to more indepth problem solving situations. The implementation of illustrative, typographic and creative design knowledge produces visual graphic solutions for the advertising and communications industry. Emphasis is placed upon the development of competent, creative solutions accomplished within the instructions inherent in any client briefing.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: GRDN1160
Electives: General Education
Description: Student must complete a minimum of 36 Hours
Level Three
GRDN2060 Client Relations and Self Employment Strategies-A
Description: This course introduces ethical standards, fair practices and relations between workers and clients as required for successful working relationships and self employment in today's ever changing work place. Business and legal practices for commissioned work, copyright/trademarks, entrepreneurship, job costing, job scheduling, market value, fee negotiation, conflict resolution and health/safety issues will be explored.
Personal efficiency will be developed by organization of freelance contract work through client interviews, presentations and detailed negotiations.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
GRDN2080 Illustration Rendering Techniques II-A
Description: The student's individual illustrative working skills are progressively developed towards a commercially acceptable level. Various digital rendering techniques are investigated. Introduction to Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and Quark Xpress. Emphasis is placed on the conceptual development necessary in the preparation of quality final design-solution presentation.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
GRDN2100 Letterform Typographic Design II-A
Description: This course further stresses the development of creative, typographic design solutions involving electronic font selection, specification, adjustment and basic management. Experimentation is encouraged at all times and the student is provided with the opportunities to utilize his/her developing typographic skills within a variety of assignments, involving corporate print, promotion and advertising.
Hours: 75
Credits: 5
GRDN2120 Packaging Graphics I-A
Description: This introductory course enables the student to apply creative problem-solving techniques and working skills to a number of consumer-oriented product packaging assignments. Point of purchase and product advertising are essential areas of study. Experimentation with common materials used in the packaging industry (i.e., carton-board, plastics and glass) develops necessary research skills and effective design problem-solving based on examination of current packaging styles, techniques and marketing systems.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
GRDN2140 Photography Practices (Design)-A
Description: This course is a continuation of Photography Basics (Design) and provides for the practical application of creative photographic techniques and digital formats for research material and visual presentations.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
GRDN2160 Printing Technology Electronic Production I-A
Description: This course is a progression from Introduction to Printing Technology/Electronic Production and requires the practical application of basic knowledge in the preparation of accurate electronic artwork. A more indepth investigation of major printing process and electronic production will be generated. Emphasis will be placed on the development of a necessary understanding of professional procedure for printer ready electronic prepress file production.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
GRDN2180 Two Dimensional Design II-A
Description: This intermediate course in Two-Dimensional Design involves the student in more intricate design briefings which require both creative and functional solutions within established deadlines. Studio time is mainly devoted to major assignments concerned with symbol and wordmark design for application to corporate identity programs and related promotional campaign requirements.
Hours: 75
Credits: 5
Level Four
GRDN2070 Client Relations and Self Employment Strategies-B
Description: This course continues to explore the topics of ethical standards, fair practices and relations between workers and clients as required for successful working relationships and self employment in today's ever changing work place. Business and legal practices for commissioned work, copyright/trademarks, job costing, job scheduling, market value, fee negotiation, conflict resolution and health/safety issues will be explored as well as entrepreneurship and self-employment options for designers.
Personal efficiency will continue to be developed by organization of freelance contract work through client interviews, presentations and detailed negotiations.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: GRDN2060
GRDN2090 Illustration Rendering Techniques II-B
Description: The student's individual illustrative working skills are progressively developed towards a commercially acceptable level. Various digital rendering techniques are investigated. Intermediate level lectures and assignments develop familiarity with Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and Quark Xpress. Emphasis is placed on the conceptual development necessary in the preparation of quality final design-solutions through studio assignments and in-class presentations.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: GRDN2080
GRDN2110 Letterform Typographic Design II-B
Description: This course expands the student’s capabilities in developing creative, typographic design solutions involving electronic font selection, specification, adjustment and basic management. Experimentation is encouraged at all times and the student is provided with the opportunities to utilize his/her developing typographic skills within a variety of assignments, involving corporate print, promotion and advertising. Students will produce and discuss professional-quality typography in multiple design genres.
Hours: 75
Credits: 5
Pre-Requisites: GRDN2100
GRDN2130 Packaging Graphics I-B
Description: This course further enables the student to apply creative problem solving techniques and working skills to a number of consumer-oriented product packaging assignments. Point of purchase and product advertising are essential areas of study. Studio projects focus on designing and preparing artwork for product packaging solutions. Assignments develop necessary research skills and effective design problem solving based on examination of current packaging styles, techniques and marketing systems.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: GRDN2120
GRDN2150 Photography Practices (Design)-B
Description: This course is a further continuation of Photography Practices (Design) and provides for the practical, advanced application of creative photographic techniques and digital formats for research material and visual presentations. Particular attention will be paid to the designer’s role in directing and collaborating with photographers.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: GRDN2140
CoRequisites:
GRDN2170 Printing Technology Electronic Production I-B
Description: This course presumes familiarity with basic printing processes, and involves the practical application of knowledge in the preparation of accurate electronic artwork. It further investigates major printing processes and colour systems, and the preparation of electronic print ready files. Emphasis will be placed in industry standard, professional procedures used to communicate with printers.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: GRDN2160
GRDN2190 Two Dimensional Design II-B
Description: This intermediate course in Two-Dimensional Design further involves the student in more intricate design briefings which require both creative and functional solutions within established deadlines. Studio time is mainly devoted to major assignments concerned with various design genres such as: books, promotional materials, corporate identity, and newsletters.
Hours: 75
Credits: 5
Pre-Requisites: GRDN2180
Level Five
GRDN3080 Illustration Rendering Techniques III-A
Description: The well thought‑out and well executed illustration often is the essential selling element within the solution to many promotional, advertising, corporate and packaging design problems. This course provides the student with the opportunity to experiment and develop an individual illustrative style and professional standard rendering technique. Emphasis will be placed upon the problem‑solving process from conceptual thumbnails initiated from research through to the preparation of materials for client presentation.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
GRDN3100 Letterform Typographic Design III-A
Description: This advanced course involves the student with complex and challenging typographic design assignments, including grid system development, type specification, letterform design, accurate copyfitting and professional quality type indication and simulation techniques. All assignments are realistically structured and controlled as would be experienced in a commercial studio environment and many are of a community involvement nature. Information on the constantly changing industry is provided. Students are required to prepare and/or arrange for proper film output to a service bureau.
Hours: 75
Credits: 5
GRDN3120 Packaging Promotional Graphics-A
Description: This course focuses on design considerations for packaging and a range of alternative media including three-dimensional design, point-of-purchase, premium items, apparel, exhibits and displays, signage, three-dimensional models, web page design. Assignments will be developed with consideration for the relationships between design and the selected media including the use of a variety of production materials and processes.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
GRDN3140 Printing Technology Electronic Production II-A
Description: This course is designed to introduce realistic printing production practices that must be resolved effectively within the constraints of budgets and scheduling deadlines. Emphasis will be placed on proper procedure for producing electronic files for reproduction including file management, formatting, file conversion, as well as, an understanding of pre-press production techniques and terminology. Students are required to produce a project and obtain complete cost estimates for their assignment.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
GRDN3160 Professional Practice Employment Strategies-A
Description: This course is designed to increase the students understanding of how to design, write and organize professional visual proposals to clients. Students will learn how to understand and work in an advertising, communications/design company and how to operate their own freelance/small business, including entrepreneurship skills.
The course will emphasize skills which are necessary to perform well in a professional studio/client setting.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
GRDN3180 Thesis (Graphics)-A
Description: The ability to organize and present visual proposals in written form is essential for the creation of well-presented client proposals as well as creative copywriting. This course provides the student with the opportunity to further develop both written communication skills and already well defined creative interests and abilities through the research, development and preparation of a major book publishing proposal or advertising campaign.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
GRDN3200 Two Dimensional Design III-A
Description: This course is structured to provide the student with opportunities both to develop and refine an individual design approach/style and to contribute as a responsible member/director to all aspects of group project work.
Emphasis will be placed upon defining and understanding the original problem and the meaningful exploration of the creative problem‑solving process leading to implementation of quality/graphic solutions. Projects will include promotional print, corporate identity, consumer editorial magazine competitions, etc.
Hours: 75
Credits: 5
Level Six
GRDN3090 Illustration Rendering Techniques III-B
Description: This course is a more advanced development of individual illustrative style and professional standard rendering technique found in Illustrative Rendering Techniques III ? A. Emphasis will be placed upon complex problem solving processes from conceptual thumbnails initiated from research through to the preparation of materials for client presentation.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: GRDN3080
GRDN3110 Letterform Typographic Design III-B
Description: This advanced course involves the student with complex and challenging typographic design assignments. The course builds on grid system development, type specification, letterform design, accurate copyfitting and professional quality type indication and simulation techniques learned in Letterform Typographic Design III-A. all assignments are realistically structured and controlled as would be experienced in a commercial studio environment and many are of a community involvement nature. Information on the constantly changing industry is provided. Students are required to prepare or arrange for proper direct to plate output to a printer.
Hours: 75
Credits: 5
Pre-Requisites: GRDN3100
GRDN3130 Packaging Promotional Graphics-B
Description: This course focuses on building considerations for packaging and a range of alternative media. Learned in Packaging Promotional Graphics ? A, assignments will be developed with consideration for the relationships between more advanced design and the selected media, including the use of a wider variety of production materials and processes.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: GRDN3120
GRDN3150 Printing Technology Electronic Production II-B
Description: This course is designed to build on realistic printing production practices that were introduced in Printing Technology Electronic Production II ? A. More emphasis will be placed on proper procedure for electronic files for reproduction, including file management, formatting, file conversion and an overall understanding of prepress production and terminology. Students are required to produce a project and obtain complete cost estimates for their assignments.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: GRDN3140
GRDN3170 Professional Practice Employment Strategies-B
Description: Building off of the skills of how to design, write and organize professional visual proposals to clients. Learned in Professional Employment Strategies ? A the students will more fully identify the workflow in a communications design company and know how to operate their own freelance/small business including entrepreneurship skills.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: GRDN3160
GRDN3190 Thesis (Graphics)-B
Description: This course is a more advanced development of proposal work outlined in Thesis (Graphics) ?A. The student building on research and development described in Thesis (Graphics) ?B will finish a comprehensive preparation proposal to a major paper merchant manufacturer for promotion of their products.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: GRDN3180
GRDN3210 Two Dimensional Design III-B
Description: This course builds on Two Dimensional Design III ? A. Throughout the course students repeat and review their knowledge of two dimensional design. Through more indepth exploration of the creative problem solving processes leading to implementation of quality/graphic solutions. Projects will include more complex promotional print, corporate identity, consumer, editorial and student competitions.
Hours: 75
Credits: 5
Pre-Requisites: GRDN3200