ObjectivesThe program prepares students for entry into the graphic design field as an entry level designer. Graphic designers develop images that persuade, inform and instruct. Students learn the skills to solve specific visual problems through practical work that covers the broad spectrum of visual communication in corporate, editorial and advertising design. The program of studies includes the fundamentals of design, typography, design concepts and digital technology in the first year. The second and third years provide the opportunity to apply these principles to a variety of design problems. Other areas of study include colour theory, drawing, packaging, photography, history of art and the history of graphic design along with editorial and corporate design. The sixth semester is spent off-campus as an intern at either a design studio or an in-house studio.
Practical experienceThere is a field placement component associated with this program.
Academic titleGraphic Design Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Course descriptionSemester 1
1. COLOUR THEORY
2. DRAWING I
3. HISTORY OF ART
4. LAYOUT & DESIGN I
5. TYPOGRAPHY I
6. INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER CONCEPTS
7. DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Semester 2
1. HISTORY OF GRAPHIC DESIGN
2. DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION & DESIGN I
3. LAYOUT & DESIGN II
4. PRESENTATION TECHNIQUES
5. TYPOGRAPHY II
6. DIGITAL IMAGERY & EDITING I
7. DIGITAL DESIGN I
8. DRAWING II
Semester 3
1. DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION & DESIGN II
2. ADVERTISING DESIGN
3. COMMUNICATION FOR DESIGN
4. CORPORATE DESIGN
5. DIGITAL IMAGERY & EDITING II
6. DRAWING III
7. DIGITAL DESIGN II
8. TYPOGRAPHY III
Semester 4
1. EDITORIAL DESIGN
2. PACKAGING DESIGN
3. PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENTS
4. NEW MEDIA - FLASH
5. PREPRESS PRODUCTION
6. VISITING DESIGNERS
7. APPLIED DESIGN
8. NEW MEDIA - DREAMWEAVER
Semester 5
1. GRAPHIC DESIGN PRACTICE
2. PORTFOLIO STUDIES
3. FIELD PLACEMENT SEMINAR