Graphic and Visual Design

Learn how to use Adobe Photoshop, the industry-standard software for bitmap image editing and manipulation. Become familiar with the application's interface, terminology, and essential tools while developing the foundational skills to create and edit digital images.

Build on the skills learned in Photoshop I while learning advanced features such as layers, slices, rollovers, image maps, blends, painting, and compositing tools to manipulate images and create original work. Apply problem-solving techniques to tackle more complex design challenges.

Learn how to use Adobe Illustrator, the industry-standard software for vector graphics and manipulation. Become familiar with the application's interface and basic tool set while developing the foundational skills to create and edit vector artwork.

Build on the skills developed in Illustrator I while exploring intermediate application of vector-based functions and features to create original design solutions for a variety of complex challenges.

Learn the application interface and basic toolset of industry standard document publishing software Adobe InDesign. Develop the foundational skills to create, edit, and manage professional page layouts using text, images, and graphics.

Build on the skills developed in InDesign I while exploring contemporary page design techniques, methodologies and layouts across a variety of document types and media applications. Apply your skills to create a short-form colour document.

Advance your knowledge of Adobe InDesign by exploring advanced techniques in print production, electronic prepress, color calibration, and color management techniques. Create and publish complex long-form documents across multiple mediums, devices, and delivery vehicles.

Learn how to use Adobe Premiere Pro, the industry-standard non-linear digital video editing software. Become familiar with the application's interface, terminology, and basic tool set while developing the foundational skills to edit and produce digital video.

Learn digital photography terminology, composition, and techniques for gathering digital images.

Apply your skills and knowledge during dedicated Production Studio time to refine and complete outstanding term design assignments. Learn how to interpret and respond to a professional design brief.

Apply the skills and knowledge you've gained to refine and complete any outstanding term design projects and assignments.

Present a selection of portfolio pieces after taking the time to refine or complete outstanding term design projects.

During a concentrated end-of-term Production Studio, apply the skills and knowledge you've gained to refine and complete outstanding term design projects and assignments. Present and defend a selection of portfolio pieces.

Develop foundational 2D drawing skills through traditional drawing techniques using lines, shapes, forms, and simple shading patterns to enhance the finished artwork.

Expand your drawing skills by exploring three-dimensional perspective and more advanced drawing techniques. Learn how perspective, scale, and proportion contribute to realistic 3D drawings, and how light source placement and shadow casting add depth and dimension in your work.

Explore the elements and principles of visual information design, colour, symbols, identity, and visual perception and examine their relationship to contemporary and historical graphic design.

Learn the physics and fundamentals of colour theory through practical exercises that encourage you to apply your creativity to seemingly simple design challenges.

Explore the basic principles, history, and evolution of traditional and digital typography and its significance in visual communication design.

Build on the skills introduced in Typography I. Learn how to use digital type as an advanced creative design element to strengthen visual communication messages and solve more complex design challenges.

Learn the history, fundamental elements, and principles of graphic design. Apply your knowledge through practical exercises and explore your creativity while solving contextualized design challenges.

Design solutions come from a variety of sources. Explore concept development strategies based on the five stages of design thinking: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. Learn how to apply design thinking when addressing design challenges.

Explore packaging design principles and learn the importance of considering factors such as utility, aesthetics, form, manufacturing processes, and commercial and government regulations. Develop design solutions that take these variables into consideration while making the product visually appealing and marketable.

Explore traditional, mobile, and social media marketing, promotion, and advertising theory to create successful ads. Explore the planning and execution of advertising material through the principles of design: layout, colour, and typography.

Examine how marketing, budget constraints, corporate marketing strategies, consumerism, and culture influence advertising design and delivery across a variety of media locally and globally. Propose and defend three possible advertising design solutions for an advertising scenario.

Learn and apply web design principles and trends while creating, organizing, publishing, and managing a website that incorporates a variety of graphic elements and effects.

Build on the skills developed in InDesign III by applying advanced principles, techniques, and processes to create digital and print-based publications. Learn how to design complex publications in hardcopy and digital formats using a variety of digital delivery technologies.

Explore the design challenges of creating a corporate identity, including brand strategy, identity development, and logotype. Learn to align print, TV, web, mobile, and site-specific brand rollouts.

Apply mobile and touchscreen design and usability principles and practices to create a cross-platform mobile user experience.

Learn the principles of motion design, including animated asset creation, typography, and the role of narrative or story. Apply design and illustration skills to create a short animation or digital video.

Use feedback from the portfolio review to guide the final iterative stages of portfolio development. Showcase your professional design focus and personal design philosophy through outstanding examples of work. Present the completed portfolio to a panel of peers and industry representatives.

Learn how to showcase your skills using a variety of traditional and social media vehicles. Understand how to participate in a job interview, professionally manage your media presence, and navigate office etiquette.