GRAPHIC DESIGN
Program Outline
Major: GRDE
Length: 3 Years
Delivery: 6 Semesters
Credential: Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Effective: 2011-2012
Location: Barrie
Start: Fall
Description
The 3-year Graphic Design program involves interdisciplinary, problem-solving activities which combine visual sensitivity with skill and knowledge in the area of communications, technology and business. These professions specialize in the structuring of visual information to aid communication and orientation.
Students are student members of the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario. (RGDOntario).
Career Opportunities
At an entry-level of responsibility, graduates of the 3-Year program create and produce effective visual communications within constraints set by employers, clients and the market. They work as team members or independently. They apply a sound grasp of all stages of the design process, the principles and history of visual communications and traditional and digital technologies. Graduates have a working knowledge of business practices and the basics of market research. The depth and breadth of instruction in design and technology (as reflected in the portfolio) and the increased business orientation provided by the third year of the program, enables graduates, though junior designers, to play more creative and independent roles in the workplace. Students are student members of the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario. (RGDOntario)
Graduates will provide clients with all or some of the following services: advertising, art directing, coordination, costing, design and aesthetic judgement, desktop publishing, illustration, image production, planning, project management, quality control and research. Graduates may specialize in one or more of these media: audio visual, electronic, exhibit/display, multi-media, print, packaging, or signage.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- develop and implement solutions to complex problems encountered in all phases of the graphic design process;
- originate visual communications through the application of design theories and principles to develop effective design solutions;
- apply typographic skills and knowledge to create effective visual communications;
- use a variety of advanced technologies to capture and manipulate design elements in producing a final product;
- work in a professional manner, maintaining professional relationships and communicating effectively with clients, co-workers, supervisors and others;
- apply appropriate and effective business practices when dealing with clients.
Program Progression
Sem 1 - Fall 2011
Sem 2 - Winter 2012
Sem 3 - Fall 2012
Sem 4 - Winter 2013
Sem 5 - Fall 2013
Sem 6 - Winter 2014
Articulation Agreements
A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Please contact the program co-ordinator for specific details if you are interested in pursuing such an option. Additional information can be found on our website at www.georgianc.on.ca/academics/articulations/.
Admission Requirements
Applicants following the OSS curriculum must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD - 30 credits) or equivalent. Applicants following the OSS curriculum also require Grade 12 English (C) or (U) (ENG4C, ENG4U).
Applicants who are 19 years of age or over by the first day of classes, and who lack the academic entrance qualifications, may be considered for entrance to an appropriate post-secondary diploma or certificate program as mature applicants. Each applicant will be considered on an individual basis and acceptance will be determined by counselling, Communication Placement Assessment (CPA), previous post-secondary education and evaluation of experience. Some programs also have specific prerequisite requirements that must be met prior to admission. Mature applicants must meet all program specific prerequisites. Those applying as mature students and having no documentation of Grade 12 education must supply, if required, proof of age, such as a copy of an official birth certificate or driver's licence. Refer to Sections 2.5 and 2.6 of the Academic Calendar for further details.
Selection Process
All applicants must submit a PORTFOLIO with a LETTER OF INTENT for review. Successful graduates of the Art & Design Fundamentals, One-Year Certificate Program (Program Major: AADF) at Georgian College are exempt from this requirement. Should a portfolio not meet requirements, applicants are considered for acceptance to the Art & Design Fundamentals, One-Year Certificate Program (AADF) as an alternate program choice, provided space is available.
LETTER OF INTENT: A letter of intent should clearly outline reasons for your program choice, your career goals, and a description of personal abilities and attitudes that will help you in achieving your goals. The letter should be edited for grammar, spelling and clarity and should be produced using word processing computer software. The letter of intent must be included in your portfolio.
PORTFOLIO: A portfolio should demonstrate readiness to enter and succeed in the chosen program. It should contain 12 pieces of your best original work, as outlined below. Please label your artwork 1 through 12 and include a typed sheet that briefly describes the work and media used (for example: Drawing #1 - Still Life/Pen & Ink).
3 Black and White Drawings:
* 1 figure or portrait
* 1 still life
* 1 choice (DO NOT SUBMIT anime, cartoons, comic book characters etc.)
3 Works in Colour:
* 1 figure or portrait
* 1 still life
* 1 choice (DO NOT SUBMIT anime, cartoons, comic book characters etc.)
3 Examples of Graphic Design
* 3 pieces that incorporate type and image
(poster, yearbook, advertisement, magazine article, brochure, logo, etc.)
* Can be hand-rendered or computer generated
3 Works of Your Choice:
* Can include a sketchbook as one choice.
* Can include paintings, drawings, digital work, etc., or more of the above
* (DO NOT SUBMIT anime, cartoons, comic book characters etc.)
Evaluation Criteria: The faculty team assessing your work will be looking for
* originality (copies of existing work or clip art are not acceptable)
* personal expression and creativity
* competence in the use of line, tone, texture, perspective, light and shadow
* evidence of understanding of colour relationships and effective applications
* use of a variety of media
* presentation, organization of material, matting, mounting, etc. (framing is not required)
Graduation Requirements
24 Mandatory Courses
2 Communications Courses
3 Optional Courses
5 General Education Courses
Graduation Eligibility
To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to year and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester.
Mandatory
BUSI2004 Professional Practices for Designers 1
COMP1020 Digital Page Layout 1
COMP1021 Adobe Photoshop 1
COMP2033 Web Design 1
COMP2035 Adobe Illustrator 1
COMP2039 Digital Page Layout 2
DRWG1002 Applied Drawing Techniques
DRWG1003 Graphic Illustration
GRPH1000 Typography
GRPH1001 Graphic Design 1
GRPH1002 Graphic Design 2
GRPH2000 Graphic Design 3
GRPH2001 Production Studio 1
GRPH2002 Production Studio 2
GRPH2003 Graphic Design 4
GRPH2004 Package Design 1
GRPH3000 Graphic Design 5
GRPH3001 Portfolio Development
GRPH3004 Professional Practices for Designers 2
GRPH3005 Trends/Issues in Graphic Design
GRPH3006 Field Training
HSTY2001 History of Illustration and Graphic Design
PHOT1005 Photographic Communication
PRNT1002 Print Production
Options
COMP2038 Web Design 2
GRPH2005 Package Design 2
GRPH3007 Graphic Illustration 2
GRPH3008 Advanced Graphic Applications
PNTG1000 Painting 1
PNTG1001 Painting 2
PRNT1000 Printmaking 1
PRNT1001 Printmaking 2
The descriptions that follow provide brief outlines of the courses. Please note that some courses have prerequisite and/or corequisite requirements not shown here, that need to be met in order to enroll in the course. You will be advised of any requisite requirements during the registration process, or you can contact the academic area for further details.
Communications
COMM1001 Communications at Work
Plus one addition communications to be selected from College list
(Note: this is in addition to any mandatory communications listed for the program)
General Education Courses
To be selected from College list
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
BUSI2004 Professional Practices for Designers 1 42.0 Hours
This course orients learners to the principles of design business practices. The content deals with topics such as communication, time management, interviews, resume development, self promotion and portfolio development and presentation.
COMM1001 Communications at Work 42.0 Hours
In the workplace, employers require high standards of communication skills. Students develop their communication skills for the workplace as they research, write and edit work-related correspondence and reports. Using technology, they individually and collaboratively design and deliver professional presentations and meetings. This course focuses on communication tasks specific to students' program areas and their future careers.
COMP1020 Digital Page Layout 1 42.0 Hours
This hands-on course will emphasize the capabilities of QuarkXPress and InDesign as graphic design tools for both single and multiple page layouts on the Macintosh computer.
COMP1021 Adobe Photoshop 1 42.0 Hours
This course introduces the capabilities of Adobe Photoshop as a tool for the designer. Students apply technical skill in the manipulation and retouching of images for print and digital application.
COMP2033 Web Design 1 42.0 Hours
This hands-on course explores the use of the World Wide Web for communicating ideas and concepts for business and information purposes. Students will plan, design and develop their own Web site.
COMP2035 Adobe Illustrator 1 42.0 Hours
In this hands-on course, students will learn how to use the drawing program Adobe Illustrator to create illustrations and logos as well as other types of original artwork on the Macintosh computer.
COMP2038 Web Design 2 42.0 Hours
This hands-on course builds on the skills learned in Web Design 1, emphasizing advanced techniques for the professional Web designer. Learning occurs through the use of project-based assignments.
COMP2039 Digital Page Layout 2 42.0 Hours
This hands-on course builds on the skills learned in Digital Page Layout 1, emphasizing advanced techniques for the professional designer. Learning occurs through the use of project-based assignments.
DRWG1002 Applied Drawing Techniques 42.0 Hours
This studio course deals with the fundamentals of representational image making and the application of design elements and principles, as required by graphic illustrators, graphic designers, interior designers and industrial designers.
DRWG1003 Graphic Illustration 42.0 Hours
This course is designed to further develop the students' rendering skills and general understanding of professional illustration by focusing on the concepts and classifications of the industry. Various styles and media will be explored and the relationship between type and image will be addressed.
GRPH1000 Typography 42.0 Hours
This course introduces students to letter forms and type applications as they are used by the graphic designer. The course includes typographic terminology, comprehensive rendering of display letter forms, and assignments focusing on use of letter forms as design.
GRPH1001 Graphic Design 1 42.0 Hours
This is a project-based course involving two-dimensional design. Emphasis is placed on visual problem-solving, studio skills and production of design solutions.
GRPH1002 Graphic Design 2 42.0 Hours
Graphic Design 2 builds on visual problem-solving and studio skills introduced in Graphic Design 1. Computers will be required to output solutions. Skills acquired in various computer courses will be utilized when creating solutions.
GRPH2000 Graphic Design 3 42.0 Hours
This is a project-based course involving two-dimensional design in conjunction with editorial, advertising and promotional materials design. Emphasis is placed on the integration of graphic design skills, typography, creative visual problem-solving, print production, and professional presentation. Students are encouraged to use proper terminology in order to effectively discuss and critique design, to focus on client requirements for projects, and to adhere to strict deadlines.
GRPH2001 Production Studio 1 42.0 Hours
This computer-based course will introduce students to proper digital file construction with a focus on sheet-fed offset presses. Type management, artwork preparation, print, digitization of images, colour reproduction, scanning image file formats and colour management will be addressed.
GRPH2002 Production Studio 2 42.0 Hours
This course builds on skills developed in Production Studio 1 in exploring the role of the production designer in the preparation of electronic files. The course emphasizes creating electronic documents for high-quality print in a variety of formats.
GRPH2003 Graphic Design 4 42.0 Hours
This is a project-based course involving two-dimensional design in conjunction with editorial, advertising and promotional materials design. The integration of related graphic skills, creative visual problem- solving and print production will continue, with emphasis placed on developing a portfolio of work that best represents students' creativity and skill in graphic design.
GRPH2004 Package Design 1 42.0 Hours
This studio course will explore the role of applied graphics and packaging. Emphasis will be placed on concept, marketing, design and presentation.
GRPH2005 Package Design 2 42.0 Hours
This studio course continues to explore the role of applied graphics and packaging. In addition to aesthetic, informative, and promotional display aspects, the package's function is addressed. Emphasis is also placed on series creation, materials and their qualities, issues of manufacturing and packaging regulations.
GRPH3000 Graphic Design 5 42.0 Hours
In this project-based course, students will work individually and in groups to develop solutions for a variety of client needs. Projects are more complex and emphasis is placed on teamwork and time management.
GRPH3001 Portfolio Development 42.0 Hours
In this course, students will have the opportunity to take an assignment from initial client interview through to final printed product, working individually and in groups. Students will also have the opportunity to re-address previous projects and assignments for inclusion in their portfolios.
GRPH3004 Professional Practices for Designers 2 42.0 Hours
This course builds on the skills developed in Professional Practices for Designers 1. Students learn how to plan and build a career in the various sectors of the graphic design industry through emphasis on building relationships with employers and industry associations, as well as how to operate as a freelancer.
GRPH3005 Trends/Issues in Graphic Design 42.0 Hours
This course explores the current trends and issues in the Graphic Design industry from a technical, creative and business aspect. Students are introduced to existing and emerging opportunities through research and discussion, field trips and analysis of the industry. Focus is placed on the importance of professional development and its relationship to operating a successful business in a highly competitive industry.
GRPH3006 Field Training 126.0 Hours
In consultation with the Coordinator or faculty advisor, students find and apply for a minimum 126 hour work term in the Graphic Design industry in a creative and/or production capacity. Each placement must be approved by the Coordinator.
GRPH3007 Graphic Illustration 2 42.0 Hours
This studio course will continue to explore graphic illustration by focusing on the following industry classifications: editorial, advertising, institutional, and publishing. Emphasis will be on originality of concept, personal style development, and clarity of communication.
GRPH3008 Advanced Graphic Applications 42.0 Hours
This course will build on skills learned in Adobe Photoshop 1 and Adobe Illustrator 1. Emphasis will be placed on the advanced functions of these two applications in creating, manipulating, and editing both vector art and raster images. Learning will occur through technique specific exercises and project based assignments.
HSTY2001 History of Illustration and Graphic Design 42.0 Hours
This course examines the tradition of illustrative and graphic arts. Graphic design or visual communication begins in prehistoric times and can be traced through the beauty of Egyptian hieroglyphics to the evolution of the phonetic alphabet. Medieval manuscripts, Gutenberg's printing press, and the 20th century explosion of imaging are all part of this tradition. The course allows students the opportunity of examining graphic design as an integral part of history.
PHOT1005 Photographic Communication 42.0 Hours
This course will explore how photography is used to communicate an idea or concept. Emphasis will be placed on examining the relationship and interaction between the graphic designer and photographer in the creation of images. Students will learn how to create photographic images for application in the graphic design field.
PNTG1000 Painting 1 42.0 Hours
This is a studio course which introduces the fundamental techniques of oil and/or acrylic painting. Students are taught the preparation of a suitable paint ground as well as the preparation of the paint and its application.
PNTG1001 Painting 2 42.0 Hours
This is a studio course which introduces traditional and experimental approaches to painting landscape, still life, non-objective and the figure. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship of drawing, composition and colour to painting.
PRNT1000 Printmaking 1 42.0 Hours
This is a studio course that introduces the fundamental printmaking techniques in lithography and serigraphy, with emphasis on the edition. Students are also exposed to an introduction in intaglio and relief printmaking. A personal approach to image making is required.
PRNT1001 Printmaking 2 42.0 Hours
This is a studio course which builds on the foundation of basic techniques in intaglio and relief, or lithography and serigraphy. A personal approach to image making is required, while emphasizing editioned prints. Students may focus their study in one or more of the printmaking processes.
PRNT1002 Print Production 42.0 Hours
This course introduces students to the stages and procedures necessary to prepare conceptual artwork for print. Traditional as well as contemporary production methods are explored. Students will develop and enhance interpersonal and communication skills necessary to work with clients, peers and suppliers involved in the print production process.
Adults with significant life and work experience may receive credits toward a college certificate or diploma program through an assessment process.
More information about Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
NOTE: Information contained in College documents respecting programs is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. The college reserves the right to add or delete programs, options, courses, timetables or campus locations subject to sufficient enrolment, and the availability of courses.
Last Update: July 28, 2011.