Graphic Design

Program Overview

Centennial College's Graphic Design program equips students with industry-standard software proficiency, creative problem-solving skills, and a comprehensive understanding of design principles. Delivered in a hands-on studio environment, the program boasts an 80% graduate employment rate and prepares students for a wide range of careers in graphic design and related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: Centennial College's Graphic Design program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills for a multidisciplinary design career.
It boasts an 80% graduate employment rate. The program is delivered in an intimate studio environment at the Story Arts Centre, fostering hands-on learning and close collaboration with professors.
• Objectives: The program's objectives include:
• Mastering industry-standard Adobe software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Developing creative problem-solving and design thinking skills
• Designing for print media (e.g., advertisements, magazines, books, packaging)
• Designing responsive websites and mobile apps, as well as creating motion graphics
• Exploring drawing, photography, illustration, and type design
• Acquiring professional practice skills for successful employment and business ventures
• Contributing to the design community through thesis work
• Gaining hands-on experience and earning course credits through an industry field placement
• Interacting with industry professionals
• Becoming a student member of the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD Ontario)
• Learning from faculty who are industry professionals actively engaged in the field
• Program Structure: The program is a 3-year/6-semester post-secondary advanced diploma program, offered both on-campus and fully online.

Outline:

• The program covers a comprehensive range of graphic design topics:
• Design Fundamentals:
Principles of design, visual communication theory, typography, and color theory
• Digital Tools and Techniques:
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects), web design software, and digital photography techniques
• Graphic Design Applications:
Print design for various mediums (e.g., advertising, packaging, branding), web design, motion graphics, and interactive media
• Professional Practices:
Design process, project management, client relations, and ethics
• Industry Immersion:
Field placement, guest speakers, and industry projects
• Thesis Project:
Independent research and design work to showcase students' skills and creativity

Assessment:

• Assessment: The program employs a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning:
• Assignments:
Projects, essays, design presentations, and critiques
• Exams:
Midterm and final exams to assess knowledge retention and understanding
• Portfolios:
Collections of student work to demonstrate skill development and progress
• Industry Placement Evaluation:
Assessment by industry professionals during field placement

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program utilizes varied teaching methods to enhance student learning:
• Studio-based Learning:
Hands-on workshops and exercises in a studio environment
• Lecture-discussions:
Interactive discussions led by expert faculty
• Guest Lectures:
Industry professionals share their insights and experiences
• Peer Feedback:
Collaborative critiques and feedback sessions to foster mutual learning
• Online Learning Platform:
Supplemental online resources and materials for independent study
• Faculty: The program is taught by experienced industry professionals who stay current with industry trends and best practices.
Faculty maintain an active presence in the design community through research, publications, and professional affiliations.

Careers:

• Career Options: The Graphic Design program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in the graphic design and related fields:
• Graphic designer (print, web, motion)
• User experience (UX) designer
• Web designer
• Brand designer
• Marketing designer
• Art director
• Freelance graphic designer
• Design educator
• Illustrator