Graphic Design Production

Program Overview

Graphic Design Production Ontario College Diploma program

Program description

This program is designed to provide students with an education in the principles and practices of visual communication design. Students learn the skills and knowledge necessary to create effective designs for a wide range of both traditional and digital applications, including branding, editorial, advertising, information design, user interfaces, web and social media, and motion graphics. Throughout the program, students explore a variety of design topics, including layout, typography, composition, colour theory, and production. They develop skills in industry-standard software and tools while working in a hands-on, project-based learning environment.

Intake information

• Start date: Fall 2025
• Campus: Barrie Downtown

Tuition and fees

• Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
• You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.

Admission requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or mature student status
• Grade 12 English (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to:

Pathways

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:

Selection Process

All applicants must submit 3 to 5 samples of creative work that represents their interest in the field of Graphic Design. Samples may be created using digital or traditional media (ie; sketches, paintings, photography, graphic design work – print or digital, etc.) Work can be submitted by e-mail, in pdf or jpeg format, or you may provide a link to an online portfolio. We accept submissions by e-mail only.

Career opportunities

At an entry level of responsibility, graduates are qualified to assist senior designers in the development and production of design work under supervision and as team members. They may find employment with graphic design studios, advertising agencies, social media marketers, web design studios, corporations with in-house design departments, government agencies, or educational institutions.

Course overview

• 20 Program Courses
• 2 Communications Courses
• 3 General Education Courses

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Graphic Design Production program outline.

• COMP 1020 – Digital Page Layout 1
• GRPH 1000 – Typography
• GRPH 1001 – Graphic Design 1
• PRNT 1002 – Production Fundamentals
• Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.
• Select 1 course from the general education list during registration.

Your course delivery method(s)

In person

This program is delivered fully in person and requires you to attend campus.

Learn MORE about program delivery methods

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.

Program Outline

Extracted Information from the Context:

Degree Overview:

Objectives:

• Provide students with an education in the principles and practices of visual communication design.
• Equip students with the skills and knowledge to create effective designs for a variety of applications.
• Develop students' abilities to use industry-standard software and tools.
• Foster a hands-on, project-based learning environment.
#### Description:
• This program combines traditional and digital design principles.
• Students learn skills like layout, typography, composition, color theory, and production.
• They work on branding, editorial, advertising, information design, user interfaces, web and social media, and motion graphics.
• The program utilizes industry-standard equipment and provides networking opportunities with leaders and real-world clients.
### Outline: #### Content:
• The program covers a wide range of topics within visual communication design.
• Students explore areas like layout, typography, composition, color theory, and production.
• They receive hands-on experience in various design applications, including branding, editorial, advertising, information design, user interfaces, web and social media, and motion graphics.
#### Structure:
• The program consists of 20 program-specific courses, 2 communications courses, and 3 general education courses.
• The first semester curriculum includes:
• Digital Page Layout 1 (COMP 1020)
• Typography (GRPH 1000)
• Graphic Design 1 (GRPH 1001)
• Production Fundamentals (PRNT 1002)
• One communication course
• One general education course
#### Course Schedule:
• Specific course schedules can be found in the program outline.
• The outline provides detailed descriptions for each course within the program.
#### Modules:
• Module 1: Fundamentals of Design
• Covers basic design principles, elements, and terminology.
• Introduces students to software tools and their applications.
• Module 2: Typography
• Explores the history, anatomy, and application of typography in design.
• Develops students' understanding of how typography affects communication.
• Module 3: Layout and Composition
• Teaches students the fundamentals of layout design and composition.
• Students gain experience in creating effective and visually appealing layouts.
• Module 4: Color Theory
• Investigates the principles of color theory and its application in design.
• Students learn how to use color effectively to communicate ideas and emotions.
• Module 5: Branding and Identity
• Focuses on branding principles and the development of successful brand identities.
• Students learn how to create logos, visual systems, and brand guidelines.
• Module 6: Digital Design
• Provides students with the skills and knowledge to create digital designs for various platforms.
• Covers topics like web design, user interface design, and social media design.
• Module 7: Production
• Introduces students to the principles of design production and prepress procedures.
• They learn how to prepare files for print and other media.
• Module 8: Portfolio Development
• Guides students in building a strong portfolio that showcases their design skills and abilities.
• They learn how to present their work effectively to potential employers or clients.
### Assessment:
• The program utilizes various assessment methods such as assignments, projects, presentations, and exams.
• Assessment criteria focus on:
• The students' ability to demonstrate their understanding of design principles and concepts.
• Their ability to apply design skills effectively to solve communication problems.
• Their proficiency in using industry-standard software and tools.
• Their ability to develop creative and innovative solutions.
### Teaching:
• The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, and guest speakers.
• The program boasts experienced and qualified faculty who are active in the design industry.
• The program encourages a collaborative learning environment where students can interact with each other and their instructors.
### Careers:
• Graduates can pursue careers in various design fields, including:
• Graphic design
• Web design
• User interface design
• Branding and identity design
• Advertising design
• Editorial design
• Information design
• Motion graphics
• Entry-level positions:
• Assistant designer
• Junior designer
• Production artist
• Web designer
• Potential employers:
• Graphic design studios
• Advertising agencies
• Social media marketing agencies
• Web design studios
• Corporations with in-house design departments
• Government agencies
• Educational institutions
### Other:
• The program is offered at the Barrie Downtown location.
• Graduates have a 100% satisfaction rate.
• Students have the opportunity to work on real-world projects with clients.
• The program requires students to submit a portfolio for consideration.
• Successful graduates of the Art and Design Fundamentals program are exempt from this portfolio requirement.
• The program provides students with access to cutting-edge technology and facilities.
• The program helps students develop strong communication and teamwork skills.