Graphic Design & Photography

Exploring the limitless world of creativity through digital media design, technical awareness and the role of visual communication through commercial and graphic art. Through the use of innovative teaching practices, custom designed labs, and the use of real-world projects, graphic design students will be guided through the intricacies of creating portfolio projects that will enable them to find a suitable career path in the new media industry. 

By keeping a close eye on the industry and feedback from industry related companies and professionals, the Graphic Design curriculum is constantly evolving to allow students to enter the workforce.

Graduates can step comfortably into any creative department while setting a career path for future growth. Student work is evaluated and critiqued until it meets or exceeds the instructor’s expected level of excellence. Students will have the opportunity to develop the specific technical areas suited to their interests.

Some possible career options after the course are Graphic Designer, Web Designer, New Media Specialist, Multimedia Producer, Print Production Artist, Production Artist, Advertising Director, Marketing Director.

Equipment, Tools, And Software

iMac, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Lightroom, and Squarespace.

Program Curriculum

Print Design & Communication

The foundation for creative development begins with exploration of the fundamentals of graphic design. From typography to corporate branding and identity development. Students will embark on a journey that will allow them to imagine, create, and produce functional design pieces that can be used in all forms of media advertising and print production.

Web Design

Global business and communications reside within the Internet and the Web. Students are taken from website design through implementing web-based solutions from both a design and communication perspective.

Photography

Students learn the basics of photography and get hands-on experience with weekly photo-walks throughout Edmonton. The class discusses photos taken to learn various principles of photography including lighting, form, texture and colour. Students will use Adobe Lightroom for picture editing and modification.

Practical Experience

Design professionals require a combination of technical skills and soft skills, like problem solving and interpersonal skills, to sustain them though their career. Students will explore the concepts of project management and the elements of proper documentation and planning, as well as explore the fundamentals of market-driven design and development. Students will meet clients for assessment and learn to present their ideas in a professional and creative manner.

Portfolio Development

Students will create a portfolio as their final assignment. Students have applied their creative skills throughout the course on various practical design projects in our studio-based design program. Students will incorporate their creative work to show potential employers the breadth and depth of their skills.

Internship (optional)

Students will have the option to participate in an unpaid internship once they complete the academic modules. Internships lengths and duties will vary. As the Internship is optional, students are not required to fulfill this component in order to graduate. Students who want to participate should notify the Director of Education of their intention to participate no later than the sixth week of the program.

The Graphic Design Diploma Program Curriculum also includes 20 hours of Career Development, with Pixel Blue College’s Employment Specialist.