Registration in a program is done on a course-by-course basis each term. The expected availability of courses is displayed below but may change throughout the year. Click on the arrows below to confirm upcoming course offerings and to add a course to your online shopping cart. For assistance, please use the inquiry form on this page or call 519-452-4277.

Overview

Program Description

The online Software Applications for Graphic Design program is designed for individuals who are interested in using graphic art software to create effective graphic solutions and materials, including print and websites. Students will learn the principles, materials and skills necessary to bring a design problem to a logical solution.

Courses

Program Requirements

Level 1
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:

Group 1
Expected Availability
CreditsFall Winter Summer
Digital Illustration & Design 1COMP-14473YesYes
This course will help in developing the students' skills and knowledge in creating digital files for graphic design projects using Adobe Illustrator. As the graphic design industry changes through the development, advancement and integration of computer technology, the importance of learning Adobe Illustrator for the design and production of digital files becomes evident. Computer Software Requirements: Adobe Illustrator - CS5, CS6
Adobe InDesign BasicsCOMP-14373YesYes
This course will cover the fundamental aspects of this rising star in the desktop publishing and design industry. Topics covered will include: creating master pages and single and multiple documents with single and multiple text columns of text; importing text from various sources and flowing it into linked columns of various shapes and sizes; proper kerning/leading and spacing of text and; combining text with imported photos and graphics. Students will learn how to quickly change font or photo size and how to rearrange elements within a page. Assignments will include the production of a resume and a flyer, as well as the student's choice of the creation of a pamphlet, newsletter or booklet.
Design Principles AdvCOMP-50603YesYes
After completing Design Basics - students have learned the essentials of design. This course will build upon the knowledge by addressing real world print design issues about colour, photo placement and resolution, file formats and choosing type. Students will learn how to communicate a clear and consistent message and will use this knowledge to create a book cover, brochure, and identity package for a client.
Design BasicsCOMP-14383YesYes
Have you ever needed to design your own business card or a flyer for an event? If so, this is the course for you. Design Basics will give you the building blocks of design. You will learn about fonts, different layout techniques, and simple layout concepts essential to effective graphic design.
Developing a Graphic Design PortfolioDESG-10683YesYes
Participants will have a clear understanding of the type of portfolio that is expected in both the freelance and the professional world. Creative pieces that have been developed throughout the certificate program will be chosen and incorporated into portfolio pieces for digital and print presentation. Personal branding concepts will be part of the portfolio mix incorporating and developing a creative statement, personal logo and identity package. Students will develop new design pieces specific to industry portfolio standards including a direct mail piece, a newspaper ad and a self-promotional marketing piece. Students will learn effective ways to market and package themselves through various creative approaches and media types. Inventory of work will be developed and assembled into an electronic or digital portfolio package..
Ensuring Successful Printing ResultsDESG-10672YesYes
Participants will learn of the history of print and the evolution towards modern-day printing technologies. Commercial printing techniques will be discussed along with the pre-press production knowledge that is necessary to ensure the proper results. File formats, colour modes, process colour, inks, paper, finishing and many other aspects of print production will be covered. Students will also learn how to work with a client and printer, how to submit a quote and prepare an estimate.
Photoshop Level 2COMP-11713YesYes
The skills to be developed in this course are related to the control and adjustment of digital images that have been imported and/or scanned. It utilizes the Adobe Photoshop software program that is reputed to be the most popular digital imaging program in the world. After doing a short review of the Digital Imagery & Editing I course, the students will be introduced to some of the new and more advanced areas of the program, particularly those involved with web and prepress preparations. This will include web interface design, advanced use of channels & masks, intermediate colour correction, calibration and colour reproduction, importing & exporting, as well as two-colour printing techniques.


Group 2
Take COMP-1502 or COMP-1417
Expected Availability
CreditsFall Winter Summer
Photoshop Level 1COMP-15023YesYes
This course will develop the student's design and image creation skills using Adobe Photoshop. Students will be introduced to the tools and commands of this extremely popular digital imaging/web image program. These will include the input of photographic images, selection of specific picture areas for adjustment, use of special tools to control such functions as colorizing, blurring, distorting, adding text, combining images, and the basic process of preparing the file for outputting to hardcopy. The visual elements used in the design of web material must have both appeal and functionality. Knowledge of how to create images for the appropriate media and the technical/design aspects of a project are indispensable skills required of today's Web Developer.
Adobe PhotoshopCOMP-14172YesYesYes
This course concentrates on the use of the powerful Photoshop software for digital manipulation and the modification of photographic images. Photo retouching will be shown as well as text editing and basic colour correction. Students will be introduced to the software and progressed to intermediate levels of skills and techniques. Whether you are a digital imaging novice or professional, work with software that lets you create without limits and that achieves high-quality results.

Program Residency
Students Must Complete a Minimum of 6 credits in this
program at Fanshawe College to meet the Program Residency
requirement and graduate from this program

Program Details

Program Code
GDN2
Delivery
Part-Time
Online
Topic Area
Computers, Design, and Media