COVID-19 Info:Information about Fall 2020 semester
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Program delivery note

Program delivery note: Fanshawe will temporarily deliver programs this fall either fully online or in a blend of online and face to face. Delivery format may change for January 2021 and onwards.

Earn a design certificate and work in creative fields such as interior decorating and graphic design - 2020/2021

The Design Foundations certificate program is for students who are interested in exploring a career in design. This foundation year introduces students to the fundamentals of 2D and 3D design principles, drawing and colour theory, idea development, research, presentation skills, portfolio development, design technologies, and communication skills. Take 3D design courses taught by industry leaders.  Students experience a year of goal-setting, learning new skills and refining existing skills with the guidance from industry experts through a variety of hands-on projects. 

Design certificate career options

Design certificate graduates can use their portfolio and refined skills to move towards a career or pursue further studies in:

  • Interior Decorating
  • Fashion Design
  • Fashion Marketing and Management
  • Graphic Design
  • GIS and Urban Planning
  • Landscape Design
  • Horticulture Technician

Design Foundations - Faculty Bios

Design Foundations - Student Testimonials

Design Foundations - Student Work

 

 

Admission Requirements - 2020/2021

OSSD with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (M), or Open (O) stream
OR
 Academic and Career Entrance Certificate (ACE) 
OR
 Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate (GED)
OR
 Mature Applicant with appropriate preparation

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English by one of the following methods:

  • A Grade 12 College Stream or University Stream English credit from an Ontario Secondary School, or equivalent, depending on the program's Admission Requirements
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test with a minimum score of 79 for the Internet-based test (iBT), with test results within the last two years
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test with an overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years. SDS Program Requirements. 
  • Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) test with an overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with a minimum score of 53, with test results within the last two years
  • A Cambridge English Test (FCE/CAE/CPE) with an overall score on the Cambridge English Scale of 169 with no language skill less than 162, with test results within the last two years
  • An English Language Evaluation (ELE) at Fanshawe College with a minimum score of 70% in all sections of the test, with test results within the last two years
  • Fanshawe College ESL4/GAP5 students: Minimum grade of 80% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 8, 75% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 9, or 70% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 10

Recommended Academic Preparation

  • Any Grade 12 English (C), (U), or (O)
  • Grade 12 Mathematics (C) or (U), preferably Grade 12 Mathematics for College Technology (C) or Grade 12 Foundations for College Mathematics (C)
  • Any Grade 11 Visual Arts (M) or (O) or Grade 12 Visual Arts (M)
  • Grade 12 Business and Technological Communications (O)
  • Any Grade 11 or Grade 12 Technological Design (M)

Applicant Selection Criteria

Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:
  1. Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
  2. Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
  3. Achievement in the Admission Requirements

Courses

Design Foundations-2020/2021

Level 1
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
COMP-1498Computers for Design3
This course is designed as an introduction and general overview of the most used programs in the industry; Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Students will also learn the basics of photography and video editing for use in the field of design. Through the use of these tools the students will develop the skills required to create digital illustrations, capture and manipulate images and create video presentations. Students will improve on and learn new computer skills by completing projects that reinforce their understanding of these projects.
ARTS-1087Drawing Basics3
This course is an introduction to drawing as it relates to applied design. Students will learn basic objective and subjective sketching techniques using various media to depict a variety of subjects. Formal concepts such as line, texture, value, gesture, movement and perspective will be explored and used to broaden the capacity to draw from observation, memory, and imagination.
DESG-1091Colour & Design Studio2.5
This is an introductory course to fundamental concepts and elements used in two-dimensional design. Students explore aspects of design including the procedures, principles, and elements of design, and the conceptual thought processes involved in design. Through a series of projects, students will explore colour theory, the combination of colours, the psychology of colour and its importance in industry. Critical evaluation skills will play a key part of individual class discussion and group critiques.
DEVL-1061Design Pathways & Success Strategies3
Students are introduced to the many career options in design by examining various design disciplines and how they function within the industry. Pathways will be explored through the use of guest lectures, industry tours, research, information sessions and hands-on experimentation. Reflection reports are used to uncover the aptitudes and interests of students to assist them in creating an action plan for properly choosing a career in a design related field.
DESG-1092Designing a Sustainable Future3
This is a course developed to help students understand the impact and critical role of sustainable design. Through a series of workshops and interactive learning students will explore topics such as responsible consumption, environmental concerns, social and cultural issues and the economic implication, of sustainable design relating to food, shelter, transportation and waste. Students will study new design philosophies such as: Industry Symbiosis, Circular Economy, Sharing Economy, Biomimicry and Cradle to Cradle design. Students will be encouraged to use these concepts to developed ideas for new sustainable product, process and services that could become influencers for future design.
GRAF-1040Creative Concepts 13
This course is designed to develop and explore the innate creativity within the students. This course guides students through explorations of various media in order to reflect upon and express their unique personality and creativity within their cultural context.
WRIT-1036Reason & Writing 1-Art & Design3
This course introduces students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the postsecondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking.

Level 2
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
COMP-3103Computer Technology for Design3
This course is an extension of Computer Basics for Design. In this course students learn how to apply design principles in a digital environment using design related graphics software as well as an introduction to 3D modeling software applications.
ARTS-3047Analytical Drawing2.5
This course builds on the skills learned in Drawing Basics. Students learn the fundamentals of composition with emphasis on rendering forms and objects using shade and shadow, as well as one point and two point perspective. Both freehand and drafting techniques are used to further the students drawing skills and better allow them to express creative ideas. Students will develop skills applicable to various design disciplines.
DESG-30462D & 3D Design Studio3
This course builds upon Colour & Design Studio in which students further explore design fundamentals, processes and practical application in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional design. Brainstorming, idea mapping and lateral thinking will assist students in producing concepts that will be applied for the studio project. Research and investigative phases of the creative process and professional presentation techniques will be emphasized.
HIST-1042History of Design Survey3
Students will examine twentieth century art and design from a variety of perspectives including anthropology, sociology, economics, politics, changes in cultural and technology, to enhance their understanding of the factors that have shaped contemporary design. Methodologies will include student research presentations, design projects, discussions and lectures.
ARTS-1088Presentation & Portfolio Development2.5
In this course students learn to prepare and present a professional visual portfolio. Students will think critically about their artwork using rational, critical observational skills, and analytical selection and judgment skills to develop a portfolio geared to their chosen discipline. Final portfolios will be used to prepare students for success in their future endeavors.
COMM-3074Communications for Design3
This course, designed for students who plan to work in the field of art and design, focuses on professional written and verbal communication skills. Students learn to prepare a variety of work-related documents. In addition, students learn about research methods and documentation formats. The principles of effective writing - organization, grammar, style, clarity, and tone - are reinforced throughout the course. The goal of the course is to prepare students for the communication tasks and considerations they will encounter in the workplace in order to meet the needs of employers and/or the communities they will serve.

Program Residency
Students Must Complete a Minimum of 10 credits in this
program at Fanshawe College to meet the Program Residency
requirement and graduate from this program

Careers - 2020/2021

Career Opportunities

The Design Foundations Certificate is a preparation program to help students find their fit and choose a specialty. Graduates may find employment in retail sales of paint, apparel or art supplies stores.

More Information - 2020/2021

A One-Year Ontario College Certificate Program
Program Code: DFN1
Campus Code: LC (LC - London)
September Admission
15 week terms 
Academic Calendars available at www.fanshawec.ca/academicdates

Contact

School of Design: 519-452-4227


Program Description

The Design Foundations Certificate program is for students who are interested in exploring a career in design. This foundation year introduces students to the fundamentals of 2D and 3D design principles, drawing and colour theory, idea development, research, presentation skills, portfolio development, design technologies, and communication skills. Students experience a year of goal-setting, learning new skills and refining existing skills with the guidance from industry experts through a variety of hands-on projects.

Graduates can use their portfolio and refined skills to move towards a career or pursue further studies in Interior Decorating, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, Graphic Design, GIS and Urban Planning, Landscape Design, Horticulture Technician and Theatre Arts - Technical Production.

Learning Outcomes

  1.  Create two and three-dimensional designs using a wide range of materials, processes, techniques and relevant computer technologies.
  2. Use the design process to develop and solve visual problems using various strategies for idea generation.
  3. Apply the formal elements and principles of design to creative work.
  4. Utilize a variety of presentation skills across a wide range of media appropriate to portfolios, public and private venues.
  5. Develop skills in portfolio presentation in a variety of media through studio-based projects.
  6. Articulate art and design concepts, history and the role of art and design in society to the general public.
  7. Create original design solutions through the use of creative problem solving, idea mapping and research that supports the design project within given parameters.

Program Pathways

For information about Program Pathways visit www.fanshawec.ca/programpathways
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Program Details

More details

Program Details

Canadian Students

Start Dates
Locations
Availability
2019 September
London
Closed
2020 September
Blended Delivery - London
Open
View Canadian Costs

International Students

Start Dates
Locations
Availability
2019 September
London
Closed
2020 September
Blended Delivery - London
Open
View International Costs
Information for International Students
Program Code
DFN1
Academic School
School of Design

Design Certificate Program Coordinator:

Leigh-Ann Waller

Delivery
Day Time
Preparatory Program
Full-Time
Pathways

Transfer OpportunitiesStudy & Work Abroad

Credential
Ontario College Certificate
Duration
30 weeks
Related Programs
Interior Decorating
Fashion Design
Fashion Marketing and Management
Graphic Design
GIS and Urban Planning
Landscape Design
Horticulture Technician

Information For

@FanshaweCollege