Graphic Design

Program overview

Learn graphic design at Durham College, where you will solve visual problems through practical work that covers a range of visual communications, formats, and design contexts. This comprehensive program prepares you to become a skilled graphic designer, capable of influencing how the world perceives and experiences ideas. You will gain hands-on experience in various aspects of graphic design, including branding, advertising, motion graphics, and digital storytelling. The program emphasizes creative exploration combined with practical skills that reflect the current industry needs, ensuring you are well-equipped for a successful career in graphic design.

Program structure

The Graphic Design program at Durham College is structured over a three-year period, consisting of six semesters. This program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in both technical and creative aspects of graphic design. Key features of the program structure include:

• Hybrid delivery format, combining in-person and online learning.
• Hands-on experience through a 14-week field placement in the final semester, allowing students to apply their skills in a real-world setting.
• Courses that cover essential design principles, motion graphics, typography, and digital content creation.
• Opportunities to specialize in areas of interest as students build their portfolios.

This thoughtfully structured program ensures that students are well-prepared to tackle advanced design challenges and gain valuable industry experience before graduation.

Featured Experiences

The Graphic Design program at Durham College offers several unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:

• Field Placement: Students complete a 14-week field placement with a professional design studio, agency, or in-house creative team, providing real-world experience and industry mentorship.
• Hands-on projects that emphasize creative thinking and strategic execution, allowing students to work on branding, editorial layouts, and digital campaigns.
• Access to industry-standard software and tools, including Adobe Creative Cloud, ensuring students are familiar with the latest technologies used in the field.
• Opportunities to participate in competitions and collaborative projects, fostering innovation and teamwork among students.

Career Options

Graduates of the Graphic Design program at Durham College have a wide array of career options available to them. Here are some potential job roles along with brief descriptions:

• Graphic Designer: Create visual concepts to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers.
• Art Director: Oversee the visual aspects of a project, ensuring that the design aligns with the overall vision and goals.
• Creative Director: Lead creative projects and teams, developing innovative concepts and strategies for branding and marketing.
• Freelance Graphic Designer: Work independently with various clients to create custom design solutions tailored to their needs.
• Digital Production Designer: Focus on creating digital content for websites, social media, and other online platforms.
• UX/UI Designer: Design user interfaces and experiences for websites and applications, ensuring usability and aesthetic appeal.
• Motion Graphic Designer: Create animated graphics and visual effects for film, television, and online media.
• Brand Strategist: Develop and implement branding strategies that enhance a company's image and market presence.
• Packaging Designer: Design packaging that is both functional and visually appealing, enhancing product presentation.
• Layout Artist: Focus on the arrangement of visual elements in print and digital media, ensuring clarity and aesthetic quality.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.