Online Computer Graphic Design Program

To prepare students for an entry-level career as a computer graphic artist.

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Understand the benefits of using computer programs and hardware to create computer graphics that are artistically interesting and appealing to clients and consumers, as well as review different career options available to digital artists.
• Explore basic color theory concepts and software techniques, the relationship between light and color, the organization of colors using color wheels and color spheres effectively, and the differences between additive and subtractive color and how it affects art on a computer.
• Understand computer graphics and the difference between raster graphics and vector graphics along with the components and steps involved in publication design.
• Identify how a computer works with existing graphics, original graphics, photographs, and the different types of graphics software available.
• Understand the history of and the current uses for the Internet and the World Wide Web, how to navigate through the Internet using web URLs, and links and use email and upload and download files.
• Recognize and name Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and search engines, while understanding how to use search engines and their features, including parts of a URL.
• Identify the various components of a document, how the spacing between letters, lines, and words can be used, and what must be considered before a document can go into a page layout program.
• Understand the term illustration and its applications in the world of graphic design, including the role of graphic images in publications; identify the different types of illustrations commonly used in graphic design and computer graphic formats used by most page layout software; and review today’s most popular graphics software packages.
• Exhibit the basic design principles for communicating visually and incorporating Gestalt theory into your work by demonstrating how to use color, type, and an understanding of four basic principles of design: contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity.
• Display the skills involved with setting up your own workspace including working with multiple art boards and preparing artwork for output by creating documents that fold and using templates, and explore drawing of basic shapes, drawing and painting complex artwork; working with gradient meshes, custom swatches, brushes, symbols, special effects, and type; combining text with graphics; creating charts, graphs, using image trace and live color and drawings in perspective, and constructing website interfaces.
• Recognize the advantages and disadvantages of working from home, as well as how to review strategies for organizing and managing your home office, develop a proper work-life balance, and list the equipment you’ll need, as well as understand procedures for successfully marketing your home business.
• Understand the role of client’s expectations, the various functions of a portfolio, including common methods of presenting artwork, key elements of a professional résumé and different ways to promote your artwork.
• Understand the particular requirements for starting and operating a business in Canada; including business registration and taxes.

The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our website; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations.

Learning about the Digital Graphic Artistry field; basic equipment; skills needed; career opportunities.

Color sends a powerful message, and the correct use of color can add to the effectiveness of any project.

Objectives:

• Describe the relationship between light and color.
• Understand the basics of color theory.
• Organize colors using color wheels and color spheres.
• Use color in both two-and three-dimensional projects.

Computer graphics: what they are and who uses them; types of graphics: raster and vector; computer graphics software; the electronic publishing process; multimedia production and styles.

Basic design terms; transferring document design skills to online publishing and the creation of Web pages.

Types of illustrations used by desktop publishers; selecting, sizing, and placing art in documents; arranging and manipulating images.

Introduction to Graphic Design; Proximity, Alignment, Repetition, and Contrast; Color; Type

At this point in your program, you'll be required to complete a graded project.

Textbook: The Non-Designer's Design Book

Getting Started with Illustrator®; Artboards, Shapes, Paths, and Drawing Tools; Color, Type, Gradients, Patterns, and Brushes; Advanced Techniques and Exporting Assets

At this point in your program, you'll be required to complete a graded project.

Textbook: Adobe® Illustrator® CC: Classroom in a Book

Software: Adobe® Design® Standard Software

Discover what it takes to run your business from home.

Objectives:

• Organize your home office.
• Balance home and work schedules.
• Market your products and services.

You’ve worked hard and now have the skills you need to work as a computer graphic artist. Learn how to market and promote yourself.

Objectives:

• Build a portfolio
• Write a resume.

Registration and incorporation of the business tax collection; payroll remittances; tax payments; local or special permits.