Graphic Design Program (G102)
Program Description
Program Overview
The Graphic Design program is an ideal training ground for the design profession. As a student in the program, you will gain a strong overall understanding of design while also allowing you to select a major in either Communication Design, which prepares you for a corporate design career, or Advertising Design, which prepares you for a career in an advertising agency. In addition, design electives allow you to gain skills in areas such as illustration, motion, interaction, web, book and environmental design.
Full Description
The Graphic Design program is an ideal training ground for the design profession. The program provides a strong overall understanding of design while also allowing you to select a major in either Communication Design, which prepares you for a corporate design career, or Advertising Design, which prepares you for a career at an advertising agency. In addition, design electives allow you to gain skills in areas such as illustration, motion, interaction, web, book and environmental design.
The first three semesters provide you with a strong foundation in the core subjects of design, typography, production, digital applications, drawing for design and design culture. In the fourth semester, you choose a major while continuing to develop applied skills through intensive studio projects. In the final year, you become involved in a thesis or major project, which allows for synthesis of skills. You will also engage in professional practice classes that prepare you for the workplace.
You learn through working on real-life projects in state-of-the-art labs and through industry networking. Students with an overall grade point average of 3.3 or higher by the end of semester 4 will be eligible for field placement.
Membership in the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario is included in your tuition, giving you access to a network of Canada’s top design professionals and a head start in the process of becoming a Registered Graphic Designer. The best student work will be displayed in annual exhibitions and a publication distributed to industry and the general public.
Computer Recommendation
All School of Design students are able to utilize the computers within the School of Design to complete their assignments. If a student within this program would like to purchase a personal computer to complete their work from home, we recommend the following specifications:
Apple
- A Macbook Pro, iMac, Mac Studio, or Mac Pro that was released within the last 3 years or better.
Your Field Education Options
Students with an overall grade point average of 3.3 or higher by the end of semester 4 and a B+ on the portfolio assignment (semester 5) will be eligible for the Field Placement course (GRAF3017) in semester 6.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Courses
Required Courses
The following courses are required to graduate successfully:
- 25 design required courses
- 5 design elective courses
- 3 general education elective courses
- 33 total courses
SEMESTER 1
Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
---|---|---|
GRAF1003 | Drawing 1 | |
GRAF1004 | Typography 1 | |
GRAF1005 | Design 1 | |
GRAF1081 | Digital Applications 1 | |
GRAF1083 | Production 1 | |
COMM1007 | College English** |
SEMESTER 2
Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
---|---|---|
GRAF1014 | Typography 2 | GRAF1004 and GRAF1081 |
GRAF1015 | Design 2 | GRAF1005 |
GRAF1038 | Drawing 2 | GRAF1003 |
GRAF1082 | Digital Applications 2 | GRAF1081 |
GRAF1084 | Production 2 | GRAF1083 |
GRAF1039 | Design Culture |
SEMESTER 3
Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
---|---|---|
GRAF1056 | Advertising 1 | GRAF1015 and GRAF1014 |
GRAF1106 | Corporate Design 1 | GRAF1015 and GRAF1014 |
GRAF2024 | Web Design 1 | GRAF1084 and GRAF1015 |
GRAF2026 | Typography 3 | GRAF1014 and GRAF1084 |
GRAF2037 | Production 3 | GRAF1084 |
GNED | General Education Elective |
DESCRIPTION OF MAJORS
ADVERTISING DESIGN
The Advertising Design major prepares you for a design career in the exciting global advertising industry. You will learn how to research market opportunities and solve complex business problems through strategic brand positioning; you will also learn how to build customer awareness and loyalty through innovative and creative solutions that are brand-specific to packaged goods products and vital to consumer services.
COMMUNICATION DESIGN
The Communication Design major prepares you for a graphic design career focused on corporate identity, branding and the management of communication design projects. Learn to design strategically and meet the needs of corporate clients.
ADVERTISING DESIGN MAJOR
SEMESTER 4
Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
---|---|---|
DESN1138 | Interaction Design | |
GRAF1064 | Advertising 2 | GRAF1056 and GRAF2037 |
GRAF1133 | Art Direction | GRAF1056 and GRAF2026 |
GRAF1114 | Ideas and Images | |
GRAF | Design Elective | |
GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 5
Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
---|---|---|
GRAF1134 | Art Direction 2 | GRAF1133 |
GRAF1135 | Advertising 3 | GRAF1065 and GRAF1133 |
GRAF3014 | Professional Practice Advertising | GRAF1065 and GRAF1133 |
GRAF | Design Elective | |
GRAF | Design Elective | |
GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 6
Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
---|---|---|
GRAF3013 | Design Thesis Advertising | GRAF1134 and GRAF1135 |
GRAF | Design Elective | |
GRAF | Design Elective |
COMMUNICATION DESIGN MAJOR
SEMESTER 4
Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
---|---|---|
DESN1138 | Interaction Design | |
GRAF1114 | Ideas and Images | |
GRAF1086 | Information Design | GRAF2026 and GRAF1015 |
GRAF1095 | Editorial Design 1 | GRAF2026 |
GRAF | Design Elective | |
GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 5
Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
---|---|---|
GRAF1108 | Corporate Design 2 | GRAF1086 and GRAF1095 |
GRAF1150 | Design Research | GRAF1086 and GRAF1095 |
GRAF3005 | Professional Practice Corporate | GRAF1086 and GRAF1095 |
GRAF | Design Elective | |
GRAF | Design Elective | |
GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 6
Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
---|---|---|
GRAF3006 | Design Thesis Corporate | GRAF1150 |
GRAF | Design Elective | |
GRAF | Design Elective |
**Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 Introduction to College Communication before progressing to COMM 1007. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit Assessment Centre for more information.
Electives
DESIGN ELECTIVES
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
COPY3001 | Copywriting and Brand Narrative |
GRAF1012 | Illustration |
GRAF1032 | Exhibit Design |
GRAF1033 | Package Design 1 |
GRAF1147 | Package Design 2 |
GRAF1065 | Storyboarding/Visualization |
GRAF1087 | Advanced Imaging |
GRAF1105 | Motion Graphics 1 |
GRAF1101 | Introduction to Design Management |
GRAF1110 | Motion Graphics II |
GRAF1112 | Editorial Design 2 |
GRAF1119 | Modelling and Animation |
GRAF1128 | Audio/Video Design |
GRAF1136 | Studio Lab |
GRAF1148 | Information Design II |
GRAF1143 | Digital Advertising |
GRAF2045 | Experimental Typography |
GRAF2046 | Digital Photography |
GRAF2028 | Web Design 2 |
GRAF3017 | Field Placement |
GRAF3018 | Advanced Techniques in Design Practice |
GRAF1109 | International Charrette |
GRAF1149 | Practical Ethics for Graphic Design |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:
- Conceptualize and develop design solutions using principles of design to create visual communications that meet the needs of the project.
- Employ the design process to create design solutions that meet the project objectives and the needs of the client and/or user.
- Plan, create and use photography, illustration and typography in design layouts to meet the requirements of the creative brief.
- Design, develop and create a variety of media products using relevant, current and/or emerging technologies.
- Communicate ideas, design concepts and opinions clearly and persuasively to others.
- Use recognized industry practices throughout the design process and related business tasks.
- Plan, implement, and evaluate graphic design projects using project management skills to deliver quality work to clients according to schedule and within budget.
- Complete all work in a professional and ethical manner, and in accordance with all applicable legislation and regulations.
- Keep current with visual media design trends, technologies and industry practices using strategies that enhance work performance and guide professional development.
Graphic Design Information Session
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials (non-refundable), student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2021. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2022 and at later dates.
** Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2022. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2023 and at later dates.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- application questionnaire *
- portfolio *
* Qualified applicants will be invited to complete the application questionnaire and submit a portfolio electronically. Further detail on the application questionnaire and portfolio requirements will be communicated at a later date to qualified applicants, as part of the review process.
Applicants may be accepted upon completion of the George Brown Art and Design Foundation certificate program (G108) with an overall grade point average of 3.5 or higher. There are a limited number of seats and admission is not guaranteed.
** Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2137
Email: design@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
This program is part of our School of Design, located at our Waterfront Campus, at 3 Lower Jarvis St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The School of Design resides in a new 103,000-square-foot facility in the Daniels Waterfront – City of the Arts development. This state-of-the-art building supports academic programs and industry projects with features such as:
- virtual and augmented reality lab
- usability and testing lab
- future Ways of Living lab
- peer tutor lab
- digital sandbox
- incubators
- prototyping and workshop spaces
- design and innovation showcase spaces
Come and have your questions answered, learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown College classroom at one of our information sessions. You can also book a campus tour or explore our virtual tour.
Graphic Design Program (G102)
Apply Now:
Domestic StudentsProgram Description
Program Overview
The Graphic Design program is an ideal training ground for the design profession. The program provides a strong overall understanding of design while also allowing you to select a major in either Communication Design, which prepares you for a corporate design career, or Advertising Design, which prepares you for a career in an advertising agency. In addition, design electives allow you to gain skills in areas such as illustration, motion, interaction, web, book and environmental design.
Full Description
The Graphic Design program is an ideal training ground for the design profession. The program provides a strong overall understanding of design while also allowing you to select a major in either Communication Design, which prepares you for a corporate design career, or Advertising Design, which prepares you for a career at an advertising agency. In addition, design electives allow you to gain skills in areas such as illustration, motion, interaction, web, book and environmental design.
The first three semesters provide you with a strong foundation in the core subjects of design, typography, production, digital applications, drawing for design and design culture. In the fourth semester, you choose a major while continuing to develop applied skills through intensive studio projects. In the final year, you become involved in a thesis or major project, which allows for synthesis of skills. You will also engage in professional practice classes that prepare you for the workplace.
You learn through working on real-life projects in state-of-the-art labs and through industry networking. Students with an overall grade point average of 2.5 or higher by the end of Semester 4 will be eligible for field placement.
Membership in the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario is included in your tuition, giving you access to a network of Canada’s top design professionals and a head start in the process of becoming a Registered Graphic Designer. The best student work will be displayed in annual exhibitions and a publication distributed to industry and the general public.
Your Field Education Options
Students with an overall grade point average of 2.5 or higher by the end of Semester 4 and a B+ on the portfolio assignment (Semester 5) will be eligible for the Field Placement course (GRAF3017) in Semester 6.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Your Career
Graduates of this program will have acquired the skills and knowledge needed for employment in a variety of graphic design or advertising industry positions, specializing in:
- graphic design
- corporate identity design
- editorial
- environmental graphics
- exhibition design
- packaging design
- multimedia
- motion graphics
- interaction
- retail identity
- wayfinding
- production design
- web design
- art direction
- advertising copywriting
- marketing coordination
- print advertising
- multimedia advertising
Educational Pathways
Courses
Required Courses
The following courses are required to graduate successfully:
- 25 Design required courses
- 5 Design elective courses
- 3 General Education elective courses
- 33 total courses
SEMESTER 1
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
GRAF1003 | Drawing 1 |
GRAF1004 | Typography 1 |
GRAF1005 | Design 1 |
GRAF1081 | Digital Applications 1 |
GRAF1083 | Production 1 |
COMM1007 | College English** |
SEMESTER 2
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
GRAF1014 | Typography 2 |
GRAF1015 | Design 2 |
GRAF1038 | Drawing 2 |
GRAF1082 | Digital Applications 2 |
GRAF1084 | Production 2 |
GRAF1039 | Design Culture |
SEMESTER 3
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
GRAF1056 | Advertising 1 |
GRAF1106 | Corporate Design 1 |
GRAF2024 | Web Design 1 |
GRAF2026 | Typography 3 |
GRAF2037 | Production 3 |
GNED | General Education Elective |
DESCRIPTION OF MAJORS
ADVERTISING DESIGN
The Advertising Design major prepares you for a design career in the exciting global advertising industry. You will learn how to research market opportunities and solve complex business problems through strategic brand positioning; you will also learn how to build customer awareness and loyalty through innovative and creative solutions that are brand-specific to packaged goods products and vital to consumer services.
COMMUNICATION DESIGN
The Communication Design major prepares you for a graphic design career focused on corporate identity, branding and the management of communication design projects. Learn to design strategically and meet the needs of corporate clients.
ADVERTISING DESIGN MAJOR
SEMESTER 4
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
DESN1138 | Interaction Design |
GRAF1064 | Advertising 2 |
GRAF1133 | Art Direction |
GRAF1114 | Ideas and Images |
GRAF | Design Elective |
GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 5
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
GRAF1134 | Art Direction 2 |
GRAF1135 | Advertising 3 |
GRAF3014 | Professional Practice Advertising |
GRAF | Design Elective |
GRAF | Design Elective |
GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 6
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
GRAF3013 | Design Thesis Advertising |
GRAF | Design Elective |
GRAF | Design Elective |
COMMUNICATION DESIGN MAJOR
SEMESTER 4
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
DESN1138 | Interaction Design |
GRAF1114 | Ideas and Images |
GRAF1086 | Information Design |
GRAF1095 | Editorial Design 1 |
GRAF | Design Elective |
GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 5
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
GRAF1108 | Corporate Design 2 |
GRAF1150 | Design Research |
GRAF3005 | Professional Practice Corporate |
GRAF | Design Elective |
GRAF | Design Elective |
GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 6
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
GRAF3006 | Design Thesis Corporate |
GRAF | Design Elective |
GRAF | Design Elective |
**Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM1003 (English Skills)*** or CESL1003 (English Skills – ESL)*** before progressing to COMM1007. COMM1003/CESL1003*** does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit Assessment Centre for more information.
***COMM1003/CESL1003 courses will be replaced by COMM1000 Introduction to College Communication starting with Winter 2022 intake.
Electives
DESIGN ELECTIVES
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
COPY3001 | Copywriting and Brand Narrative |
GRAF1131 | Web Design 3 |
GRAF1012 | Illustration |
GRAF1032 | Exhibit Design |
GRAF1033 | Package Design 1 |
GRAF1147 | Package Design 2 |
GRAF1065 | Storyboarding/Visualization |
GRAF1087 | Advanced Imaging |
GRAF1105 | Motion Graphics 1 |
GRAF1101 | Introduction to Design Management |
GRAF1110 | Motion Graphics II |
GRAF1112 | Editorial Design 2 |
GRAF1119 | Modelling and Animation |
GRAF1128 | Audio/Video Design |
GRAF1136 | Studio Lab |
GRAF1148 | Information Design II |
GRAF1142 | Design Entrepreneurship |
GRAF1143 | Digital Advertising |
GRAF2045 | Experimental Typography |
GRAF2046 | Digital Photography |
GRAF2028 | Web Design 2 |
GRAF3017 | Field Placement |
GRAF3018 | Advanced Techniques in Design Practice |
GRAF1109 | International Charrette |
GRAF1149 | Practical Ethics for Graphic Design* (Starting January 2022) |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Conceptualize and develop design solutions using principles of design to create visual communications that meet the needs of the project.
- Employ the design process to create design solutions that meet the project objectives and the needs of the client and/or user.
- Plan, create and use photography, illustration and typography in design layouts to meet the requirements of the creative brief.
- Design, develop and create a variety of media products using relevant, current and/or emerging technologies.
- Communicate ideas, design concepts and opinions clearly and persuasively to others.
- Use recognized industry practices throughout the design process and related business tasks.
- Plan, implement, and evaluate graphic design projects using project management skills to deliver quality work to clients according to schedule and within budget.
- Complete all work in a professional and ethical manner, and in accordance with all applicable legislation and regulations.
- Keep current with visual media design trends, technologies and industry practices using strategies that enhance work performance and guide professional development.
Graphic Design Information Session
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials(non-refundable), student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2020. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2021 and at later dates.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Application Questionnaire *
- Portfolio *
* Qualified applicants will be invited to complete the application questionnaire and submit a portfolio electronically. Further detail on the application questionnaire and portfolio requirements will be communicated at a later date to qualified applicants, as part of the review process.
Applicants may be accepted upon completion of the George Brown Art and Design Foundation certificate program (G108) with an overall grade point average of 3.5 or higher. There are a limited number of seats and admission is not guaranteed.
** Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature Students may take the Admissions Assessment for English, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2137
Email: design@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
This program is part of our School of Design, located at our Waterfront Campus, at 3 Lower Jarvis St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The School of Design resides in a new 103,000-square-foot facility in the Daniels Waterfront – City of the Arts development. This state-of-the-art building supports academic programs and industry projects with features such as:
- virtual and augmented reality lab
- usability and testing lab
- future Ways of Living lab
- peer tutor lab
- digital Sandbox
- incubators
- prototyping and workshop spaces
- design and innovation showcase spaces
Come and have your questions answered, learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff, and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown College classroom at one of our information sessions. You can also book a campus tour or explore our virtual tour.