Graphic Design
Arts and Media
The Graphic Design program prepares you for the many creative opportunities a career in design can bring.
Through exposure to various ideas, projects, and client work, you will be guided and encouraged as you work to build your creative point of view and style. We will introduce you to creative problem solving, illustration, digital painting, expressive typography, history of graphic design, prepress, UI/UX, print production, web design, and project management. You will study the latest software applications that will help bring your ideas to life. We emphasize the establishment of strong visual problem-solving skills.
Our studio setting is designed to simulate industry, and your time with us will prepare you to be a collaborative team member. Your creativity, combined with determination, will help turn your natural abilities into a fulfilling career with a path that is uniquely yours.
September 2026
Prince of Wales Campus
Program Length
2 Years
Credential
Diploma, Graphic Design
Canadian Tuition
International Tuition
Canadian Applicants
Accepting Applications
International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit
Accepting Applications
Other International Applicants
Accepting Applications
Notes:
This program has degree pathways, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your Holland College diploma when you continue your education. For a complete list of agreements, visit the Degree Pathways page.
| Partner Institution | Credential | Details of Agreement |
|---|---|---|
| Athabasca University | Bachelor of Professional Arts | Graduates receive two years of credit toward Bachelor of Professional Arts in Communications Studies. This is an online program. |
| Griffith | Bachelor of Digital Media | Graduates may complete a Bachelor of Design, Visual Communications major, in one and half years. |
| University of New Brunswick - Saint John | Bachelor of Applied Management | Graduates with a 70% average receive two years of credit toward a Bachelor of Applied Management degree. |
| University of Prince Edward Island | Bachelor of Arts | Graduates with a 70% average receive up to 60 hours of credit toward a Bachelor of Arts degree. |
Course Code:SAFE-1005
An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.
Credit Value:0
Course Code:GDES-1000
Learn the fundamental building blocks and processes of design, concentrating on the elements, variables, and principles of design. Using a project-based approach, the design process, design thinking, and visual communication skills are applied to create graphic design solutions.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:GDES-1015
Colour is one of the many tools designers use to create both visual and psychological impact in graphic design. Explore the theory and practical application behind colour, its emotional impact on a design, its physiological and psychological impact on a viewer through illusion, and how it applies to solving problems in any design situation.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:GDES-1025
HTML is the foundation of all web pages as it defines the structure of a page while CSS defines its style. Students will explore HTML and CSS to learn how to structure files and optimize images to produce professional, vibrant webpages that meet client needs.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:GDES-1030
Students will delve into the exciting world of digital graphics, exploring the wide range of applications in various design disciplines. Students will discover the foundations of creating digital graphics that communicate effectively.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:GDES-1040
Typography is a fundamental tool of graphic design and visual communication. Learn to evaluate typography in its many applications with a critical eye. Develop a vocabulary of typographical terms. Identify the classification of typefaces and how to select typefaces that communicate the desired tone. Explore expressive and experimental typography in contemporary graphic design.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:GDES-1050
Create effective design solutions for client-based scenarios, and develop conceptual, creative, critical thinking and presentation skills. Apply and further develop an understanding of primary and secondary design elements, variables, and principles using software to create digital design solutions based on project objectives.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:GDES-1065
Expand knowledge of HTML and CSS to build more complex web solutions that meet client and end-user needs. Build a custom website using content management systems. Analyze social media platforms to understand how to create successful content for clients.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:GDES-1075
Explore graphic design history including the Industrial Age, the Arts and Crafts Movement, Art Nouveau, the beginnings of 20th-century design, the influence of Modern Art, Pictorial Modernism, the new language of form, Bauhaus, the modern movement in America, the International Typographic Style, the New York School, the evolution of corporate identity and visual systems, conceptual images, Post-Modern Design, and the Digital Revolution.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:GDES-1080
Develop conceptual thinking and the ability to solve visual problems graphically using vector illustrations. Discover the strategies and methods to produce effective design and to solve visual challenges. Utilize time management, research skills, design principles, typography, colour choice, and drawing skills to create vector illustrations.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:GDES-1090
Learn how to skillfully apply typography to create page layouts that utilize information hierarchy. Study various software applications with an emphasis on contemporary typographical principles. Assess client needs and design type solutions that effectively communicate a suitable tone.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:GDES-2000
Explore a series of typical design problems such as branding, corporate packages, annual reports, marketing materials, brochures, editorial magazine spreads, posters, and packaging. Experience the design process from start to finish including identification, concept development, art direction, pre-press production speficiations, and presentation.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:GDES-2010
Learn the development, selection, and evaluation of production processes. Explore "the back end" of graphic design including the ability to get design solutions to production and print, while meeting client and production process limitations.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:GDES-2020
The technology of graphic design ranges from the pencil and swatch book to the computer's hardware and software. Knowing how and when to effectively use these tools is an essential skill for any graphic designer. Students develop skills in digital hardware and software as identified by the graphic design industry, including, graphic, draw/paint, page layout, and image manipulation software.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:GDES-2030
Build professional typography solutions for personal and client-focused design projects. Design a custom typeface and learn how to create a font for installation. Produce original type solutions that demonstrate skill and creativity. Develop your own design and typography perspective through research and project based learning.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:GDES-2045
Create a working knowledge of programming languages. Utilize UI/UX principles to help produce effective screen based content for clients. Publish web content to a server and utilize no-code applications to create content. Create a soicla media plan that will help effectlivy promote your clients.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:GDES-2050
Produce effective design solutions that meet client needs. Develop the ability to write client briefs, explore ideas individually and as part of a team, establish and meet deadlines and design to meet project objectives.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:GDES-2060
Develop proficiency in designing custom production workflows for print projects. Learn how to generate colour separation, create multi-page design documents, produce paper dummies, collect files for layout, and proof and evaluate printed products.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:GDES-2075
Unlock the dynamic world of motion graphics with a comprehensive course designed to build a solid technical proficiency and creative expression foundation. This course is designed for beginners and aspiring motion graphic designers seeking to explore industry-standard software and animation principles.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:PROF-2090
Explore career options in graphic design as a freelancer or as an employee. Develop an understanding of industry standard business practices, government regulation, and ethics. Learn about various business models and how to employ time management skills, research industry competitiors, and price design services. Create estimates and invoices and design personally branded documents.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:PROF-2095
A personal web portfolio is the most effective tool a graphic designer has to help promote their skills online. Students utilize their web knowledge to help construct a portfolio that displays the type of work they are seeking.
Credit Value:3
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
The Graphic Design program is designed to build upon your artistic foundation to prepare you for a career as a commercial designer. Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of their best work when they apply to the program. Please review the Portfolio Requirements for this program.
"Over the course of the two years, I have grown so much, starting with no knowledge or experience in Graphic Design to feeling extremely confident now in my abilities as a professional designer. I have had opportunities to work with creative professionals in the industry and had hands-on experience working on real-life projects. Taking this program was the best decision I have ever made and has completely set me up for an amazing and successful future, I would recommend it to anyone!"
- Chloe, Class of 2022
Prepare for a career in the arts with courses in art history, drawing, design, animation, and photography.
Learn technical skills and advanced techniques to capture dynamic images and video.
Improve your drawing skills and learn the latest software techniques to create 2D and 3D animations.