Overview
Why do some designs capture attention and convey ideas more effectively than others? Discover how design principles, typography, illustration, and page design work together to create compelling visual communications.
In this course, you'll explore the foundations of graphic design and the graphic arts industry. Through topics such as colour theory, design principles, typography, illustration, page design, printing, and publishing, you'll examine how visual communication concepts are applied to design projects. You'll also be introduced to Adobe Creative Cloud applications used to create illustrations and publications.
This live online micro-credential course combines practical exercises with applied learning activities. You'll complete projects focused on design theory, typography, and illustration before bringing your skills together in a final design project and presentation.
By course completion, you'll be better prepared to apply foundational design principles and create visual communications for print and digital media. You'll also develop a stronger understanding of the graphic arts industry, design workflows, and publication production.
This course is ideal if you:
- want to learn the foundations of graphic design and visual communication
- are interested in typography, colour theory, illustration, and page design
- want exposure to Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign
- plan to continue developing graphic design, publishing, or Adobe Creative Cloud skills.
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be able to:
- describe the role and importance of visual design, including principles of visual communication and design, industry standards, design software, and colour basics
- apply elements and principles of colour theory and design to create visually appealing designs
- use typography tools and practices to develop complex text layouts
- use Adobe Illustrator drawing tools and effects to create illustrations (vector graphics)
- use Adobe InDesign to create and modify pages to design complex page layouts
- publish and export documents to create professional print publications
- create a complex and compelling design project that highlights your conceptual, creative, and technical skills and communicates your typographic process.
To request a course outline, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca.
Upcoming dates
Select an available section and add it to your cart. When you're ready, proceed to check out to sign into your student account and complete your registration.
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Register early!
- We recommend registering at least three weeks before the course section start date to support course planning and help ensure a smooth start to your course.
- Course sections require minimum enrollment and may be rescheduled or cancelled two weeks before the start date.
- Registration closes seven days before the start date for on-campus, online scheduled and blended courses, and three days before the start date for online self-paced courses.
After you've completed this course
Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be able to self-print a proof of completion document from your Continuing Education student account.
Micro-credential
SAIT Micro-credentials develop practical skills aligned to current industry standards and include competency-based testing. Earning a SAIT Technical Skills Micro-credential demonstrates to employers that you have the required competencies — combining knowledge, skills and abilities — to get the job done. Learn more.
Students who complete this course with a final grade of A- (80%) or higher will earn the Micro-credential and receive a shareable digital badge that validates their achievement.
Costs
Textbook and reading list
Included in the purchase of this course, you'll receive access to online course content in Brightspace (D2L).
Technology
To be successful in this course, you’ll need:
- Access to your own computer or laptop that meets system requirements for Adobe Creative Cloud and standard hardware/software requirements for D2L
- Functional webcam and microphone
- Internet access.
Before the start of the first class, please have Adobe Creative Cloud downloaded and installed on your computer. Educational pricing is available, and you can use your SAIT “edu” email address as proof of student status to access the software at a reduced rate.
Financial support
Financial opportunities are available to help pay for your course fees. Learn more about how to reduce your education or training costs with available awards, bursaries, loans and grants, including the Canada Alberta Productivity Grant.
Applicable certificates
This course applies to the following certificate programs:
- Certification type
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Certificate of Achievement
Train your team
Interested in group training opportunities for this course? Tell us about your organization's needs, and one of our training consultants will contact you within one business day.
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SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.