Graphic Design Software
Overview
Discover the creative world of Graphic Design with this certificate that can be completed in under 12 months.
The Graphic Design Software, Board of Governors Certificate, utilizes industry recognized software for graphic design to apply to aspects of a project. Students learn key elements of print-based design for photographic images, selection of picture areas, and use of special tools for colourizing, blurring, distorting, adding text, fonts and layouts.
Students build upon their foundational graphic design software skills through the exploration and utilization of advanced digital imaging processes for the web through Adobe’s Photoshop software. Applying Adobe Illustrator, students develop the skills and knowledge to create digital files for graphic design projects. Fundamental concepts in project layout and then in prepress issues including font, trapping and colour management for printing preparation are examined.
Design philosophy and publication of a Graphic Design Portfolio, in both print and electronic forms are constructed for program graduates to share with prospective employers for the purpose of finding employment.
Admission Requirements
- O.S.S.D. or equivalent
Applications for this program are not accepted through ontariocolleges.ca.
Mature Student Assessment for this program is available in the subject of English for the purpose of demonstrating proficiency in this required admission subject. For all other admission requirements, applicants must complete the required course(s) as listed above. For more information, please contact counselling@lambtoncollege.ca. Review the Mature Student Admission process.
Academic admission requirements can be obtained through Academic Upgrading and the Pre-Programs at Lambton College.
Prior Learning Assessment
If you believe you have an equivalent level of knowledge and would like credit through Prior Learning Assessment, please contact online@lambtoncollege.ca or call 519-479-1023 at least two weeks before classes begin.
Credential Eligibility
If you are taking courses with the intention of completing this program and earning a credential, you must meet the Admission Requirements. It is your responsibility to supply proof of admission requirements to the Office of the Registrar before completing three courses in this program.
If you complete the program but fail to provide proof of admission requirements, you will be ineligible to receive your credential.
Costs
Course Fees
- Exact costs can be obtained during the registration process. Visit the Course List and select an individual course for associated course fees.
Textbooks
Textbook costs may be applicable to each course. Most textbooks can be purchased through textnet.ca, but some exceptions do apply. Some courses may have software or equipment requirements that are not included in the cost of the course and are the responsibility of the student. Please see individual course pages for course-specific textbook information.
Graduation Fees
Students who successfully complete all the academic requirements for this program should submit their intent to graduate in order to receive their credential. The graduate module can be completed on myLambton via Self Service.
A graduation fee of about $75 is added to your account upon verification that admission requirements have been met. For exact fees contact your Enrolment Services Professional.
Scholarships Available
There are 9 scholarships available for this program, with a total value of $1,000!
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Courses
This course will develop the student's design and image creation skills using Adobe Photoshop. The student will be able to source images, create, develop, and assess various design solutions and execute projects in a professional manner.
Textbooks
There is no required textbook for this course.
Please note: There may be required software or other resources for this course. Please be sure to check the course outline when you first log in to the course.
Host Course Code: LO-COMP8006Host Course Name: Adobe Photoshop I
Have you ever needed to design your own business card or a flyer for an event? If so, this is the course for you. Design Basics will give you the building blocks of design. You will learn about fonts, different layout techniques, and simple layout concepts essential to effective graphic design.
Textbooks
The required text for this course can be found by going to textnet.ca, clicking on the "Browse by course" drop-down list and scrolling to Design Basics.
Please Note: Students are not required to purchase textbooks from textnet.ca. However, if students are purchasing textbooks from another source, they must ensure purchased textbooks are the correct edition and include any applicable software or add-ons.
Host Course Code: LO-COMP8078Host Course Name: Design Basics
This course will help in developing the students' skills and knowledge in creating digital files for graphic design projects using Adobe Illustrator.
As the graphic design industry changes through the development, advancement and integration of computer technology, the importance of learning Adobe Illustrator for the design and production of digital files becomes evident.
Textbooks
The required text for this course can be found by going to textnet.ca, clicking on the "Browse by course" drop-down list and scrolling to Adobe lllustrator - Digital Illustration and Design I.
Please Note: Students are not required to purchase textbooks from textnet.ca. However, if students are purchasing textbooks from another source, they must ensure purchased textbooks are the correct edition and include any applicable software or add-ons.
Host Course Code: DU-COMP2382Host Course Name: Adobe Illustrator
In this introductory course, you'll learn to create a professional website without having to write code by hand and covers HTML5 and CSS3 for responsive web design. You will also learn how to create HTML-based headings, paragraphs, lists, and tables; insert graphics; add links to text and images; apply cascading styles sheets; and customize the Dreamweaver workspace. And finally, publish a finished site to the Web.
Textbooks
The required text for this course can be found by going to textnet.ca, clicking on the "Browse by course" drop-down list and scrolling to Adobe Dreamweaver.
Please Note: Students are not required to purchase textbooks from textnet.ca. However, if students are purchasing textbooks from another source, they must ensure purchased textbooks are the correct edition and include any applicable software or add-ons.
Host Course Code: LO-COMP8033Host Course Name: Adobe Dreamweaver
Notes
Please ensure you order the textbook that matches the software version for the course you are taking.
Students will learn the three C's of Design: Composition, Components and Concept. Employing the principles within these three areas of design will provide a practical and versatile framework for their creative process, whether they are brainstorming for ideas, constructing a layout or finalizing a design for a presentation.
Please contact us to find out when the next start date will be.
This course will cover the fundamental aspects of this rising star in the desktop publishing and design industry. Topics covered will include: creating master pages and single and multiple page documents with single and multiple text columns of text; importing text from various sources and flowing it into linked columns of various shapes and sizes; proper kerning/leading and spacing of text and; combining text with imported photos and graphics. Students will learn how to quickly change font or photo size and how to rearrange elements within a page. Assignments will include various document layouts that involve learning about objects, text, colour and fonts. The final assignment be a menu created with all the elements you have learned plus using tables.
Textbooks
The required text for this course can be found by going to textnet.ca, clicking on the "Browse by course" drop-down list and scrolling to Adobe Indesign Basics.
Please Note: Students are not required to purchase textbooks from textnet.ca. However, if students are purchasing textbooks from another source, they must ensure purchased textbooks are the correct edition and include any applicable software or add-ons.
Host Course Code: LO-COMP8077Host Course Name: Adobe Indesign Basics
Participants will learn of the history of print and the evolution towards modern-day printing technologies. Commercial printing techniques will be discussed along with the pre-press production knowledge that is necessary to ensure the proper results. File formats, colour modes, process colour, inks, paper, finishing and many other aspects of print production will be covered. Students will also learn how to work with a client and printer, how to submit a quote and prepare an estimate.
Textbooks
The required text for this course can be found by going to textnet.ca, clicking on the "Browse by course" drop-down list and scrolling to Ensuring Successful Printing Results.
Please Note: Students are not required to purchase textbooks from textnet.ca. However, if students are purchasing textbooks from another source, they must ensure purchased textbooks are the correct edition and include any applicable software or add-ons.
Host Course Code: FA-DESG1067Host Course Name: Ensuring Successful Printing Results
Participants will have a clear understanding of the type of portfolio that is expected in both the freelance and the professional world. Creative pieces that have been developed throughout the certificate program will be chosen and incorporated into portfolio pieces for digital and print presentation. Personal branding concepts will be part of the portfolio mix incorporating and developing a creative statement, personal logo and identity package. Students will develop new design pieces specific to industry portfolio standards including a direct mail piece, a newspaper ad and a self-promotional marketing piece. Students will learn effective ways to market and 'package' themselves through various creative approaches and media types. Inventory of work will be developed and assembled into an electronic or digital portfolio package.
Textbooks
There is no required textbook for this course.
Please note: There may be required software or other resources for this course. Please be sure to check the course outline when you first log in to the course.
Host Course Code: FA-DESG1068Host Course Name: Developing a Graphic Design Portfolio
This course will further develop the student's image correction and restoration skills using Adobe Photoshop. The student will be able to restore black and white images using Adobe Photoshop tools and gain skills in image correction by using, blurring, adjustment layer, layer masks and liquifying techniques. The student will produce content for various media.
Prerequisite(s):
Textbooks
There is no required textbook for this course.
Please note: There may be required software or other resources for this course. Please be sure to check the course outline when you first log in to the course.
Host Course Code: LO-COMP8027Host Course Name: Photoshop - Level 2
A continuation of the Introduction course, Dreamweaver Advanced will present material for the serious or professional web designer. Concepts explored include: HTML5 and CSS3, typography, layouts, navigation, interaction design, managing CSS, working with javascript behaviours and CSS interactivity, utilizing advanced time saving features within Dreamweaver, and developing mobile websites using Dreamweaver and jQuery Mobile.
Textbooks
The required text for this course can be found by going to textnet.ca, clicking on the "Browse by course" drop-down list and scrolling to Adobe Dreamweaver Advanced.
Please Note: Students are not required to purchase textbooks from textnet.ca. However, if students are purchasing textbooks from another source, they must ensure purchased textbooks are the correct edition and include any applicable software or add-ons.
Host Course Code: LO-COMP8037Host Course Name: Adobe Dreamweaver Advanced
Notes
Please Note: students must have access to Adobe Dreamweaver Access to Dreamweaver is not included in the course materials. Please ensure you order the textbook that matches the software version for the course you are taking.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about our online programs, the courses offered, the registration process, or any other Online Education related questions, reach out to us.
Contact
Online Education
After Graduation
Employment Opportunities
Graduates may be employed in, or may aspire for employment in the following career positions which include, but are not limited to:
- Advertising agencies
- Multimedia companies
- In-house marketing departments
- Design studios
- Direct mail agencies
- Signage companies
- Art departments
- Printing companies
More Information
Prepare for Success
Variations due to Section
Remember to review the important dates associated with this program - some deadlines may be different depending on how your program is delivered and what section you're enrolled in.
Technology Requirements
It is required that students purchase a laptop with a Windows operating system.
Internet Speed Requirements
For best performance for students learning remotely, an internet connection with a minimum of 40 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speed is recommended in order to effectively use video conferencing and remote lecture delivery software as well as, other online resources remotely. Due to the large area over which students may be dispersed, we are unable to recommend a specific provider, so you will need to inquire around your area to find one that best suits your needs.
Minimum Laptop Requirements
In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:
- Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 16 GB of RAM (with a minimum of 8 GB)
- 100 GB HDD or more
- HD Graphics
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wireless 802.11n/ac 5ghz capable
- Windows Operating System (Windows 11)
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.