What software will I learn in the design courses?

We offer a variety of design courses with different digital skill requirements. Some of our courses, such as The Art of Design: Basic (DSC-2034), will introduce you to the fundamental building blocks of design, but they do not teach students how to use computer software programs. You may use whatever tools and skills available to complete your assignments; those may include but are not limited to drawing, painting, photocopying and collage. Many students may already know how to use programs like Photoshop and Illustrator, and while they may use these tools to complete the assignments, it is not required. Once at the intermediate and specialized level, it is expected that you have a working knowledge of imaging/desktop publishing software. To learn the basic software programs used by designers, please refer to our Imaging, Design and Desktop Publishing courses. Many students begin with Digital Design Basics (SMC-1031) or Design: Basic Adobe Applications (DSC-2031).

Can I build a portfolio in these courses?

Most of our design courses are portfolio-building courses. Some courses will specialize on a specific area of design (i.e., Typography: Basic, DSC-2053 and Hand Lettering and Design, DSC-2071), whereas others will focus on different types of design (i.e., Editorial Design, DSC-2156, and Brand Identity: Creating an Image, DSC-2243). All of these courses will help you build a portfolio. If you are a beginner, you should not expect to complete a portfolio by taking one class, or even through multiple courses concurrently. Building a professional, competitive portfolio for the marketplace takes time and is a continuous process throughout one's career.

Will I learn about design and build a portfolio in the Imaging, Design and Desktop Publishing courses?

In our Imaging, Design and Desktop Publishing courses, you will learn about the different tools and techniques that are used in design. These may include: desktop publishing software, such as Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Although these courses are very effective in teaching the current software used in the industry, you will not be learning about the principles of design, nor will the focus of the courses be toward building a portfolio. To learn about design, the creative process undertaken in order to convey a specific message (or messages), you can look at our Basic, Intermediate and Specialized and Advanced courses.