Graphic Design - Algonquin College

graphic designThis dynamic and challenging three-year Ontario CollegeAdvanced Diploma program is designed for individuals whoare interested in applying their creativity to communicatingideas and concepts in both print and digital media. Studentsdevelop the expertise required to become graphic designersthrough strong practical and theoretical training in typography,the basic fundamentals of creativity, design, image,form, colour, and production skills. The program includesextensive hands-on training in current software tools whichallows students to present their design solutions in a varietyof formats.Graphic designers are problem-solvers who research andmanage visual design projects. They establish a project’sgoals and objectives, analyze needs/problems, developvisual solutions, and prepare concept presentations forclient approval, which ranges from simple sketches to fullcolour layouts. Designers develop concepts in consultationwith clients and work with photographers, illustrators, webdevelopers, programmers and other creative professionals toproduce print, digital, and audio-visual communications.Traditionally, graphic designers focused primarily on printmedia including brochures, logos, corporate identity materials,annual reports, promotional posters, signage systems,packaging, film and video graphics, publication design forbooks and magazines, and flyers. However, with the emergenceof digital visual communication, graphic designershave become more involved in web design, motion andbroadcast graphics, and design for interactive media.Students study the design fundamentals for print andscreen in the first two years of the program. In the third year,students choose a print or electronic media specializationand take part in field placement for on-the-job training andexperience.Graduates produce a comprehensive design portfolio profilingtheir skills and abilities, and have the opportunity todisplay their best work at an annual Grad Show exhibition forgraphic design professionals and the public.SUCCESS FACTORSThis program is well-suited for students who:• Enjoy working with type and images to communicate theirideas.• Like to draw and use software tools to create images anddocuments.• Are detail-oriented, organized, and committed to achievingexcellence in their final products.• Think visually and creatively and are conceptual thinkers.Graduates of this program pursue careers through a varietyof entry-level positions in graphic design studios, advertisingagencies, web publications, multimedia production houses,magazines, newspapers, printing houses, retail stores, television/entertainmentindustries, and government agenciesor educational institutions. Graduates may also work asfreelancers providing print and/or digital design solutions toclients’ communication problems.For more information, please contact:David Bromley at 613-727-4723 ext. 5267 orbromled@algonquincollege.comAndrea Emery at 613-727-4723 ext. 5827 oremerya@algonquincollege.comor visit :http://www.algonquincollege.com/GraphicDesignor http://www.algonquincollege.com/MediaAndDesign/programs/graphic_design.htmgraphic design portfolio requirements 1

the graphic designerThe Graphic Design Industry is constantly changing with thetimes. Here are a few areas/job descriptions to where ourprogram can lead you.Creative DirectorCreative directors develop the concept and overall experienceof a project with the client and department directors.They provide the design team a creative framework to consider,and specific goals to achieve.Art DirectorArt directors are very detail oriented, and often work with ateam of designers or multiple marketing and design departmentsto establish and unify the visual communication of aproject.Graphic DesignerGraphic designers use form, colour and typography to visuallycommunicate to a specific target audience. They createthe look-and-feel of the graphics and content used in printand digital media.Brand DeveloperBrand developers leverage graphics, typography, messagingand the strategic use of various medias to establish thepublic persona, or character, of a company or organization.IllustratorIllustrators use visual communication to tell a story. They createartwork for 2D and 3D projects using a range of mediasand tools, from pencils and paper to tablets and modelingsoftware.Production ArtistProduction artists have a strong understanding of the technicalrequirements of a project. Efficient and fast-working,they’re good at taking designs and realizing them intopolished, market-ready products.Prepress TechnicianPrepress technicians have a variety of responsibilities includingmanaging type and photography assets of press-readyartwork, checking proofs for technical tolerances, and preparingfiles for offset printingInteraction DesignerInteraction designers conceptualize how humans will use aproduct or service. They design and develop user interfacesand interactive content for digital projects such as websitesand mobile apps.Motion Graphics DesignerMotion graphics designers layer moving graphics and audioto communicate a message. They often work in the entertainmentor advertising industry working on projects forfilm, television and games.To be successful, Graphic Designers must combine their strategic,artistic and technical skills to produce effective visualcommunication solutions for their client. Graphic Designersexecute projects based on client input, research, experienceand team collaboration. They create and develop designs forposters, brochures, advertisements, websites, mobile apps,and other printed and digital products and services.Good design will enhance the clients image and bottomline, meeting the clients objective.Graphic designers are hiredby their clients to visually communicateideas. The ultimate goal of agraphic designer is to meetthe expressed needs of the client.2 graphic design portfolio requirements

portfolio submissionAs part of the application process, you are required to submita layout test, a drawing test, as well as a portfolio. There is aportfolio assessment fee payable to Algonquin College withyour submission. Please check online for information on costof the assessment.Please find below specific instructions on how to completeeach of these items. TIP: if you are unfamiliar with some ofthe terminology, a few hours of research on line to graphicdesign related sites will help. If you are a serious aspiringdesigner, you might want to buy a few trade magazines:Applied Arts, How Magazine or Communication Arts — just tomention a few.The portfolio submission is a sampling of 10 to 15 of yourbest pieces of art and design and should demonstratecreativity, neatness and how you have developed your ideas.The portfolio should also demonstrate your hand skills andhow well you can sketch your ideas. Included with your 10to 15 pieces you will also supply a drawing and layout test(originals).Plagiarism is not tolerated! Applicants who have submittedwork which is not their own, will not be accepted to theprogram.Your portfolio submission should include:• Drawings in ink or pencil (colour and/or B&W mix) createdfrom observation, imagination and/or memory. Try toshow a variety of work — not just drawings. You couldincorporate some of your drawings into a layout that incorporatestype or photography (such as a magazine coverlayout, CD cover design, product label, etc).• Thumbnail sketches that show how you developed anidea into a finished piece. Show your research, preliminarysketches, works in progress especially if you supply computergenerated layouts and designs.• Any exploration in typographic design would be great toinclude. (Research typography if you are not familiar withthis term).• Projects that combine text and graphics in a finished commercialapplication such as posters, folders, ads, logos, etc.• Show work that reflects your understanding and use ofcolour. Consider focal point, cropping and placement ofmultiple images in your layout.The following will NOT be accepted :• Loose samples in a garbage bag or rolled in a mailing tube• Scrapbooks or binders• 35 mm slides of artwork or CD’s• Any form of sculpture or fabric arts, oil paintings, framedor unframed. Please supply photographs or photocopiesof any large pieces like paintings or sculptures. Do notsend originals of any work).Please supply photographs or photocopiesor your originals. If you submit work thatwas part of a collaboration, indicate whatpart you played in the process.Portfolios will NOT be returned unless requestedand picked up by applicant.DUE DATE FOR SUBMISSIONS — APRIL 30Completed portfolios should be delivered to :Algonquin College Graphic Design DepartmentRoom N215, 1385 Woodroffe avenue,Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8graphic design portfolio requirements 3

portfolio kitYou may purchase a Graphic Design portfolio kit from theAlgonquin College Bookstore: (613) 727-4723 ext. 7609.The kit includes the following:• A cardboard mailing package;• A return self-adhesive address label;• 2 - 10” x 15” #27 Illustration Boards (for the portrait andlayout tests);• 18 sheets of 12” x 18” black poster board for mountingyour portfolio pieces.Label the package clearly with your name and contactinformation including your student number. The key pointis to make sure your presentation is neat. Centre your pieceson the boards. Mount the work using double-sided tape,adhesive spray or rubber cement. Include your name onevery item submitted. If you are not able to obtain the kit, allcontents in the kit can be purchased at any art supply store.Simply supply pieces in a large envelope.design studiesAcceptance is based on the quality and creativity of yourwork and the results of your tests. If you are not acceptedinto the Graphic Design Program, Algonquin offers optionsthat could improve your chances of acceptance in the future.Algonquin College has a one year Design Studies certificateprogram through General Arts and Science. Students whocomplete this program develop quality portfolios that have agood chance of acceptance into Graphic Design.The college also offers various Visual Arts courses throughthe School of Part-time Studies that can improve skills ingraphic techniques. The courses in the Part-time Studiesprogram can not be used for exemptions from courses in theGraphic Design Program.4 graphic design portfolio requirements

equired drawing testThe drawing test will tell the portfolio reviewer a lot aboutthe applicant. Attention to detail, pencil control, style andcleanliness are all taken into consideration here. The abilityto follow instructions is also noted.• Draw a 6” x 9” self-portrait centered on an 8.5”x11” piece of#27 white illustration board ( if you purchase the PortfolioKit it will be 10” x 15”. (See information for the Portfolio Kiton the facing page).• Render your portrait in pencil. Attention to detail, styleand cleanliness is very important.• Tape a recent photo of yourself to the back of the board.Samples of different styles will show what is acceptable for asuccessful portfolio submission on the following pages. Twosamples of unacceptable styles of portraiture have also beenincluded.Megan Raddatz, 2010graphic design portfolio requirements 5

self portrait samplesBecky Gilroy, 2009Adam Jamieson, 2009The portrait shown here shows a realistic image with loosepencil work. The well rendered and detailed eyes provide aprominent focal point.The unfinished top of the portrait head provides visual interest;this is rendered very well with detailed pencil work andan interesting 3/4 angle.6 graphic design portfolio requirements

self portrait samplesRhiannon Charette, 2010 Ania Kolecki, 2009The interesting placement of the portrait on the page andthe light pencil work shows skill.This very highly skilled portrait shows extremely talentedartistic skill in drawing. There is an interesting 3/4 angle, fineattention to detailed shading and wonderful detail in thehair.graphic design portfolio requirements 7

self portrait samplesBryan Dunlay, 2008 Maureen Gibbs, 2009A self portrait doesn’t have to be a high-end, realistic drawing.The portrait above shows a stylized flair and an interestingview point.This self portrait shows great drawing talent. Excellent renderingtechnique, attention to detail and shadow detail. Theposition, cropping and view point adds a wonderful touch.8 graphic design portfolio requirements

self portrait samplesAmethyst Wreggitt, 2009 Naomi Kuhn, 2009Try to pay attention to the view selection and cropping.This portrait shows wonderful expression apart from thedetailed rendering.graphic design portfolio requirements 9

self portrait samplesThese two self portrait examples would not be acceptable.Simple line work, over smudging and pieces that are notvery clean will not be considered.XX10 graphic design portfolio requirements

equired layout testYour layout test will determine your ability to work within arequired area with type and images. You must redesign theadvertisement so that it is pleasing, readable and contains allthe information from the original ad.• Select a jewelry business advertisement from the yellowpages or newspaper.• In pencil, redesign and re-draw the ad to a new size of 6”wide x 9” high on an 8.5” x 11” piece of #27 white illustrationboard. If you purchase the Portfolio Kit the illustrationboard will be 10” x 15”. Just centre your 6”x9” layout nicelyon the larger board supplied in the kit. (Information for thePortfolio Kit is found on page 4.)• In your new layout, include all of the text as well as thecompany logo from the original ad.• If your ad has no image, draw any piece of jewelry (watch,ring, etc.) and include it within your newly designed ad.• Tape a copy of the original paper advertisement to theback of your board.Attention to detail, style and cleanliness is important.Original artwork must be submitted. Illustration boardcan be purchased at any art store.graphic design portfolio requirements 11

layout samplesAnia Kolecki, 2009Bryan Dunlay, 2008The left layout (above) shows extremely good treatment oftext and image. The original ad is at left, below.Sample of originalYellow Page ad layout.The layout directly above shows an interesting treatment ofthe heading with type reversed out of a black background.The image of a ring has been interestingly placed and wellcropped.12 graphic design portfolio requirements

layout samplesLaura Forbes, 2010Layouts can also be redesigned in a landscape layout. Theycan be simple and clean with well rendered images and type.Watch spelling!graphic design portfolio requirements 13

layout samplesMaureen Gibbs, 2009The layout above shows goodtreatment of the heading. Theimage has been cropped withtype wrapped around. itThe layout above shows a black background with reversedout whilte type. This could be difficult to complete successfullyand cleanly.At right is the originalYellow Page ad layout.14 graphic design portfolio requirements

layout samplesXNaomi Kuhn, 2009This layout shows an interesting combination of illustrationand typography. It is a well designed, well balanced page.Unacceptable layouts would be done on paper and not therequired board; Layouts that appear to be quickly done withno real sense of layout and look more like a rough sketch;Type and image do not work together or type is unreadable.Images should look finished and not roughly sketched asshown above. Attention to layout and quality of rendering isvery important.graphic design portfolio requirements 15

the portfolioYour portfolio is representative of you and what you cando.Be very critical and proud of what you put into it. The numberof pieces in your portfolio is up to you but we suggestbetween 10 to 15. The number is not that important — whatis important, is quality and variety. Presentation is key aswell. If you do not take care and pride in your portfolio, it willsay a lot about you and your commitment to the program.Photography is also good to include in your portfolio.Photographs should show interesting subjects and creativecropping.You should explore and research all aspects of graphicdesign to determine the wide scope and areas of designthat graphic design entails. Graphic Designers do not sit anddraw all the time.Lots of drawings in your portfolio will not tell us very muchabout your ability. Drawing certainly show some of your ability— your self portrait will tell a lot about your drawing skills— but try to incorporate your drawings into something thatwe do as visual communicators. Incorporate drawing into alayout, cover design, package design, etc. If you include lotsof cartoons or Anime then maybe Animation is the programyou should be looking at.Hand rendered work is acceptable, as well as computergenerated pieces. You should show thumbnail sketches ofwork to show progression of your design when needed.(Thumbnail sketches are rough sketches of designs, see page22 and 23 for samples of thumbnails). Thumbnail sketchesare especially important when showing computer generatedpieces. Consider including the redesign of an existing logo orpackage in your portfolio, and if you do, include the originaldesign.Typography is a crucial and important part of graphic design.Any piece that incorporates type would stand out. Exploretype shapes and possibilities in design and create abstractimages with type or layouts that would incorporate yourimages and type.16 graphic design portfolio requirements

typographic design211 Stephanie Chartrand, 20092 Megan Raddatz, 20103 Chris Plosaj, 20103graphic design portfolio requirements 17

typographic design1 21. Font creationAdam Jamieson, 20092. Playful creations of typeEmily Whalen, 20093. Typographic CollageChristine Plourde, 2008318 graphic design portfolio requirements

typographic design11. Exploration of type2. Typographical PortraitLaura Forbes, 20102graphic design portfolio requirements 19

typographic designChris Plosaj, 201020 graphic design portfolio requirements

typographic designMegan Raddatz, 2010graphic design portfolio requirements 21

type, image and layoutThe layout example above shows a finished printed layout.The image to the right shows thumbnail sketches of differentlayouts to determine the final design as well as the illustrationthat was incorporated into the design.Thumbnails are the best way to get your ideas down on paperbefore you decided on the finished design. Thumbnailsare a must for the graphic designer.22 graphic design portfolio requirements

type, image and layoutMagazine Cover LayoutChris Plosaj, 2010Thumbnail sketches for final layoutChris Plosaj, 2010graphic design portfolio requirements 23

type, image and layoutChelsea Mosher Rae, 2009Hand drawn or computer generated layouts or a combinationof both are acceptable. Combinations of image andtype is a great addition to the portfolio and demonstratesfamiliarity with type and lettering, as well as more complexlayouts.Bryan Dunlay, 200824 graphic design portfolio requirements

type, image and layoutChelsea Mosher Rae, 2009Bryan Dunlay, 2008graphic design portfolio requirements 25

type, image and layoutChris Plosaj, 2010 Megan Raddatz, 201026 graphic design portfolio requirements

illustrationBecky Gilroy, 2009A good variety of illustrative work is good to see. The useof different mediums showcase illustrative skills. Oversizedpieces should be photographed for presentation in a portfolio.Hand rendered or computer generated is acceptable.graphic design portfolio requirements 27

illustrationCharcoal sketchEmily Whalen, 2009Illustration created in Adobe IllustratorEmily Whalen, 200928 graphic design portfolio requirements

illustrationMaureen Gibbs, 2009graphic design portfolio requirements 29

illustrationMegan Raddatz, 201030 graphic design portfolio requirements

illustrationChris Plosaj, 2010graphic design portfolio requirements 31

illustrationMaureen Gibbs, 2009WatercolourBecky Gilroy, 200932 graphic design portfolio requirements

illustrationLaura Forbes, 2010graphic design portfolio requirements 33

illustrationMixed mediaLaura Forbes, 2010Bryan Dunlay, 200834 graphic design portfolio requirements

photographyCreative photography will show off an applicants‘view point and cropping skills as well as subject selection.Bryan Dunlay, 2008graphic design portfolio requirements 35

graphic designLaura Forbes, 2010Logo Design with thumbnail sketchesBryan Dunlay, 2008Adam Jamieson, 2010Black and white studies show an understanding of positiveand negative space. Logo design is also good to show in aportfolio. Thumbnail sketches are great to see for any designor layout, to show progression. If you are showing a logoredesign it is good to see the original.36 graphic design portfolio requirements

graphic designIf you have a lot of drawing in your portfolio, you may considerturning one into a logo like the logo on the right.Ania Kolecki, 2009Megan Raddatz, 2010Ania Kolecki, 2009graphic design portfolio requirements 37

graphic designPackage DesignMegan Raddatz, 201038 graphic design portfolio requirements

graphic designProduct/Label DesignEmily Whalen, 2009Graphic CollageRhiannon Charrette. 2009graphic design portfolio requirements 39

graphic designWeb page design with sketchesChris Plosaj, 201040 graphic design portfolio requirements

graphic designAdvertising layout with sketchesEmily Whalen, 2009graphic design portfolio requirements 41

January 2013