This course covers the fundamental principles underlying graphic design and visual communication. Students are introduced to design elements—such as line, shape, space, imagery, and color—and learn how to employ them to construct a clear visual message. The course also examines principles of composition, balance, contrast, rhythm, unity, and visual hierarchy. Emphasis is placed on understanding the relationship between the design, the audience, and the intended message. Students learn to analyze design works and identify their strengths and weaknesses. The course aims to build a knowledge base and practical skillset that enable students to make informed, well-considered design decisions.
This course addresses three fundamental components of visual communication: color, typography, and composition. Students explore color theories, color relationships, and color symbolism, learning how to use them to influence the viewer. They also study the fundamentals of typography—including font selection, text arrangement, and the construction of information hierarchy—and learn to organize design elements using balance, alignment, contrast, and white space. The course emphasizes the interplay between text, imagery, and color within a single composition. Students apply these concepts to various design projects to develop a balanced and professional visual sensibility.
This course focuses on developing the designer’s mindset rather than just their technical skills. Students learn creative thinking techniques, idea generation, problem analysis, and how to arrive at innovative design solutions. They are introduced to Design Thinking principles and learn how to understand user and audience needs prior to commencing the design process. The course covers the stages of research, analysis, problem definition, idea development, and the testing and refinement of solutions. It also bridges the gap between creativity and the project’s business and marketing objectives. The ultimate goal is to cultivate designers capable of creating well-considered solutions that serve a clear function, rather than simply producing visually appealing designs.
This course offers a historical and intellectual study of the evolution of art and design across various periods and schools of thought. Students are introduced to key art and design movements and their influence on the development of modern visual language. The curriculum covers schools and trends such as Bauhaus, Modernism, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Swiss Design, and others, while also highlighting the prominent artists, designers, and works that shaped the history of graphic design. The course aims to enhance the student’s ability to interpret design works within their historical and cultural contexts and to build a visual and intellectual frame of reference that enables the development of a unique personal style, distinct from direct imitation.
This course covers the digital tools and software that designers rely on to produce modern visual work. Students are introduced to various design software categories, including vector-based design, image editing, digital design applications, and other specialized tools. They learn to manage files and formats, set up and organize projects, and generate final outputs. The course encompasses principles of digital workflows, design asset management, and file interoperability between different software applications. Additionally, students explore modern digital tools and artificial intelligence, examining their role in supporting the creative process. The ultimate goal is to enable students to establish a professional digital workspace and select the appropriate tools for any given project.
This course approaches the brand as an integrated strategic system rather than merely a logo. Students learn to analyze the market, audience, and competitors, and to define the brand’s market positioning. They explore the concept of brand strategy and the development of the brand’s vision, mission, values, and promise. The course covers defining brand personality, tone of voice, and competitive advantages, as well as translating strategy into cohesive visual and communication decisions. The aim is to enable students to approach branding from a strategic perspective before moving on to visual identity design.
This course addresses the legal and professional aspects of design practice. Students are introduced to concepts such as intellectual property, copyright, trademarks, and the rights associated with using images, fonts, and digital assets. They also learn the importance of contracts, work agreements, usage rights, deliverables, and licensing. The course covers professional client relations, project intake processes, and the management of revisions and approvals. Furthermore, students learn how to protect their own work and rights while respecting the rights of others. The course aims to foster professional and legal awareness, enabling designers to practice their craft in a more professional and secure manner.
This course focuses on translating brand strategy into a personality, image, and identity that the audience can recognize and engage with. Students are introduced to the concept of visual identity and its core elements—such as the logo, color palette, typography, imagery, and visual style. They also examine the distinctions between brand identity, brand image, brand personality, and brand value. Students learn to construct a cohesive visual system that maintains consistency across various touchpoints and discover how to express the brand’s personality through visual elements and content. Ultimately, students will be able to develop a comprehensive identity that reflects the brand’s strategy, values, and personality.
This course focuses on teaching students the principles of designing various products and print materials, as well as transforming content into organized, visually effective layouts. Students are introduced to the design of brochures, posters, magazines, books, catalogs, corporate profiles, and other print products. They also study grid systems, dimensions, margins, bleed, and visual page hierarchy. Furthermore, students learn the differences between print and digital media design, along with color systems, image resolution, and file preparation. They also gain familiarity with paper types, printing techniques, and basic finishing processes. The course aims to prepare students to design and professionally prepare print materials through to the final production stage.
This course combines design skills with the ability to craft messages and marketing content. Students learn the fundamentals of writing headlines, ad copy, and marketing phrases tailored to specific audiences and platforms. They also learn how to structure a message, define its objective, and select a brand-appropriate tone of voice. The course explores the relationship between text and design, demonstrating how visual layout can enhance the impact of the content. Students practice writing content for advertisements, social media posts, print materials, and digital pages. The course aims to equip designers with the ability to understand and articulate the messages they translate into visual experiences.
This course aims to introduce designers to the commercial and professional aspects of the design industry. Students learn how to transform their design skills into scalable services, projects, or business ventures. They explore various business models, including freelancing and working with corporations or design agencies. The course covers the fundamentals of pricing, preparing service proposals, client relations, and project management. Additionally, students learn principles of personal branding, relationship building, and creative service development. The course prepares designers to manage their professional careers and understand the economic and creative value they bring to the market.
This course aims to introduce designers to the commercial and professional aspects of the design industry. Students learn how to transform their design skills into scalable services, projects, or business ventures. They explore various business models, including freelancing and working with corporations or design agencies. The course covers the fundamentals of pricing, preparing service proposals, client relations, and project management. Additionally, students learn principles of personal branding, relationship building, and creative service development. The course prepares designers to manage their professional careers and understand the economic and creative value they bring to the market.