Program Information

Graphic Design is a technology-based two-year program that helps students hone their creativity while learning the cutting-edge design skills needed in today’s fast-paced global business environment. Graphic designers develop outstanding solutions for clients in an industry that embraces and rewards great ideas, a passion for excellence, attention to detail and a love of digital technology.
 
Specifically, students will learn how to:
 

• Create powerful, inspiring designs that work in a variety of media, from print to screen
• Design and compose flyers, brochures, books and magazines
• Develop eye-catching t-shirts, shopping bags, posters and billboards
• Create logos, illustrations, information and motion graphics
• Design way-finding systems and corporate identities
• Develop animations, websites and interactive projects
• Explore digital photography, package design, signage, traditional and digital printing, and much more

 
The College's state-of-the-art facilities offer students the chance to gain hands-on experience on industry-standard tools and learn valuable real-world skills. The program’s strong technical core, as well as its focus on creative problem-solving, has helped students win dozens of regional, provincial and national awards over the past ten years. Graduates are working at exciting careers throughout Canada and around the world.
 
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

1. Demonstrate strong technical and conceptual design skills for print and screen.
2. Demonstrate hands-on knowledge of, and experience with, industry-standard design and production tools and equipment.
3. Demonstrate the business, communication, teamwork and time-management skills necessary for this industry.
4. Apply an approach to the design process that focuses on creativity while meeting clients' needs.
5. Successfully compete for entry-level employment in the Graphic Design industry.

 
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Past graduates have a strong record of success in the Graphic Design industry, both within Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond.  Graduates can choose from a variety of employment options such as advertising agencies, design companies and in-house art departments, as well as freelance work or self-employment with clients located anywhere in the world.
 
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS - ACADEMIC YEAR 2020-2021 ONLY
1.  High School 2.  Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition 3.  Adult Basic Education (ABE) 4.  Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
 
Note:
Basic computer skills as well as strong core skills in English and Mathematics are definite assets for this program.  These core skills are important for success in the program.
 
Applicant Portfolio Requirements
All applicants to the Graphic Design program must submit a portfolio as part of the admission requirements. A portfolio is a personal selection of the applicant’s work that shows the potential to build on demonstrated skills and aptitudes when in the program.
 
The applicant portfolio should consist of:

1. A written personal statement explaining your reasons for wanting to be a graphic designer and your interest in the program at College of the North Atlantic. This should be no longer than 500 words or a single typed page.


2. One project, that relates to the College’s Graphic Design program, chosen from the following three options:
   A magazine ad promoting the program. The ad should focus on at least one positive attribute of the program, and should be produced in colour. The College’s website address should be included as well. The size of the ad should be no larger than 20 cm in any dimension.
    
   A poster promoting the Graphic Design program. The poster should focus on one positive message about the program, and should include the program name, the College’s name and the College’s website address. The size of the poster should be 28 cm x 43 cm (11 x 17 inches).
    
   A logo for the Graphic Design program. The logo should be produced in no more than two (2) colours, not including white. The program title (Graphic Design) and the College’s initials (CNA) should be part of the logo. Applicants should ensure that the logo suggests one or more of the positive attributes of the program.
    
3. A minimum of five (5) personal portfolio pieces, which could include (but are not limited to) drawings and sketches, photographs, paintings, websites, computer-generated images, or motion-based work. It is preferable to submit works in more than one category but it is not required.

Other Requirements

1. Applicants should submit only copies of their work. No originals should be submitted.


2. Do not submit any framed, fragile or 3-dimensional work.


3. If applicants submit digital files, please burn them onto a CD or DVD, and ensure they are readable by a computer other than the one used to burn it. Digital submissions that cannot be opened will not be considered.


4. The applicant’s work should be submitted in a case, binder or folio, with measurements not exceeding 61 cm x 92 cm (24 x 36 inches).


5. Work included in the portfolio should be identified on a separate sheet with the title (if any), the completion date and the materials used. A brief explanation of each piece would be welcome.

 
Note: For further information on the portfolio process, please refer to the Graphic Design program page on the College’s website (www.cna.nl.ca).