Graphic Design online short course
Enhance your career by learning skills to create impactful visual content that meet any organisation's needs with UCT's Graphic Design online short course.
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In today's fast-paced internet age, where users judge a website within seconds, the importance of compelling graphic design has never been more crucial for business success. The University of Cape Town (UCT) Graphic Design online short course is designed for individuals who want to be able to conceptualise and create powerful visuals for the digital world and beyond. This course will equip students with foundational design skills, creative knowledge in visual communication, layout, and typography, and techniques for designing both web and print media. It includes training in industry-standard software like Adobe Illustrator, ensuring you're up to date with current technological trends in graphic design.
The UCT online graphic design course offers a unique blend of technical skills and design knowledge, providing universally applicable tools for building an effective visual presence. Over 10 weeks, you'll delve into the essentials of using quality digital images, learn the principles of visual communication, and explore the creative aspects of layout and composition. It also encourages creativity and idea generation, crucial for successful design in web or print contexts, and it also addresses the business aspects of graphic design.
Designed for professionals aiming to kickstart or advance their careers in graphic design, this short course from UCT is equally beneficial for freelancers, agency workers, corporate professionals, and business owners. It provides a well-rounded set of skills necessary for thriving in a competitive and dynamic industry. You'll learn to appreciate the value of high-quality design and understand how it can significantly impact profitability and engagement in the digital space. The focus on the business aspects of graphic design makes this course suitable not just for creative minds but also for those with a business-oriented approach. By the end of the course, you'll gain a balanced combination of technical prowess and creative insight, essential for establishing a successful career in graphic design.
What you'll learn
Acquire valuable and relevant graphic design skills, and walk away with:
- Comprehensive knowledge of visual communication and aesthetic principles, encompassing theories on layout and composition
- A blend of creative and technical expertise for creating designs across print and digital media
- Essential business skills tailored for application in design-focused professions
- A foundational guide to Adobe Illustrator, equipping you with the ability to use its interface and tools effectively
- Unlimited access to edX's Career Engagement Network, providing exclusive resources and events to enhance your professional development and career progression
Modules
ORIENTATION MODULE Welcome to your Online Campus
Meet and engage with your learning and peer networks as you navigate the Online Campus.
MODULE 1 What is graphic design?
Learn about the scope and history of graphic design.
MODULE 2 Introduction to Adobe Illustrator
Learn how to use the Adobe Illustrator software you will use to create your assignments.*
*GetSmarter won’t provide the software needed for this course; you’ll be responsible for ensuring you have access to it.
MODULE 3 Understanding digital images
Discover the aspects of computer literacy relevant to graphic design, and the basics of digital graphic design.
MODULE 4 Visual communication
Discover specific techniques for generating meaning through visual elements.
MODULE 5 Layout and composition
Learn how to improve the layout and composition of your work.
MODULE 6 Idea generation and research
Learn how to go about generating innovative ideas and communicating them to clients and team members.
MODULE 7 Working with text (typography)
Learn how to choose and analyse typefaces for the best results.
MODULE 8 Designing for print
Discover how to adjust a design specifically for print.
MODULE 9 Creating designs for the web
Learn about the specifics of designing graphics for use on the web.
MODULE 10 The business of graphic design
Learn about the dynamics of a graphic design team, and how to create a professional portfolio and online presence.
FAQS: Graphic designer career path
Yes, you can learn graphic design online through various courses and programmes offered by educational institutions and online platforms, allowing you to gain skills and knowledge.
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Becoming a graphic designer online is entirely feasible, with numerous comprehensive courses available that cover the necessary software, creative techniques, and design principles. UCT’s Graphic Design short course is a self-paced, online course.
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Graphic design can be challenging, as it requires a blend of creativity, technical skills, and an understanding of design principles and software, but with practice and dedication, it can become a rewarding and engaging career path.
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The four main types of graphic design are visual identity graphic design (branding and logos), marketing and advertising graphic design (ads and promotional content), user interface graphic design (web and app design), and publication graphic design (books, newspapers, and magazines).
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