Whittier College:
Graphic Design Certificate
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Classes

Mockups of tickets to the Los Angeles Zoo; one side has information in vibrant yellow, blue, orange, and green colors, the other side has images of zoo animals.

This 8-week online course will provide an introduction to graphic design with an emphasis on visual communication, design process, and design principles. Its purpose is to give the student an understanding of the practices and scope of the design field at large, as well as practical project-based experience using the tools of the profession.
Student work

Weekly Course Topics

  1. Week 1

    Week 1 – Course Introduction:

    We will cover designs most important application: Adobe Illustrator. Familiarizing ourselves with the application, we will apply our knowledge to the creation of experimental posters.

  2. Week 2

    Week 2 – Hierarchy in Design:

    We will get in-depth experience with the Pen Tool through the the creation of 3 advertisement spots. We will also begin to learn about graphic design history and the principle of hierarchy.

  3. Week 3

    Week 3 – Basics of Typography:

    Through a sequence of exercises we will learn how to work with typography tools in Illustrator. We will create a typographic poster that highlights how a typefaces and fonts are created.

  4. Week 4

    Week 4 – LP Design (Intro to Photoshop):

    This week we will focus on integrating imagery into our designs. We will get acquainted with editing and manipulating images in Photoshop while we create an LP design for your favorite band.

  5. Week 5

    Week 5 – Conceptual Imagery:

    This week we will learn how to make strong, surprising editorial images. We will combine what we have learned in Illustrator and Photoshop to create an original cover design for TIME magazine.

  6. Week 6

    Week 6 – The Design Process:

    We will follow the steps of the design process–research, sketching, rough compositions, final execution–to create effective billboard designs as we learn about the professional life of a designer.

  7. Week 7

    Week 7 – Brand Design:

    This week we will start our final project: a client pitch presentation for a brand redesign. In addition to some quick exercises, we will research and create mood-boards and sketches for your chosen brand.

  8. Week 8

    Week 8 – Brand Design:

    We will continue working on brand design while learning techniques for presentation. The week will culminate in a mock-client presentation in which each learner will share designs for their chosen brand.