Overview

Assiniboine’s two-year Digital Art and Design program prepares graduates to enter the workforce as a valuable member of a creative team or as a freelance specialist. 

Digital Art and Design graduates conceptualize and produce graphical and multimedia content for publications, advertising, films, packaging, posters, signs and interactive media. 

Graduates of the Digital Art and Design program find exciting and challenging entry level opportunities as web and interface designers, graphic designers, motion graphic artists and digital artists. Prospective employers include design firms, advertising agencies, game development studios, and in-house creative departments of larger companies. Entrepreneurs find additional options with freelance contracts. Graduates may apply their skills in the areas of digitally-based business solutions, broadcast graphics, digital entertainment and web-delivered training. 

Program Learning Outcomes 

  • Develop and implement design concepts for web and interface design, graphic, motion graphics, and digital art using industry-standard tools and software. 
  • Create visually engaging designs that effectively communicate messages and meet the needs of target audiences across different mediums, including websites, apps, print materials, virtual reality, augmented reality, and various other media presentations. 
  • Apply principles of design and aesthetics to their work, including color theory, typography, composition, and visual hierarchy. 
  • Use industry-appropriate design software and technology, and other industry-standard tools, to create and produce professional-quality design work. 
  • Develop and present design solutions that meet the needs of clients and stakeholders, while also demonstrating their ability to think critically and creatively. 
  • Collaborate effectively with others, including clients, team members, and stakeholders, while demonstrating effective communication skills, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well in a team. 
  • Adapt to new technologies and design trends, demonstrating a willingness to learn and grow as designers and artists. 
  • Demonstrate professionalism and self-awareness while giving and receiving constructive feedback to improve their skills knowledge and professional practice.  
  • Complete work within industry standards and best practices, including legal and ethical and accessibility considerations. 
  • Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address challenges and develop solutions in a fast-paced environment.  

Examples of what graduates from this program can do: 

  • Design and produce aesthetically pleasing and purposeful high-end visual content (graphics, 2-D and 3-D motion graphics, user experiences for multiple platforms, elements of virtual and augmented reality environments, etc) that solves real-world client problems. 
  • Create visual elements that meet the clients' objectives. 
  • Use traditional tools, media software, image processing software and layout and design software to prepare sketches, layouts, and graphic elements of the subjects to be rendered. 
  • Collaborate effectively with team members and clients to deliver creative and results-oriented solutions. 

Success Factors 

You might be a good fit for this program if you would enjoy: 

  • Art and drawing 
  • Collaborating and connecting with others 
  • Listening to others and turning their words into a visual reality 
  • Telling compelling stories 

A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is strongly recommended given the potential need to travel for practicum placement. 

The industry and program environment require individuals to: 

  • Be reliable, punctual, and regularly attend work. 
  • Communicate effectively with team members and clients. 
  • Continually seek and be open to feedback and critiques. 
  • Listen to direction and act on that accordingly. 
  • Maintain professionalism and attention to detail and quality of work under tight deadlines and in a fast-paced environment. 
  • Manage projects and time effectively, meeting deadlines and delivering work within industry standards and best practices. 
  • Perform static tasks, such as sitting and using a computer. 
  • Perform physical tasks, such as operating and maintaining equipment of various sizes. 
  • Use and keep up to date with changes in technology and be willing to continuously learn and adapt. 
  • Work in a collaborative team environment or independently as the situation requires. 
  • Take ownership of work and be accountable for meeting deadlines, communicating progress, and solving problems independently as they arise. 

 

Admissions

  • A complete Manitoba Grade 12 or equivalent
  • English 40G/40S or equivalent with a minimum mark of 65%

English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirement. See assiniboine.net/elp for more information. 

International Applicants

If you are an international applicant, please read our Helpful Information for International Students prior to applying to this program.

Careers & Connections

Career Opportunities

  • Design firms
  • Advertising agencies
  • Game development studios
  • In-house creative departments
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Freelance

Connections

Assiniboine has a number of agreements with other colleges, universities and professional organizations, making it possible for students to apply credit taken at Assiniboine to programs at other institutions. For up-to-date information on agreements, visit assiniboine.net/registrar.

Tools & Supplies

Booklists are available from your school office 30 days prior to the start date of your program. The most current textbook info for the spring and summer terms are available on the Bookstore website.

Program Checklist and Textbooks/Supplies

Technology Requirements

Students in this program are required to bring their own laptop for use on-campus. The laptop must meet the technical needs outlined by the program. Refer to assiniboine.net/tech, Creative Media programs for detailed information.

 

Courses & Costs

Costs

Estimated Program Costs (Domestic students)
  Credits Tuition Course fees Students' Association fees (Inc Health Premium) Estimated textbooks, tools and supplies
Digital Art and Design (YR 1) 60 $3,450 $1,170 $470 $4,430
Digital Art and Design (YR 2) 61 $3,450 $1,660 $470 $340

All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.

Estimated Program Costs (International students)
  Credits Tuition Course Fees Students' Association fees (Inc Health Premium) Required Health Insurance Textbooks, Tools, & Supplies
Digital Art and Design (YR 1) 60 $15,530 $1,170 $470 $750 $4,430
Digital Art and Design (YR 2) 61 $15,530 $1,660 $470 $750 $340

All fees are estimated and are subject to change without notice. All international students must purchase health insurance. The college adds this fee to your student account and then sends your name and fee to the insurance provider on your behalf.

Courses

To graduate with a Digital Art and Design diploma, students must successfully complete 120 academic credits and 1 practical credit. The minimum passing grade for each course is indicated on the course outline. Course offerings are subject to change and may vary by intake.

Year One Courses
Title Credits/CEUs Elective Distance PLAR
Art & Design Fundamentals (ARTS-0022)

In this course, students study design fundamentals like elements & principles of design, typography concepts, and layout techniques that can be applied in a variety of media. Students use theory of value, harmony and contrast to help them create unified designs that evoke emotional responses from audiences. Aspects of indigeneity are incorporated by exploring traditional indigenous colours and symbols, and their meanings. Students use design thinking and problem-based learning processes to help them acquire critical and analytical skills they use throughout the program.

6 credit(s) No No No
Art, 3D & Motion (ARTS-0021)

Prerequisites: ARTS-0022 Art & Design Fundamentals, COMP-0624 Software Skills
This course is an introduction to digital painting and drawing tools and techniques. Students use art, design, and animation principles to create digital content for multiple platforms. Basic drawing and painting skills are taught. The course includes a broad introduction to 2D and 3D computer graphics and animation. Students create and model basic 3D models by studying techniques related to surfacing, lighting, cameras and animation fundamentals in 3D scenes.

6 credit(s) Yes No No
Business & Entrepreneurship 1 (BUSN-0194)

This course introduces students to basic practices and processes of professional development. Students learn processes and tools for project planning and management, as well as self-management of contractual work. Students propose and present projects and ideas in a clear and engaging manner. Development of self-awareness and self-regulation processes is a component of course.

6 credit(s) No No No
College Foundations (PEDV-0356)

This course improves students’ ability to navigate the college experience and environment, including student's rights, roles, and responsibilities. In this course, students reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and develop learning strategies to help them to become successful, resilient, and self-directed learners. The course covers topics such as success in online learning, time management strategies, learning strategies, assessment taking strategies, academic integrity, information and digital literacy, and wellness, among others. It integrates elements of student orientation.

0 credit(s) No No No
Digital Art & Design Studio 1 (COMP-0620)

Prerequisites: ARTS-0022 Art & Design Fundamentals, COMP-0624 Software Skills, MEDP-0100 Studio Skills
In this course, students develop advanced skills in digital content acquisition and editing. Focus is placed on refining the aesthetic and technical qualities of visual and audio assets. Strategies for critiquing and assessing work are also incorporated.

6 credit(s) No No No
Front-End Development (MEDP-0097)

Prerequisites: COMP-0623 Programming Fundamentals, ARTS-0022 Art & Design Fundamentals, COMP-0624 Software Skills
This course focuses on client side scripting using state of the art methods. Students learn how to customize the delivery of web content using popular web browsers and customize each user's interaction within a web site for viewing on mobile platforms and desktop computers and accessible to all audiences.

6 credit(s) Yes No No
Interactive Communications (COMM-0400)

This course prepares students to convey messages clearly, directly, and succinctly for a range of audiences. A variety of texts and communication methods, styles, and structures are examined, as well as best practices and ethical considerations for each. Research and project planning skills are introduced in this course.

6 credit(s) No No No
Programming Fundamentals (COMP-0623)

In this introductory course, students are introduced to many of the common coding concepts that comprise a solid foundation in just about any programming language. Processes of project and file management are further expanded on for work in networked environments.

6 credit(s) No No No
Software Skills (COMP-0624)

This course provide an introduction and overview of the industry standard software tools used for media production. Students select appropriate strategies and tools to develop digital content. Best practices in production collaboration & management methods are emphasized. Students gain an introductory understanding of the tools necessary to edit content.

6 credit(s) No No No
Storytelling & Content Writing (COMM-0401)

Since before the birth of civilization, human beings have used stories to understand and explain the world. Today, stories are incorporated into many forms of digital communication. This course provides students with the foundational skills to craft original, compelling stories to help make an impression with audience. This course exposes students to aspects of indigeneity by exploring the history and importance of oral storytelling.

6 credit(s) No No No
Studio Skills (MEDP-0100)

This course introduces students to technical gear needed to capture and edit professional quality video, audio, and images. Focus is placed on the professional details, fundamental skills, and best practices for successfully acquiring, sequencing, and presenting media content. Students troubleshoot technical issues related to cameras, video and audio gear, as well as how to communicate amongst team members using industry terminology and procedures.

6 credit(s) No No No
Typography & Brand (COMM-0402)

Prerequisites: ARTS-0022 Art & Design Fundamentals, COMP-0624 Software Skills
In this course, students examine design solutions and explore a world of typographic communication with the use of principles of composition, typography, and colour in a two-dimensional space. Students examine the impact of brands in the marketplace and businesses. Students use letterforms, interactions between type and image, visual hierarchy to evoke a story. Vocabulary and communications is integrated into the course content, so projects can be explained and critique based on principles of design and target audiences for print and on-screen media. Students implement design thinking process to acquire proper feedback and create different iterations of their designs.

6 credit(s) No No No
Year Two Courses
Title Credits/CEUs Elective Distance PLAR
Business & Entrepreneurship 2 (BUSN-0195)

Prerequisites: BUSN-0194 Business & Entrepreneurship 1, COMM-0401 Storytelling & Content Writing
Students learn from their current environment to identify new opportunities within the community to explore different business solutions. Students research the process of how to start a small business and the different support available locally and within the province. This course prepares students to start their own companies and know the legal connotations attached on doing this.

6 credit(s) No No No
Digital Art & Design Studio 2 (COMP-0621)

Prerequisites: COMP-0620 Digital Art & Design Studio 1, MEDP-0096 Editorial Design & Production, COMM-0402 Typography & Brand
Students develop a deep knowledge and use tools and techniques to create technically well-crafted and aesthetically pleasing designs. An emphasis is placed on the skills and concepts for conveying theme and concept for specific purposes and audiences. Students develop personal processes and practices for continued skill improvement.

12 credit(s) Yes No No
Editorial Design & Production (MEDP-0096)

Prerequisites: COMM-0402 Typography & Brand, COMP-0620 Digital Art & Design Studio 1 and MEDP-0097 Front-End Development or ARTS-0021 Art, 3D & Motion
In this course, students learn content distribution strategies based on their area of specialization. Students finalize production of different print and digital assets, making sure the client expectations have been met, as well as paying mind to audience accessibility. Students pursue further skills, to help them develop advanced techniques in their area of specialization.

12 credit(s) No No No
Integrative Capstone 1 - DGADS (MEDP-0106)

Prerequisites:COMM-0402 Typography & Brand, COMP-0620 Digital Art & Design Studio 1, BUSN-0194 Business & Entrepreneurship 1, COMM-0401 Storytelling & Content Writing
This course provides students with a work environment simulation. For the whole year, students produce commercial work for internal and external clients. They work with clients and practice communication, proposal writing, persuasion techniques, project management all the way to the delivery of the project. Students experience an open-minded creative environment that helps problem solve creative business opportunities.

6 credit(s) No No No
Integrative Capstone 2 - DGADS (MEDP-0107)

Prerequisites: ARTS-0022 Art & Design Fundamentals, MEDP-0106 Integrative Capstone 1 - DGADS, COMP-0624 Software Skills, MEDP-0100 Studio Skills
This course provides students with a work environment simulation. For the whole year, students produce commercial work for internal and external clients. They work with clients and practice communication, proposal writing, persuasion techniques, project management all the way to the delivery of the project. Students experience an open-minded environment that helps creatively problem solve business opportunities.

6 credit(s) No No No
Interactive Development (MEDP-0098)

Prerequisite: MEDP-0097 Front-End Development
In this course, students understand the context and standards set by the Interactive Designers, where the interactive developer job is to recommend the proper usage of emerging technologies to help enhance the user experience. Students learn how to create a seamless process by establishing proper standards and frameworks for effective integration and execution of prototypes.

6 credit(s) Yes No No
Mobile App Design Development (MEDP-0099)

Prerequisite: MEDP-0101 User Experience Design
This course expands on the knowledge and skills acquired in prerequisite courses. Students investigate user interaction principles and apply them to application development processes. Project work becomes more advanced with a focus on mobile application development for use on multiple platforms.

6 credit(s) Yes No No
Online Marketing (MKTG-0068)

Prerequisites: BUSN-0195 Business & Entrepreneurship 2, MEDP-0096 Editorial Design & Production, MEDP-0101 User Experience Design
This course prepares students to create strategic marketing campaigns and develop the necessary marketing materials required. Students examine current copyright laws, as well as explore ethics in the digital communication world. Students develop a brand in a digital environment, analyze how the user interacts with the brand, and propose changes based on these analytics.

6 credit(s) No No No
Practicum - DGADS (PRAC-0295)

Prerequisite: MEDP-0107 Integrative Capstone 2 - DGADS, Cumulative weighted grade point average (CWGPA) of 2.0 or greater.
Eligible students are assigned to an unpaid position for 320 hours to gain experience in a related industry firm. The work practicum is subject to prior approval of and monitoring by a faculty member. Placements are designed to complement the training and experience level achieved by the student. Credit is based on successful completion of the work practicum plus submission of evaluation by the employer. Work experience acquired prior to registration in the program is not eligible for this credit.

1 credit(s) No No No
User Experience Design (MEDP-0101)

Prerequisites: COMM-0401 Storytelling & Content Writing, COMM-0402 Typography & Brand
User Experience Design is the process of how the user interacts with the product, system or service - whether they are on a mobile, tablet, screen, 3D environment or physical space. Students learn the process and elements of UXD create stronger user experiences, taking into consideration the accessibility of these projects.

6 credit(s) No No No
XR Solutions (MEDP-0102)

Prerequisites: COMP-0623 Programming Fundamentals, MEDP-0101 User Experience Design
This advanced course introduces students to the potential of emerging visual technologies that extend, replace, and enhance our realities. Students learn processes for producing content and adding functionality for Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality applications. Students apply skill sets/concepts previously learned to new problems/tasks.

6 credit(s) No No No

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