Graphic Design Academy Online offers a content-rich, highly focused curriculum that takes full advantage of the power of the internet to foster communication, learning, and skill acquisition.
All correspondence is done via E Mail

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Will I have any contact with my classmates?

Those students who want to be contacted will be given the other willing students E mail addresses of their class mates to chat.

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Can I contact the lecturer if I need help?

Yes you can contact a lecturer any reasonable time via e-mail and you will receive a reply as soon as possible.

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What are the components of online classes, and how do I participate?

You can contact the lecturer anytime via e-mail and receive an answer as soon as possible during work hours/days. Assignments will be e- mailed to you in stages.

The completed assignments MUST be done within the allocated time frame for each module.
You will be given clear participation requirements with your course content.

Just think - you never have to worry about getting to class on time because the content is available to you whenever you are ready- (with time constraints of course)

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How are assignments done and returned?

You receive assignments via e-mail with your corresponding notes. You then have a certain time period to study your notes and to do your assignment.

The student will then complete the assignment which is saved in jpeg format from popular software for example:In-design, Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and then saved as a JPEG file and sent to the lecturer via e-mail.

The lecturer will then mark your assignment on an evaluation form and give feedback.

Students may send 2 - 3 options first for a critique and advice to make changes before the final assignment is done.

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Should I have a MAC or a PC Computer?

You can use either Mac or PC. The software mentioned below is the most widely used internationally and locally and is all you need to cover all aspects of Graphic design.

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What software is recommended for the course

Indesign: Software used mainly for more than 4 pages of text and pictures like brochures or magazines

Photoshop: Picture/photo manipulation and design tools (limited drawing tools)

Adobe Illustrator: for drawing vector artwork and text. Single/double page adverts with picture placements. Drawings/shapes can then be exported to Photoshop for further enhancement.

Optional- Dreamweaver: Used to make up websites

NOTE: These programe's can all come in one package namely Adobe Master Collection CS3 or CS4

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Is training provided for the recommended software

Yes we have excellent CD tutorials that can be purchased. These show detailed onscreen software footage with voice over on 'how to use' examples of all the functions and tools.

These tutorials are easy to follow as you watch the program being used, is much cheaper than doing an actual course and can be reviewed as often as you like.

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Can other software be used

Yes if you prefer. For example Coral Draw, Aldus Freehand and other superior programs.

Remember that the recommended software is the most widely used.

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Course Outline

Basics of Graphic Design

Design Basics
1. Lines
2. Shapes
3. Mass
4. Texture
5. Color

Principles of Design - All Important Layout Aspects of Design:

1. Balance
2. Proximity/Unity
3. Alignment
4. Repetition/Consistency
5. Contrast
6. White Space
7. Positive and Negative Space
8. Space and Volume
9. Layers and page Grids
10. Framing image and text

Visual Communication –Start to finish

1. Visual communication
2. Deeper Insights
3. Perceiving Visual Messages
4. The Design Process
5. Design Research process
6. Concept development - visualizing ideas and Thumbnails
7. Selling the Concept
8. Presentation tips

Design and Layout Overview:

1. Grids
2. Page Elements
3. Visual impact and flow (Visual Hierarchy)pg83 CompleteGD

Branding:

Brands are made in the mind- General overview

Theory in Reproduction and printing principles:

1. Printing Theory Graphic Designers must know.

Typography:

1. The art of lettering, spacing, size and appropriate usage

Theory and assignments on the following:

1. Advertisements.
2. Invitations
3. Posters
4. Brochure Design
5. Publication Design
6. Annual Reports
7. Catalog Design
8. Packaging Design
9. Corporate Identity

Basic Photography
1. Principles of photography
2. Lighting
3. Camera Functions

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Accreditation:

What accreditation does the course have:

Application is still pending National Diploma in Graphic Design 1

You get a certificate of National Diploma in GRAPHIC DESIGN 1- what is the most important in this particular industry is a GOOD PORTFOLIO. The clients want to see what you can do, rather than what a piece of paper says. You can study to be a marketing manager but you cant study to be talented or gifted.. We teach you how to practivally make up your portfolio to get a job which will look good with guidance and your talent.

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Creating The Perfect Portfolio

If you’re a designer looking for a job—whether of the freelance or permanent variety—then an online portfolio is pretty much mandatory. In many instances, your portfolio will be looked at without you present, without any other information about you, and probably by a person who has never spoken to or seen you in person. If your portfolio has to stand alone in a critical situation like hiring, it’s worth spending some time making sure it’s going to get the job done!
You should remember that a potential employer will probably make up their mind within the first half-dozen pieces you show—if you’ve got the goods, so only put in your best

Portfolios to get hired

In this case your audience is clearly potential employers. These people will certainly have a keen sense of aesthetics, and may even be designers themselves, although that isn’t always the case. This audience will be looking to see the quality of your work, but also what involvement you had in each project, find out a bit about you, and discover how your work can help them in their business.