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View our Virtual tourCourses - January 2026
Level 1
Course details
Introduction to Design
ARTS1100
Description:
This course will introduce students to the theories for visually organizing elements and principles of two-dimensional design in order to produce effective compositions. Students will build technical skill as well as design knowledge. Elements of design (line, shape, space, texture, value, and colour) will be related to the principles of design (balance, proportion, repetition, contrast, harmony, unity, contrast, emphasis, and movement) to enable the student to employ visual awareness and dynamics in the field of two-dimensional design. A variety of tools, materials, and techniques will be explored in the creation of final designs. Critical evaluation skills will play a key part of individual class discussion and group critiques.
- Hours: 84
- Credits: 6
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Creative Process I
ARTS1110
Description:
The theories behind creativity and ideation will be explored in this course. Students will draw inspiration from a variety of sources including psychology and the history of art and design. Research, brainstorming, lateral and divergent thinking, inspiration, writing, mind mapping, and drawing will be explored and utilized to generate ideas and solve design problems. Students will learn how to utilize the creative process to take an initial concept though to a finished form, which will contribute to the development of their personal portfolios. A variety of traditional and experimental media and techniques will be explored. Critical thinking skills will be integrated into discussion of design concepts and group critique.
- Hours: 56
- Credits: 4
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Life Drawing
ARTS1125
Description:
This drawing course will introduce students to the practice of Life Drawing and will help build an understanding of proportion and basic human anatomy. Students will learn traditional observational drawing techniques while working with live nude models in both short and sustained poses. Concepts such as armature, gesture, contour, tonal shading, and cubic form will be employed as students create increasingly more complex observational drawings. Students will use a range of traditional drawing media and techniques to execute drawings. Life Drawing is a portfolio requirement for many programs and is an excellent addition to any portfolio.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Introduction to Digital Design
ARTS1805
Description:
This course will introduce students to the tools and applications of industry digital design software and when each should be used. Students will learn basic tools, commands, and file management while working in the digital environment. Through demonstrations, exercises, and projects, students will strengthen their knowledge of design theory as they apply the elements and principles of design to compositions within a digital environment.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Portfolio and Design Presentation Skills
COMM1008
Description:
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop and hone their presentation skills with a focus on preparing and pitching a portfolio of creative work. Both individual and group work will be utilized in the development of visual, verbal, and vocal presentation skills. Students will develop strategies to organize and present information and visual portfolio work in a variety of formats to various audiences.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Foundations in Writing
COMM1825
Description:
This course will develop essential writing skills as they relate to media. Students will learn how to convey a message effectively to a targeted audience. Sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, and the rules of composition will be covered. An introduction to research techniques and resources will form the basis for applications in other courses within the program.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Conestoga 101
CON0101
Description:
This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
- Hours: 1
- Credits: 0
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Level 2
Course details
2D and 3D Design
ARTS1130
Description:
This course builds upon the design theory introduced in Intro to Design, and introduces students to the principles of economy, movement, and time, as well as the elements and principles of three-dimensional design. The creative process will be utilized to develop original concepts and design solutions for a variety of industry-inspired projects. Students will explore and utilize a variety of traditional and nontraditional tools, materials, and techniques as they produce two and three-dimensional designs. Students will also demonstrate applied skills and critical thinking through class discussion, critique, and design challenges.
- Hours: 56
- Credits: 4
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Digital Production
ARTS1160
Description:
In this course students will learn to create digital designs from concept to completion, and will create press, online and mobile ready files using industry standard software. Through a series of exercises and projects, students will further develop their visual literacy by applying the creative process and design theory to the digital environment. Students will gain a working knowledge of technical requirements and efficiencies associated with the design and production process.
- Hours: 56
- Credits: 4
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Creative Process II
ARTS1825
Description:
This course is a continuation of ARTS1110 – Creative Process I and further explores the theories associated with the development of creative ideas. This course will allow students to strategize and engage with the creative processes of the industry. Research, brainstorming, inspiration, and idea generation strategies will be utilized to solve increasingly complex visual communication problems. By applying these strategies to industry inspired projects, students will gain the necessary tools to take their initial concepts to the finished presentation stage as they develop work for their personal portfolios.
- Hours: 98
- Credits: 7
- Pre-Requisites: ARTS1110
- CoRequisites:
Illustration
ARTS1830
Description:
In this course students will further develop drawing skill and continue to create more professional portfolio pieces with an emphasis on a variety of illustrative techniques. Traditional freehand drawing and painting media such as acrylic, watercolour, ink, pencil crayon, and conte are studied with more emphasis on self-exploration and inspiration from other artists. Students will also learn to use drafting tools to produce precision technical illustrations as well as proper perspective drawings. Students will understand the role of illustration as an effective visual communication tool in industry scenarios.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Portfolio Strategies
COMM1733
Description:
In this course students will learn strategies for finalizing a design portfolio geared toward their chosen creative direction. Students will apply critical thinking and analysis in selecting, refining, and establishing the final pieces for their portfolio. Throughout this process, students will also develop strategic writing strategies to communicate their concept and design decisions to the intended audience. In addition, they will learn best practices for establishing a professional online presence through visual and written communication. These approaches will prepare students for future interviews and applications through focused portfolio development.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
A Concise History of Design
HIST1040
Description:
This course will give students an overview of predominant periods and key individuals that have impacted design across cultures in a variety of fields such as graphic design, art, fashion, interior design, and architecture. Students will apply this knowledge through studio-based projects and activities and will experience historical examples through videos and online resources. Students will acquire the tools to recognize and apply visual aesthetics and techniques of the past, and will be encouraged to incorporate these aspects into original works.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Program outcomes
- Utilize design theory and a wide range of materials, techniques, and technology to create two and three-dimensional designs.
- Implement design processes and theories of idea generation to create original concepts that solve design problems.
- Utilize industry terminology in the form of written rationales and presentations to articulate design decisions.
- Apply historical concepts and methods of art and design to articulate their influence in contemporary work.
- Develop an original collection of creative work in a range of traditional and digital media and styles to present in a comprehensive portfolio.
- Communicate professionally using appropriate language, strategies, and techniques to foster interpersonal relationships and a digital presence.