1. Art and Design Foundation Studies Offer Groundwork in
Traditional and Modern Art Forms
Among the wide array of programs offered at Centennial College is a group of programs called
College and University Preparation programs. Students who attend these programs are seeking a
pathway to prepare for further post-secondary education at university or college with the college’s
small classes, experienced faculty and overview experience.
The Art and Design Foundation Studies is one such offering. It is intended for those who would
like to take their artistic talents and hone them in in order to launch creative careers. In fact, at
the conclusion of the program, students compile a portfolio and are prepared to apply for
programs in Digital Animation, Interactive Digital Media, Fine Arts Studio, Game Design, Graphic
Design - Media, and Product & Industrial Design.
To get them fully prepared are two semesters worth of courses that combine traditional and
modern art forms such as life drawing and design, digital imaging and interactive design. In large
studios based at the Story Arts Centre (Centennial College’s hub for all things creative), students
also develop a familiarity with digital media that is complemented with a practical understanding
of drawing, colour theory and 3D art and design.
Here is a look at select courses within this art design college program.
Visual Design Fundamentals: Fine arts, design and illustration design basics are all covered in
this offering. The class uses projects, written assignments and critiques, to teach students to
design original artwork using principles of design, colour, and typography; apply all stages of
design process, focusing on research, multiple solution, constructive criticism, and presentation
skills; and become experts in issues pertaining to the historical and cultural context of design.
Digital Imaging: Digital imaging is a part of not just photography careers but also many others
including journalism and book and magazine publishing. In this course, learn to use the Macintosh
operating system and Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator to manipulate images they
themselves have produced using films and digital cameras. Successful student will leave the
course with a portfolio of imagery.
Digital Art and Design Studio: To understand both the creative potential and practical
application of digital media, students apply design fundamentals to computer application,
extending their use of image editing, illustration and page layout techniques, web-design and
animation and multimedia design. Hands-on experience is provided through teamwork that
addresses realistic design and communication problems. Analysis and constructive criticism of
design work are also incorporated.
Portfolio Development: Each class in this offering includes a portfolio-building component and in
this course students compile all of their portfolios into one. This is then used as a personal
development and communication tool. Instruction in this class includes seminars, presentations,
interviews and critiques.