The eLeve Graphic Design Certificate© is for people who would like to become graphic design professionals, freelancers, or simply brush up their skills to complement professional goals. Beginners learn the basics of software and design theory, while experienced designers can refresh skills, get up to date with methods and technology, and create designs that reflect personal aesthetics. While learning how to use Adobe’s professional grade software packages, participants gain experience and confidence completing real world print and multimedia projects, such as brochures, book jackets, animation and basic web design. After completing the certificate program, participants are ready with necessary skills to begin careers in graphic design. Modules are self-paced, and certificate completion can take as little as 3 months, but must be completed in a year.
The Graphic Design Certificate program offers 6 modules using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. An experienced professional designer guides students through the material and is available throughout the course to answer questions, share real world tips, and grade assignments. Real world projects offer the opportunity to create relevant design solutions, with a focus on design principles, typography, color theory, and some design history, too. Participants undertake one freelance project, study the job market and envision a career trajectory. Graduates of the program are positioned with an updated resume and an online graphic design portfolio to showcase their skill set, aesthetic direction and best work.
The eLeve Graphic Design Certificate© takes you through a series of projects and exercises designed for all levels of experience. All of the projects offer opportunities for conceptual and creative development, and at the same time can be applied to produce practical products that best highlight your skills for your portfolio.
The purpose of the certificate program is:
1. To develop and improve your design skills.
2. To practice design development habits, from brainstorming, to final product, which create the best solutions.
3. To increase experience with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign. (You may use Adobe CS and up, although it is recommended that you use the latest versions of the software. Some students have used similar freeware software programs like inkscape, gimp, and scribus.).
4. To create projects that highlight your personal aesthetic, ethic and interests, with a focus on concept, layout, typography, image and color.
5. To conclude with a stand-out online portfolio that best presents your professional capabilities whether for freelance, job-search, or school applications.
The eLeve Graphic Design Certificate© comprises 6 modules. In each module you are given reading, research and discussion topics, exercises, and portfolio projects. You have the opportunity to submit your work for critique over and over, until it is deemed "portfolio perfect."
Courses are guided by experienced instructors with a passion for design. Participants receive feedback and can rework projects until they are “portfolio ready.” Instructors recognize individual goals and strengths and are available 5 out of 7 days per week. Communication is handled through the online classroom discussion board, email and Skype.
Technological requirements: Before enrolling, please check hardware and software requirements. Students must have stable Internet access, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign and a PC or MAC. Software is not included in the course, and must be acquired and set up before class starts.
Timing: Coursework is guided by a live instructor, but is self-paced. It can take as little as 3 months but it must be completed within a year.
Textbooks: All of our classes use resources 100% freely available online and do not require a textbook. We will always suggest top, best-of-the-best books for each subject that you can purchase for your home design library.
Grading: ELeve is a non-degree granting institution. Most of our participants already hold degrees and have professional experience. The goal is for each assignment to be an opportunity for growth, discovery and professional development. Participants are encouraged to use each project assignment as an opportunity to pursue an image, idea, aesthetic or technique that holds personal and professional interest.
Each assignment will receive intensive feedback from the instructor, with suggestions for revisions, and a grade. Participants have the choice to continue with the revisions suggested by the instructor, or to set the project aside and move on the next one. You will receive feedback on every revision you make until you are personally satisfied with the outcome. The design process is developmental, and we approach each project as a work in progress. We want to see you reach, push and achieve much more than you thought you could.
