Web designers

To work as a graphic designer or illustrator in B.C., you may choose to be certified by the Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD). Eligibility is achieved through a combination of education and work experience. 

To work as a graphic designer or illustrator in B.C., you may choose to be certified by the Design Professionals of Canada (DesCan). Eligibility is achieved through a combination of education, work experience, and work examples. 

Graphic designers and illustrators

This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to apply artistic and computer techniques to the interpretation of technical and commercial concepts. These programs include courses in computer-assisted art and design, printmaking, concepts sketching, technical drawing, color theory, imaging, studio technique, still and life modelling, multimedia applications, communication skills and commercial art business operations.

Graphic design

Industrial designers

University professors

Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers

Design Master's Degrees

Graphic Design Bachelor's Degrees

Web designers develop and create the visual presentation, layout and functionality of websites and related applications. They are responsible for ensuring that the website is easy to use, and that the information is easy to access. Web designers are employed in computer software development firms, information technology consulting firms, information technology units throughout the public and private sectors, advertising agencies or they may be self-employed.

Graphic designers conceptualize and produce graphic art and visual materials to effectively communicate information for publications, advertising, films, packaging, posters, signs and interactive media such as Web sites and CDs. They are employed by advertising and graphic design firms, by establishments with advertising or communications departments and by multimedia production companies, or they may be self-employed. Graphic designers who are also supervisors, project managers or consultants are included in this unit group. Illustrators conceptualize and create illustrations to represent information through images. They are almost solely self-employed.

Desktop publishing operators and related occupations

Graphic arts technicians

Graphic Design Diplomas

The Bachelor of Creative Industries (BCI) program aims to prepare you with knowledge and applied skills in three core areas: creativity, technology, and business.

This program will take the deep technical and discipline-specific skills students developed during their diploma programs and layer on critical thinking, strategic management, creativity, innovation, sustainability, inclusivity, and business incubation. Students from different diploma programs and diverse backgrounds will learn and work together to engage in the challenges and realities of an interdisciplinary role within the creative industries sector.

Bachelor of Creative Industries

Graphic designers function as creative problem solvers, design planners and strategists, as well as skilled communicators and technologists. They demonstrate a passion for design and creativity, have design and critical thinking skills, a solid understanding of business and marketing, well-developed research capabilities, and a broad based understanding of the social, cultural, and environmental implications of design. They are team players, team leaders, and can be employees, freelancers, or self-employed entrepreneurs. Graphic Design for Marketing Degree graduates will qualify for entry-level positions as graphic designers in firms providing corporations, small businesses, non-profit organizations, and others with services that may include such things as the creation of marketing strategies, interactive media design, publication design, advertising design, direct marketing design, and display design. Understanding consumer behaviour and end-user needs will also qualify the graduate for employment in marketing, advertising, or public relations firms that offer graphic design as one of their services.

Graphic Design for Marketing: Bachelor of Design Degree

The Graphic and Digital Design major of the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree is focused on being flexible and responsive to an increasingly complex world. Begin your degree with core skills in communication design, brand identity, interactive design, and dynamic media. Then move into years three and four taking courses in advanced design practice and creative leadership. Create impactful projects with industry partners and the community through practicums, applied research, and experiential learning. As part of the program, you build a portfolio that reflects your passion, leadership, and creative savvy gained through real-world projects, in-depth learning, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Graphic and Digital Design Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree - Major

The Bachelor of Design Degree in Graphic Design features lectures, studio classes, computer lab instruction, critiques, project work, portfolio development and a graduation show. You'll gain skills  in the areas of design, communication, technology, and business. Upon graduation you'll be prepared for work in new media and web design, packaging, illustration, animation, advertising, marketing communications design, art and creative direction, and more.

Educational Path

Graphic Design Bachelor's Degrees

Programs

Careers