Design Foundations

About the Program

Design Foundations is an intensive one-year certificate program that is intended for students who are interested in exploring a career in applied design and communications. This foundation year provides an opportunity to create a competitive and individual design portfolio, demonstrating skills in 2D and 3D design, drawing, life drawing, colour theory, idea development, presentation skills, portfolio development, digital production, design history, and written communication.

Students experience a year of goal-setting, guidance, skill development and refinement through a variety of hands-on projects. Students will plan, implement, and present visual communications in a wide range of media. Completion of this studio-based program will effectively prepare students for acceptance into a variety of programs leading to careers in the design and communication fields.

Program Information

Length: One-year Ontario College Certificate program
Delivery Sequence: Doon (Kitchener) - September/2020 - Fall | Winter
Location: Doon (Kitchener)
Start: September
First-Year Capacity: 85 - Doon (Kitchener)

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or 19 years of age or older with mature student status (See Mature Student definition for details.)
Grade 12 compulsory English, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1270)
For more information on preparatory programs, visit Academic Upgrading

Admission Procedures

An academic strength is calculated by averaging the submitted marks of required subjects. If more than one mark is received for a required subject, the highest mark will be used in the calculation.
Ten (10) additional marks are added to each Advanced level, OAC, U, U/C, and post-secondary course used in the calculation of academic strength.
A sound English background is important for success in this program and is considered during the admission selection process. Minimum cutoffs apply.

Program Requirements

Students will be required to purchase an art kit. Details about this requirement will be communicated upon confirmation of enrolment.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition fee details for the 2019-2020 year are listed below. Fees for the next academic year are unavailable at this time. Books and supplies are additional.

Domestic Fees

Estimated fees based upon the previous academic year (2019 / 2020) for Design Foundations - Program # 1186

Doon - Fall 2019 Level 1 & 2 (Program Start: 2019-09-03)
Description	Fall 2019	Winter 2020
Full-time Program Tuition	$1348.00	$1348.00
Recreation/Athletics Fee	$70.50	$70.50
Technology Enhancement Fee	$135.00	$135.00
Capital Development Fee	$74.83	$74.83
CSI Health Plan Fee	$295.00	$0.00
ONE Card Fee	$7.00	$7.00
CSI Legal Protection	$28.00	$0.00
CSI Advocacy Fee	$12.50	$12.50
CSI Event Fee	$40.00	$40.00
CSI Student Clubs	$3.50	$3.50
Locker Fee	$5.00	$5.00
Alumni Services	$5.00	$5.00
Student Spaces	$10.00	$10.00
Graduation fee	$15.00	$15.00
Academic Support Fee	$18.00	$18.00
CSI Academic Support Fee	$5.00	$5.00
Health and Wellness Fee	$20.00	$20.00
CSI Health and Wellness Fee	$10.00	$10.00
Career Services Fee	$10.00	$10.00
CSI Career Services Fee	$10.00	$10.00
Session Total	$2122.33	$1799.33
Year Total		$3921.66

International Fees

Estimated International fees based upon the previous academic year (2019 / 2020) for
Design Foundations - Program # 1186

Doon - Fall 2019 Level 1 & 2 (Program Start: 2019-09-03)
Description	Fall 2019	Winter 2020
International Program Tuition	$6250.00	$6250.00
Recreation/Athletics Fee	$70.50	$70.50
Technology Enhancement Fee	$135.00	$135.00
Capital Development Fee	$74.83	$74.83
CSI Health Plan Fee	$295.00	$0.00
ISR	$375.00	$375.00
ONE Card Fee	$7.00	$7.00
CSI Legal Protection	$28.00	$0.00
CSI International Health Fee	$500.00	$0.00
CSI Advocacy Fee	$12.50	$12.50
CSI Event Fee	$40.00	$40.00
CSI Student Clubs	$3.50	$3.50
Locker Fee	$5.00	$5.00
Alumni Services	$5.00	$5.00
Student Spaces	$10.00	$10.00
Graduation fee	$15.00	$15.00
Academic Support Fee	$18.00	$18.00
CSI Academic Support Fee	$5.00	$5.00
Health and Wellness Fee	$20.00	$20.00
CSI Health and Wellness Fee	$10.00	$10.00
Career Services Fee	$10.00	$10.00
CSI Career Services Fee	$10.00	$10.00
Session Total	$7899.33	$7076.33
Year Total		$14975.66

Financial Assistance

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs-based program designed to help Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance for educational costs and living expenses. These interest-free loans are intended to supplement your financial resources and those of your family. The majority of students apply for loan assistance via the OSAP website. Students can also print the application booklet through the OSAP website.

For more information, please visit Financial Services/Awards.

Graduate Opportunities

This program is designed to assist graduates in further academic pursuits by providing an opportunity for students to hone their skills in visual and verbal communications. A key component of this program is the production of a student portfolio of work that demonstrates a student's skills and knowledge levels and which is required during the admission process of certain programs within the School of Creative Industries. Graduates may pursue admission to Conestoga's Bachelor of Design (Honours) and Bachelor of Interior Design programs plus Conestoga's Advertising and Marketing Communications, Animation, Game - Design, Graphic Design, Interior Decorating, and Visual Merchandising Arts diploma programs.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Pathways & Credit Transfer

Conestoga pathways enable students to build on their academic achievements in order to earn a degree or additional credential. Pathways are formed through agreements between Conestoga programs or partner institutions.

Often applicants have earned credits from another college or university that may allow a student to be granted advanced standing or exemption. Learn more about credit transfer opportunities at Conestoga.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Conestoga recognizes prior learning of skills, knowledge or competencies that have been acquired through employment, formal and informal education, non-formal learning or other life experiences. Prior learning must be measurable at the required academic level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement. Challenge exams and portfolio development are the primary methods of assessment. Other methods of assessment may be available depending upon the nature of the course objectives. PLAR cannot be used by registered Conestoga students for the clearance of academic deficiencies, to improve grades or to obtain admission into a program.

Learn more about PLAR.

Program Courses

Course Details (1186)
Course Code	Course Title and Description
Level 1
ARTS1100	Introduction to Design Description: Using a variety of tools and visual exercises this course will introduce students to organizing elements and principles of two-dimensional design. Students will build technical skill as well as design knowledge. Elements such as line, space, texture, value, colour, and spatial illusion 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. Critical evaluation skills will play a key part of individual class discussion and group critiques. Hours: 84 Credits: 6 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
ARTS1110	Creative Process I Description: This course will explore the theories behind creativity and ideation, and will draw inspiration from a variety of sources including psychology and historical influence. 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. Hours: 56 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
ARTS1125	Life Drawing 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 traditional drawing media to complete both in-class and take-home projects to develop their skillset and build their portfolio. Life Drawing is a portfolio requirement for many programs and is an excellent addition to any portfolio. Hours: 42 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
ARTS1800	Introduction to Digital Design Description: This course is an introduction to digital design software and builds on the skills developed in Intro to Design. The emphasis of this course is on applying the elements and principles of design to solve visual problems using digital tools. Through demonstrations and in class exercises, students will strengthen their knowledge of design theory within a digital environment. Hours: 28 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
COMM1825	Foundations in Writing Description: This course will review and develop the student's writing skills as they relate to the workplace. Students will learn how to convey a message and create audience interest. Sentence structure, grammar, punctuation and the rules of composition will be covered. An introduction to research techniques and resources through project-based learning will form the basis for applications in other courses in the program of study. Hours: 42 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
COMM1835	Foundations in Presentation Skills Description: This course will provide students an opportunity to develop and hone their presentation skills through a variety of practical scenarios. Students will begin to produce materials that will contribute to their personal portfolios. Both individual and group work will be utilized in the development of visual and verbal presentations Hours: 42 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
CON0101	Conestoga 101 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: Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Level 2
ARTS1130	2D and 3D Design Description: This course builds upon design skill and involves discussion and practical application around both two-dimensional and three-dimensional design. Projects will explore terminology commonly used in two-dimensional and three-dimensional art and design including the elements and principles of design. Conceptual ideas of form will be developed through a series of lectures, images, and studio projects. Exercises will explore and utilize a variety of tools, materials, and techniques. Students will also demonstrate applied skills and critical thinking through in class design challenges. Hours: 56 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
ARTS1160	Digital Production Description: In this course students will learn to create digital designs from concept to completion, and will create press and web ready files using industry 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 develop an understanding of the production processes and procedures related to print and web applications and gain a working knowledge of technical requirements and efficiencies associated with the design and production process. Hours: 56 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
ARTS1820	Creative Process II 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: 112 Credits: 8 Pre-Requisites: ARTS1110 CoRequisites:
ARTS1830	Illustration 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:
COMM1730	Strategic Writing Description: This course builds off basic writing skills with a focus on persuasive writing for the design and communication field. Applications will include content creation, advertising, and promotion. Through lectures, discussion, research, in-class exercises and take home assignments students will implement written communication strategies into a variety of industry inspired or self-promotion projects. Hours: 28 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
HIST1040	A Concise History of Design Description: This course will give students an overview of predominant periods and key individuals that have impacted design in a variety of fields. It will highlight examples in design, art, fashion, interior design & architecture from across time and cultures. Students will explore the impact of design contributions within key periods and discuss the impact on today's visual aesthetics. This course will allow students to apply knowledge through studio-based projects and activities, and experience historical examples through field trips, 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. Students will gain a strong understanding of design from a variety of fields and cultures, which will help inform work in other courses and future programs of study. Hours: 42 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:

Program Outcomes

Create two and three-dimensional designs using a wide range of media, processes, and techniques.
Develop original design solutions by implementing the design process and theories of idea generation.
Apply the formal elements and principles of design to the creation of original designs.
Utilize visual, verbal, and written presentation skills in order to effectively communicate in presentations and interviews.
Articulate concepts, theories, and the history of art and design and its role in contemporary practice and society.
Develop and present an original portfolio of creative work in a range of media and skills through studio-based projects

Program Advisory Committees

The College appoints Program Advisory Committee members for diploma, degree, certificate and apprenticeship programs. Committees are composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. College representatives (students, faculty, and administrators) are resource persons. Each committee advises the Board on the development of new programs, the monitoring of existing programs and community acceptance of programs.

For a list of the current members, please visit our Program Advisory Committees.

Program Handbook

Handbook

Apply Now

Domestic students should apply online at www.ontariocolleges.ca or by phone at 1-888-892-2228. OntarioColleges.ca 60 Corporate Court Guelph, Ontario Canada N1G 5J3. Detailed steps on the application process may help you to apply.

International students should apply online using the Ontario Colleges.ca International applicant portal. Please note that not all programs are open to international students; check the list of open programs on our International Student Programs web page before applying.

For additional program information, call the Information Centre at 519-748-5220 ext 3656.

Disclaimer

The College reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees and to cancel at any time a program, course, or program major or option; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations, over-acceptance of offers of admission, budgetary constraints, or for other such reasons. In the event the College exercises such a right, the College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to the College.

Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.