Graphic Design I (online) | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Graphic Design I (online)

Learn the foundational principles and practices of graphic design, including color theory, typography, design history and contemporary applications within the design field.

Course description

Through hands-on projects, apply core design principles and elements to solve visual communication challenges in both print and digital media, building a vocabulary to create aesthetically effective and conceptually sound designs. Complete assignments using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop and gain proficiency with essential tools, techniques, shortcut commands and effective file management. / Students will have access to Adobe Creative Cloud software throughout the class. / This is the first course that can be taken towards the Graphic Design Certificate.

Open to students ages 18 and above. Review complete policies, including class cancellation policies, before completing your registration.

Class meeting details

This online course is asynchronous, meaning that there are no set class meeting times. Instead, the course is project-based, with 2 to 3 deadlines per week, and students can choose a time and place that works best for them to complete the work. Course activities may include readings; video demonstrations and tutorials; online discussions; projects; and critiques.

Prerequisites

Previous experience with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustration) helpful, but not required.

Required materials

Supplies
Pen or pencil; notebook or sketchbook; USB drive or cloud storage option for saving work.

Software
Adobe Creative Cloud (provided by MCAD)

Hardware
A computer capable of running Adobe Creative Cloud software, with internet access, a camera or scanner to capture and upload work.

Recommended readings
History:

Contemporary:

Principles:

Fun & Beginner:

Class resources

This class uses Adobe and Canvas, MCAD’s learning management system. Please see links for more information.

Class savings

Register on or before May 12 and save $25.
Register for more than one class at a time and receive $25 off each additional class (same-day registrations only).
Additional savings. Are you eligible?

Questions?

Contact MCAD Continuing Education at continuing_education@mcad.edu or call 612.874.3765.

Register

Title
Non-credit Tuition
$600.00
Not Yet Open for Registration

Registration opens April 28.

  • Date:
    -
  • Time:
    Asynchronous
  • Day(s) of the week:
    Asynchronous
  • Ages:
    Open to students ages 18 and above.
  • Term:
    Summer 2025
  • Instructor: Julie Benda
  • Location:
    Online
  • SKU:
    VC 9411 20 SU25

Prerequisites:

Previous experience with Adobe Creative Cloud helpful, but not required.

Address

2501 Stevens Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404

Contact Us

612.874.3700
800.874.MCAD (6223)
Fax: 612.874.3701

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Land Acknowledgement

The Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) acknowledges it is located on traditional, ancestral, and contemporary lands of Indigenous people. This is the ancestral homeland of the Dakota and Ojibwe people, who were forcibly exiled from the land because of aggressive and persistent settler colonialism. We recognize that this place has a complex and layered history. As a community dedicated to creativity, MCAD is committed to ongoing efforts to support and advocate for American Indian Nations and peoples.


Nondiscrimination Policy

MCAD admits students of any race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or marital status to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, or marital status in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.