Courses

Color Theory
Discover color and its implications for designers and artists, such as the use of color to solve spatial problems. This course also examines color qualities, color harmony, and the way colors interact.

Introduction to Graphic Design
Explore the triad of visual communication — message, form, and audience — and apply this concept to typography, composition, and color. Projects focus on mastery of design fundamentals, as well as the process of ideation, research, prototyping, and testing.

After you complete these courses, your next step will be to enroll in the following:

Digital Graphics with Illustrator
Employ curves, lines, and shapes to make objects. Then color, manipulate, move, duplicate, scale, and rotate these objects to create graphics or artwork that are usable for print and the Web.

Digital Imaging with Photoshop
Acquire a working knowledge of this software platform — the industry standard for print, webpages, animation, presentation, video production, and enhancement of traditional and digital photography.

Graphic Design History
This course surveys graphic design from the mid–19th century through the digital revolution. You will focus on influential movements that include Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, Dada, Constructivism, De Stijl, Bauhaus, Neue Grafik, DIY Punk, and today’s digital landscape.

Three electives

Electives that fulfill certificate requirements include Typography I, Digital Layout: Adobe InDesign, Graphic Design 2, and more. 

Program Highlights

Who Should Enroll

• Students interested in visual communication
• Graphic designers who want to master of current best practices and software programs
• Other design professionals who are interested in incorporating graphic design, illustration, multimedia design, and package design into their work
• Digital designers and Web developers who need to learn the basics of graphic design and explore print formats

What You’ll Gain

• Basic design skills including concept, type, layout, and color
• An understanding of the relationship between photography, type, color, and other elements that yield a legible, compelling composition
• Training in industry-standard software
• Fluency in the process of conceptualization, design development, and execution

How You’ll Learn

• Engaging video lectures and interviews with industry experts
• Direct interaction with faculty practitioners at the top of their fields
• In-person and online collaboration in small classes, supported by video conferencing 
• Project-based learning focused on developing real-world skills and portfolio assets

Why The New School?

The professional landscape as we’ve known it has changed dramatically, and ongoing learning is more important now than ever before. At The New School, we champion every student’s creativity and growth. By combining integrated disciplines with collaborative problem solving, we deliver an immersive, transformative learning experience. With the leadership of Parsons School of Design—a globally top-ranked design school—our faculty imparts the critical expertise students need to advance their careers or pivot to a new one in a constantly evolving world.