Calgary is a city well known for its blend of natural beauty and urban refinement. Due to this it had become a fertile ground for aspiring graphic designers. The creative industries within Calgary have expanded over the last few years. Driven by it's diverse economy and cultural richness, the demand for skilled graphic designers in Calgary is rising. This has created ample opportunities for education and careers within this field.
This article will delve into the top institutions, courses and the numerous advantages of pursuing a graphic design education or career within the Alberta metropolis.
Canada has good art schools that offer Graphic Design classes all over the country.
Where Can I Study Graphic Design in Calgary?
There are several accredited institutes in Calgary, that provide encompassing graphic design programs. Each of these offer unique features and specializations.
Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts)
- Offerings: Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication Design, Continuing Education in Graphic Design
AUArts is an instituation which, as the naem suggests, is dedicated to art and design education. Established in 1926 as the Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD), the university achieved official status in 2019, showing its growth and academic excellence in the creative fields.
This university offers a range of specialized programs leading to Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Design (BDes) degrees, with majors in areas such as Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics, Glass, Photography, Media Arts, and Visual Communication Design.
- Highlights: AUArts is well known for its firm focus on both traditional and contemporary design. They offer programs that emphasize conceptual development, technical proficiency and innovative thinking supported by extensive studio experience which helps to prepare students for work after university.
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
- Offerings: Graphic Design Diploma, New Media Production and Design Diploma
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) is a highly regarded institution, backed by an extensive history since it began in 1916. There is a wide range of programs on offer including certificates, diplomas, applied degrees, and bachelor’s degrees spanning many disciplines. These include engineering technologies, business, IT, health sciences, media production and of course graphic design.
SAIT is recognized for its emphasis on experiential learning, utilizing the best industry tools, and providing a broad canvas for its students to explore their creative side.
- Highlights: SAIT offers a more practical industry oriented approach with a focus on current design tools and technologies. The curriculum includes digital media, print design, web development and interactive design. This prefers students to enter immediately into the workforce with both modern and industry standard skills.
Mount Royal University (MRU)
- Offerings: Bachelor of Communication – Information Design, Continuing Education in Graphic Design
Like SAIT, Mount Royal University has been around for a very long time. Since 1910, it has built its reputation as a high-quality public institution, evolving from a small college, into the university it is today.
MRU is particularly noted for its small class sizes, which create a supportive learning environment and allow for close interaction between students and staff. This personalized education is a hallmark of MRU, ensuring that students receive the attention and mentorship they need to succeed.
- Highlights: The programs offered at MRU integrate both theoretical and practical design applications into one course. They put an emphasis on user-centred design, information architecture and visual storytelling. The strong industry connections at MRU enhance job placement opportunities for graduates.
Bow Valley College
- Offerings: Digital Design Diploma, Graphic Design Certificate
Founded in 1965, Bow Valley College has grown into a leading institution that provides a wide range of programs designed to meet the needs of both students and the evolving job market. The college is known for providing support to students from all backgrounds with achieving their eductional goals.
Bow Valley College has flexible learning options, including full time, part time and even online arrangements, making it accesible to all students of all walks of life. This is backed by their strong network of student support services, helping students navigate their college journey successfully
- Highlights: Bow Valley college provides accessible and flexible learning options, which include part-time and online courses. They cover key areas like branding, typography, web designs and digital illustration with a strong focus on the development of a personal portfolio. Due to its focus on digital design, this college offers a very applicable current education.
If you live closer to Toronto and don't want to communte, Graphic Design classes and lessons are also available.
Why Should You Study Design In Calgary?
Calgary offers many unique advantages over other places when it comes to learning about and working as a Graphic Designer. Below are some of the main advantages.
- Innovative Learning Environment: The educational institutes in Calgary offer cutting edge resources and facilities, ensuring that students have access to the most up-to-date software and tools. This allows students to stay relevant in an ever evolving industry. The environment in Calgary is dynamic, which fosters creativity and innovation.
- Professional Network and Industry Ties: Calgary is host to many strong industry connections, including internship, co-op placements and collaborative projects with local businesses and organizations. This enables students to broaden their scope of graphic design, and also get onto the radar of companies and individuals they may want to work for or with.
- Diverse Educational Offerings: From comprehensive degrees to interim certificates, Calgary’s educational institutions cater to varying skill levels and career goals. These flexible learning options can allow working professionals to enhance their skills as well as allowing students to focus on more specific areas of graphic design.
- Thriving Creative Community: The spirited and vibrant arts and culture scene provides abundant inspiration and opportunities to collaborate. Students are easily able to engage with local art galleries, design studios and creative events.
Halifax has a lively art community where you can learn and study Graphic Design with peers.
What Career Prospects Can I Expect?
Calgary’s graphic design graduates are often well-prepared to enter directly into a variety of creative industries. The diverse economy and growing tech sector offer numerous career opportunities. These can include:
Advertising and Marketing
- Roles: Art Director, Visual Designer, Brand Strategist
- Description: This is a field which requires a graphic designer to create visually gripping content across a variety of different media. From websites to social media platforms, billboards or magazines, being able to show a brands message effectively within an allotted space is key.
- Local Companies: Critical Mass, Evans Hunt, ZGM Modern Marketing Partners
Web and Digital Design
- Roles: Web Designer, UX/UI Designer, Front-End Developer
- Description: These roles will involve designing and creating user-friendly websites and applications, combining aesthetics and functionality.
- Local Companies: Benevity, Solium, Robots and Pencils
Film and Television
- Roles: Motion Graphics Designer, Visual Effects Artist, Title Designer
- Description: Calgary's film and television sector has expanded significantly within recent times. This has opened the doors to many new jobs and opportunities for graphic designers who specialize in creating title screens, motion graphics or who work with visual effects.
- Local Companies: White Iron Productions, SEVEN24 Films, Joe Media Group
Publishing and Print Media
- Roles: Layout Designer, Print Production Artist, Editorial Designer
- Description: Designers in publishing are tasked with creating layouts and visual content for publishings such as magazines, books, newspapers and other forms of printed media.
- Local Companies: Glacier Media, The Vancouver Sun, Douglas & McIntyre
Corporate Design
- Roles: In-House Designer, Brand Manager, Marketing Coordinator
- Description: Many corporations will employ a graphic designer to help solidify their brand image, create marketing material, and assist with both internal and external communications.
- Local Companies: Suncor, Enbridge, Shaw Communications
Vancouver is another option for Graphic Design classes.
Emerging Fields and Specializations
As with any field, there will be certain specializations that some may choose to go into. Below are some of the specialized options for students or prospective graphic designers to potentially look into.
User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Design
- Growth Area: As technology companies rapidly expand, the demand for UX/UI designers who can create intuitive and engaging digital experiences is increasing. These roles often involve user research, wireframing, prototyping and usability testing.
- Key Skills: User research, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing
Environmental and Spatial Design
- Growth Area: Designers who work in this area will be creating graphics for physical spaces such as retail stores, exhibitions and public installations, enhancing the visual impact on customers and creating a better user experience.
- Key Skills: Spatial awareness, environmental branding, signage design, interior graphics
Freelancing and Entrepreneurship
- Growth Area: A lot of graphic designers will choose to work freelance careers, or create their own studio. This approach offers much more flexibility and opportunities to work with clients on a variety of projects.
- Key Skills: Business management, client relations, marketing, project management
Networking and Professional Development
If you are someone who is new to the area of design, it may be hard to find your footing within the professional scene. Networking is a huge part of getting your name into the eyes of people you might want to work for or with.
Professional Associations
- Organizations: Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC), AIGA, International Council of Design (ico-D)
- Benefits: Membership in these organizations provides access to industry resources, professional development opportunities, networking events and support within your career.
Design Conferences and Events
- Events: Calgary Design Week, Creative Mornings Calgary, PechaKucha Night Calgary
- Description: These events offer platforms for new or established designers to showcase their work, learn from experts in their field and connect with peers.
Workshops and Continuing Education
- Opportunities: Local institutions and design studios offer workshops and courses in advanced design techniques, software training, and emerging trends to help designers stay current even after receiving a degree or diploma. This is a useful way for working professionals or people making their start in graphic design to stay relevant and up to date in an ever growing area.
You can study Graphic Design in Montreal if it's closer to you.
Conclusion
Taking graphic design classes in Calgary provides a mix of artistic development, professional preparation and technical training. With the amount of acclaimed institutions and the vibrant scene filled with distinct cultures, Calgary is an amazing place for any aspiring graphic designer to sharpen their skills and kick-start their career.
Graphic designers significantly impact Calgary’s creative economy by working with and supporting local businesses, technological innovations and cultural innovations.
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