What You’ll Learn

Digital Art & Animation Certificate Program

In collaboration with Artists & Artisans Development & Network (AADN), Canadian College of Business, Health & Arts Inc. has announced an online course for aspiring artists with the tools, resources, and training needed to thrive in the digital landscape.

 

Course Objectives

By the end of the program, students will:

•    Grasp the fundamentals of visual design and digital art

•    Learn key Adobe Creative Cloud tools (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects)

•    Create digital illustrations and paintings, social media graphics, visual identity and branding elements

•    Understand principles of motion design and animation

•    Develop portfolio-ready final projects (graphic design, branding, digital art, and animation)

​

Course Modules & Outline

 

Module 1: Foundations of Graphic & Digital Design

• Introduction to Visual Communication

• Color Theory & Color Harmonies

•  Typography Fundamentals

•  Alignments, Symmetry & Proportion in Design

•  Design Harmony & Balance

•  Principles of Graphic Design

 

Software Applications

Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign

 

Required Tools

Computer & Software Applications

 

Practice Assignment

Creating a poster art for print medium and adapting same design to various social media post sizes.

 

 

Module 2: Digital Art & 2D Illustration

​

• Introduction to Digital Art Styles

• Sketching & Line Work Techniques

• Digital Painting & Shading

• Character Design Basics

• Stylization & Storytelling Through Art

 

Software Applications

Adobe Photoshop

 

Required Tools

Drawing Tablet, Drawing Pen, Computer & Software Applications

 

Practice Assignment

Creating a stylized digital portrait or character

 

 

Module 3: Social Media & Brand Design

 

•  Designing for Social Media Platforms

•  Visual Identity & Branding

•  Layouts for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, & Twitter (X)

•  Creating Consistent Look & Feel

•  Designing for Social Media Engagement

 

Software Applications

Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop

​

Required Tools

Computer & Software Applications

 

Practice Assignment

Creating brand identity and a full-length social media campaign for an existing brand of choice or an imaginary brand.

​

Module 4: Motion Graphics & Animation Principles

 

•  Principles of Animation (Squash & Stretch, Timing, Anticipation, etc.)

•  Key-framing, Easing & Transitions

•  Introduction to Motion Graphics

•  Creating Simple Logo Reveals

•   Animated Illustrations & Text

•   Animated Vector-Based Characters

•   Exporting for Web & Social Media

 

Software Applications

Adobe After Effects, Adobe Media Encoder

 

Required Tools

Computer & Software Applications

 

Practice Assignment

Creating animated logo reveal, animated social media post with illustrations, objects, shapes, vector-based characters and text.

 

 

Module 5: Creative Software Intensive

 

•   Adobe Photoshop (Advanced Techniques, Digital Paintings & Composites)

•    Adobe Illustrator (Vector Art & Layouts)

•    Adobe InDesign (Multi-page Layouts, Portfolios, Ebooks, Magazines)

•    Adobe After Effects (Motion Templates, Reels)

•    Cross-software Workflows

 

Software Applications

Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Media Encoder

 

Required Tools

Drawing Tablet, Drawing Pen, Computer & Software Applications

 

Final Project

Final project will be assigned for self-paced completion. Deadlines must be met.​

Students must complete and submit the following by specified deadline to earn the certificate:

 

Weekly Assignments

All weekly assignments must be submitted before final deadline.

 

Digital Art Project

A fully illustrated character and environment artwork.

 

Social Media Design Pack

Branded content for a product/service (minimum 7 posts).

 

Motion Graphics Reel

10–20 second animated video using After Effects.

 

Portfolio Compilation

Static art must be assembled in InDesign and submitted as PDF. Animation reel should be assembled in After Effects and submitted as link..

 

Assessment Criteria

Creativity & Concept

Technical Proficiency

Consistency with Design Principles

Visual Appeal & Communication