Packaging design is a complex design process, incor-
porating protection and storage elements, with aesthetic
considerations. Packaging designers must overcome
a variety of technical constraints in order to produce
quality functional designs. The Certificate IV introduces
students to packaging design, and they continue to
develop their skills in the Diploma. Packaging design
contributes to a large part of the major project in the
Advanced Diploma.
Publication design involves the design of editorial content,
thus it is also referred to as editorial design. The publi-
cation designer makes content accessible and enhances
the readers' experience. The design of books, magazines,
catalogues and brochures is the staple diet of a publication
designer. Publication design is the major focus of our
Certificate IV,but contributes to projects undertaken in
following semesters.
Typography underpins most areas of graphic design,
and incorporates the creation and design of fonts and
type treatment. Many typographers own digital type
foundries. These are companies that license, publish
and sell fonts for commercial use. Typography is
fundamental to our curriculum, so we introduce it in
the Certificate III, and visit it in every following module.
A design campaign is the application of a concept across
many media types. A campaign requires the designer to
adapt their designs to fit the context in which they are
used, and challenges their consistency. Campaigns are
introduced in our Diploma and form the backbone of the
major projectin the Advanced Diploma.
Advertising involves creating specific visuals and
messages to sell, persuade, or to provoke people
on behalf of a group or brand. Advertising design
may cover mediums such as print, electronic, radio,
outdoor and ambient mediums. Advertising design
in introduced in the Certificate IV, and built upon
in the Diploma and Advanced Diploma.
A portfolio is a showcase of a designers work. It puts
forward their unique style and personality and highlight
the strengths in their work. A portfolio is the most
important outcome of any study undertaken at Design
College Australia, as it is fundamental to job placement
within design. Portfolios are undertaken in every full
and part-time course.
Photoimaging is a blend of digital photography and
graphic design. It combines image capture with concept
development and graphic elements to create images
which communicate a message. We offer a Certificate IV
in Photoimaging. Photoimaging techniques are covered
to an introductory level in our Diploma and Advanced Dip.
Illustration is the closest aspect of design to traditional
art techniques. However, it is no longer simply a matter
of charcoal on paper. Today it combines traditional hand
drawing techniques with a range of art materials and
software applications such as Adobe Illustrator. Illustration
forms the major substance of projects in the Certificate III,
but is relied on throughout all our courses, and in fact a
designer's entire career.
Multimedia design utilises a combination of still and motion
images and sound. It is often referred to as new media,
and encompasses web and mobile phone technologies.
Design College Australia has a curriculum that builds
student's understanding of multimedia on a strong foun-
dingin design. For this reason, multimedia is covered in
the Diploma and Advanced Diploma modules of our course.
Identity design involves the creation of a visual program
intended to establish a consistent appearance for a brand
or group. Identity design is also known as corporate
identity and brand identity. We deliver identity design
in our Certificate III, and students undertake it all following
modules of the course.
Our students immerse themselves in the world of design,
taking advantage of the unique blend of opportunities and
experiences offered by DCA. The creative environment
combines work and play to encourage discovery,
exploration and experimentation.
