GRAPHIC DESIGN & DYNAMIC MEDIA DIPLOMA

Program Duration: 2 years (84 weeks - 1680 hrs.)

Your Instructors: Victor Del Castillo, Mark den Boer

Prices: Domestic $25,950.00

Prices: International $27,950.00

Location: 1888 West 1st Ave

Start dates: January, May, September

A Blueprint for Imagination: Building Your Creative Career

Bring ideas to life with The Cut Design Academy’s Graphic Design Diploma, a comprehensive 2-year program that serves as a roadmap to masterful storytelling. Developed to equip you with the skills, tools, and industry experience needed to excel in today’s competitive design world, you’ll learn how to express ideas and emotions through the art of design, creating visuals that capture attention and leave a lasting impression. Whether you dream of creating stunning artwork, developing user-friendly interfaces, or leading creative campaigns, this program

prepares you for a wide range of design and digital media opportunities.

Our Graphic Design Diploma Program spans two years and six terms, offering a balance of theory, practical skills, and real-world experience.

  1. Weekly Schedule:
    -12 hours of instructor-led lectures.
    - 8 hours of lab time dedicated to project-based learning.

  2. Curriculum Highlights:

    Build a strong foundation in design principles, master modern tools and techniques, and develop a creative mindset to tackle industry challenges.

For those seeking even more experience, our optional 3-Year Co-operative Program offers hands-on training with real industry exposure. Graduate with:

  • An industry-standard portfolio showcasing your best work.

  • Practical expertise to secure roles in top companies or start your graphic design business.

Program Overview

By the end of this program, you’ll be equipped with both the technical expertise and artistic insight that global employers and clients are searching for. With the rise of digital marketing, user experience design, and e-commerce, a graphic design career is as dynamic as it is rewarding.

Key Skills You’ll Master:

  • Visual Design: Develop an eye for aesthetics and create visually compelling designs.

  • Web Design UI/UX: Learn to craft user-friendly digital experiences that combine functionality with creativity.

  • Ideation & Design: Turn concepts into impactful designs through creative brainstorming and execution.

  • Business Management: Gain entrepreneurial skills to launch and manage your own design business.

  • Animation & Dynamic Media: Bring your designs to life through 2D and 3D animation techniques.

Learning Objectives:

  • Hands-On Training: Immerse yourself in real-world projects to sharpen your skills.

  • Industry-Experienced Instructors: Learn from professionals who know what it takes to succeed.

  • Co-Op Program: Gain valuable work experience while building a standout portfolio.

  • State-of-the-Art Campus: Study in our cutting-edge facilities at 1888 West 1st Ave.

  • Flexible Pathways: Opt for the 2-year program or the 3-year co-op option to suit your career goals.

Why Choose The Cut Design Academy?

Career Opportunities

Whether you want to join a creative agency, freelance on your own terms, or launch your own brand, graduates of The Cut Design Academy’s Graphic Design Diploma program are ready to pursue an exciting array of careers, including:

  • Illustrator

  • Digital Artist

  • Layout Designer

  • Graphic Artist

  • Advertising Designer

  • Web Designer

  • 2D Animator

  • 3D Animator

  • Graphic Designer

  • UI/UX Designer

  • Visual Designer

  • Digital Marketing Specialist

  • Art Director

With personalized mentorship, cutting-edge tools, and an inspiring curriculum, we’ll guide you every step of the way, and with our strong industry connections, a Graphic Design Diploma can turn your imagination into a thriving career.

Meet your professors

Our advanced diploma in graphic design course is taught by industry experts, along with guest speakers who are leaders in the field. These professionals share their extensive knowledge and experience, giving students insights into the latest trends and practices in design. Whether you are looking to pursue a diploma in graphic design to start your career or want to upskill with advanced courses, this program has everything you need.

Mark den Boer

Mark has been teaching post-secondary design for 24 years at various colleges in Vancouver. He graduated from Alberta University for the Arts (AUArts - originally ACAD) and served as the Graduation Council Chair during the 1990-91 season. A self-admitted polymath with a computing science background, Mark has spent 33 years as a ‘Hybrid for Hire,’ running his freelance business in Vancouver. He offers clients top-quality corporate design, art direction, advertising, product photography, and CAD. His European background provides a broad foundation of design aesthetics and art history, which he integrates into his course lectures.
He is deeply committed to networking within the artistic communities, which helps foster resources that make us more effective, stronger, and productive.

Victor Del Castillo

Victor Del Castillo is a seasoned Senior UX/UI Visual Designer with a diverse background in gaming and advertising. With over a decade in the games industry and extensive experience in graphic design, he's contributed to 12 shipped titles and worked on 15 others across various platforms. Based in Vancouver, Canada, Victor also serves as a mentor and instructor at multiple universities while excelling as a Senior Artist at Gearbox Software. His expertise has earned him numerous national and international awards in advertising and gaming. Victor’s role as an educator enables him to share his knowledge, helping students in our Graphic Design Diploma program develop essential skills for their future careers.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions, we have answers.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for in our FAQ section below, use our online submission form.

 
 

 This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
The Cut Design Academy is designated with PTIB

  • The program duration is 2 years, which spans 84 weeks and consists of 1,680 hours of coursework.

  • The program is taught by industry experts, including Talia Cohen, Victor Del Castillo, and Mark den Boer. Each brings extensive experience in graphic design, UI/UX, and dynamic media.

  • The program has three intake periods each year: January, May, and September.

  • The program is held at The Cut Design Institute’s address at 1888 West 1st Ave.

  • While the program fee covers tuition, additional costs for materials or supplies may apply depending on course requirements. For more details, please contact the program administration.

  • The tuition fee for domestic students is $25,950.

  • International students pay a tuition fee of $27,950.

  • For information about the co-op program cost, please reach out to the admissions office. The co-op program extends the duration to 3 years, allowing students to gain valuable industry experience.

  • The program covers a broad range of topics, including:

    • Visual Design

    • Web Design UI/UX

    • Ideation & Design

    • Business Management

    • Animation

    • Dynamic Media

  • To apply for the program, candidates must meet the following requirements:

    • High school graduation or equivalent, or mature student status (19+)

    • Admissions interview (in person or via Skype) with the Dean or Director of Admissions

    • Submission of a Letter of Intent describing career goals (minimum 250 words)

    • English proficiency at a B2 level (IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 57 internet-based, 63 computer-based, or FCE Exam), if English is not the first language or previous education was not in English

  • Students will acquire skills in:

    • Graphic design fundamentals and advanced techniques

    • UI/UX design for web and mobile platforms

    • Animation and dynamic media creation

    • Business and project management within creative industries

    • Real-world problem-solving and portfolio development

  • Graduates of the program can pursue careers such as:

    • Graphic Designer

    • UI/UX Designer

    • Visual Designer

    • Digital Marketing Specialist

    • Art Director

    These roles span industries such as advertising, web development, gaming, and more.

  • The program is designed to meet industry standards. For specific accreditation details, please contact the admissions office.

  • To speak with a student advisor, you can reach out via email or phone through the contact information listed on the program’s website. Advisors can assist with course information, application guidance, and other inquiries.

  • More information about the program, including detailed course descriptions, can be found on the official website. You can also schedule a call or visit with a student advisor to learn more.

  • The co-op program extends the diploma to 3 years, allowing students to gain hands-on experience by working in the industry. This experience helps build an industry-standard portfolio, enhancing career readiness.

  • The program consists of 12 hours of instructor-led lectures and 8 hours of lab time each week, totaling 20 hours of structured learning.

  • Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency at a B2 level. Acceptable exams include:

    • IELTS: 5.5

    • TOEFL: 57 (internet-based) or 63 (computer-based)

    • FCE Exam or an equivalent assessment

  • Yes, you can apply for the program online. Visit the program’s website to complete the application form, submit the required documents, and arrange for your admissions interview.