The Certificate in Digital Media + Design introduces students to the fundamental principles of Digital Media and Design, providing a foundation of understanding, evidenced in a comprehensive portfolio and appropriate to further study in any design/arts-related area.

The emphasis is on practical projects and a broad understanding of digital media and design issues but is supported by conceptual content and knowledge. This ensures that students develop appropriate thinking skills and can manage projects/briefs under broad guidance; and gain a broad base of art and design-related knowledge so they are equipped with the learning strategies, attitudes and skills for further tertiary study.

Graduates will produce a portfolio and gain a broad knowledge of digital media and design-related subjects to ensure they are equipped with the learning strategies, attitudes, and self-management skills for further tertiary study and/or entry-level vocations.

Graduates will gain skills and knowledge to fill junior assistant and/or support roles in creative and/or arts industries. Successful completion of the programme results in the award of the New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4).

Drawing + Digital Media

Students are introduced to a range of drawing and digital media software, techniques and concepts leading to the production of a portfolio of work. The project briefs are designed to introduce students to practical drawing and digital design skills and concepts, and to develop visual and digital literacy and a body of knowledge and skill base pertinent to progressing in a range of digital media and design specialisations. Topics include but are not limited to: Drawing + Design Techniques, Colour Theory, Observation Drawing, Mixed Media, Illustration, Collage Techniques, Typography, Adobe Indesign ®, Photoshop ®, After Effects ®.

Design

Students are introduced to the principles, elements, and processes for creating a design. Students will be introduced to commonly used design software, and encouraged to think about how it can contribute at all stages of the art making and design process. The emphasis will be on providing students with basic competency and a general awareness of the possibilities of the technology, rather than on developing advanced technical skills.

Graphic Illustration

This is an introduction to graphic illustration processes and techniques relating to specific target markets. Students will select and experiment with illustrative media and gain basic rendering techniques and a broad knowledge of contemporary themes in graphic illustration. The course includes discussions around the many different conceptual approaches to graphic illustration.

Publication Design

This is an introduction to elementary materials, working methods, processes and concepts of publication design. Students will experiment with media and gain basic digital and drawing techniques, print processes, layout techniques etc. to communicate publication designs to a target audience. The course includes discussion around different conceptual and practical approaches within current, contemporary publication design formats and styles.

The Certificate in Digital Media and Design programme also includes 5-day workshops in Visual Research II, Contextual Studies II, and Portfolio Techniques II

Israa Barghash, who was born and raised in Syria, enrolled in the Certificate in Digital Media & Design in July 2017 and is now a recent graduate, having completed the 18-week programme with high marks and a strong portfolio. She tells us about her background and her student learning experience at Whitecliffe.

Israa, whose home country is well-known for its architecture, food and the ancient cities of Palmyra and Mari says “I didn't integrate my culture with my studies at Whitecliffe. Instead, I took the opportunity to explore a lot of other cultures and social issues in my research and studies. For example, in the first workshop project, I explored the Tā moko tattoos of Māori. For another workshop about activism, I chose the topic of suicide and the effect it has on people and society.”

She chose the Certificate in Digital Design & Media because she wanted to learn new skills as well as digital design techniques - “Whitecliffe encouraged me to research and develop creative and interesting projects, to develop my critical-thinking and design practice, and to build my portfolio step-by-step.” She continues, “what I really enjoyed about the learning environment was how the students were interested in similar things and were all taught methods for thinking creatively and as individuals. The supportive environment gave us all the confidence to show our work.”

Whitecliffe “is an inspiring place, which gives students the resources to build on their own ideas and excel in their area of study. Completing the programme with this skill level has opened a lot of doors for me professionally already - I have been asked to design websites and design café menus. It is such a huge thing for me that gives me great pleasure and I am very grateful to Whitecliffe.”

As for the future, Israa will continue to practice and develop her skills and keep up with her research of designs and designers. She hopes to build her knowledge towards studying architecture.