Certificate in Digital Media + Design

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).

Design

Students receive an introduction to principles, elements, and processes of graphic design and typography, which are the building blocks of visual communication. The emphasis of this course is to provide students with an awareness of design thinking, compositional, and typographic strategies applicable to the broader creative processes related to graphic design. Industry-standard technical skills related to digital software such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe After Effects developed within this course.

Drawing + Digital Media

Students receive an introduction to drawing and digital processes related to imaging, time-based media, and environmental design. The course content is designed to offer students an understanding of drawing practices as part of the graphic design workflow. Major projects for this course include digital photography and imaging, short film, environmental graphics, and illustration for comics. In parallel to developing an in-depth understanding of conceptualisation, sequence, and professional practice, industry-standard technical skills related to digital software such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro are developed within this course.

Graphic Illustration

Students receive an introduction to graphic illustration processes and techniques with a focus on a specific audience. Students will select and experiment from a range of illustrative media and contemporary themes to develop technical skills related to rendering, both analogue and digital.

Publication Design

An introduction to principles and processes of publication design with a focus on a specific audience. Students will develop an understanding of functionality in graphic design and compositional strategies related to page layout.

Workshops

Visual Research Workshop

This is a one-week block course with an introduction to fundamental methods of visual recording, critical analysis, and experimental work-making. Students will explore and learn creative processes related to accessing and recording of information from various sources to build a bank of visual reference material as an integral part of their art-making process.

Contextual Studies Workshop

This is a one-week block course with an introduction to critical studies and collaborative work-making related to contextual themes. Students will have the opportunity to explore with the generation of creative concepts from a body of research that translates into a collaborative art and design project developed with their peers.

Portfolio Techniques Workshop

This is a one-week block course with an introduction to portfolio design and exhibition practices. The course aims to provide students with an opportunity to bring together all creative works outputted from the Certificate in Digital Media and Design programme collated into a conclusive showcase in the format of portfolio design and gallery exhibition.

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.