Get a strong foundation in what it means to become a real designer. You'll be walked through the entire design process, from design brief to idea generation, sketching, layout, comp and finishing in the same top tools used by graphic designers in agencies and businesses.
You'll gain a broad range of technical and conceptual design skills and, upon completion, feel confident to work in design roles across different work environments. Positions may include junior graphic design assistant, interior design assistant or interior decoration assistant, fashion design assistant and furniture design assistant. It also provides a pathway to other design roles and qualifications.
Choose a WA TAFE college that delivers this course
To find out more about doing this course at a WA TAFE college, select one of the TAFEs listed below to read their course descriptions. You'll also be able to see at which TAFE campus/es the course is delivered.
If you would like further information such as when the course is available and how to enrol, and details of course fees, or if you have questions about how the course is delivered, please follow the Find out more link to go to the TAFE's website where you will find full course details and contact information so that you can speak to the TAFE directly.
The umbrella of Graphic Design covers many diverse career possibilities
Our Certificate IV in Design (Graphic Design) is a foundation course that provides you with a broad understanding and experience of the graphic design discipline, including concept development, drawing and iPad sketching, an introduction to web design, some laser cutting, fun with Letterpress, typography fundamentals and 3D design basics using Adobe Stager to name but a few.
Design is a process that combines elements into a workable solution whether it be a logo, or an app interface and our concept development and ideation units have these foundation skills covered. Graphic Designers communicate through images and words and some units concentrate on an introduction to web and interface design, while other units cover conceptual and creative thinking skills.
This qualification is weighted approximately 60/40 digital versus traditional, manual skills and we concentrate on solid software skills to begin with using industry-standard Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign in an environment that replicates a real industry setup. You will learn to use digital drawing tools, manipulate and capture images, as well as page layout skills creating eZines. Our lecturers are hands-on and always present to help as the course is delivered using learning activities such as tutorials, design briefs and class presentations.
The industry demands a mastery of typography, and you will begin this journey by having fun combining digital techniques with traditional Letterpress to learn the basics. Our industry also demands drawing and sketching skills to convey concepts to both clients and fellow designers and our drawing units, both traditional and digital, lay the foundation for further development in digital illustration required in the Diploma and beyond.
Successful completion of this course will equip you with the skills needed to enter the Diploma of Graphic Design with confidence.
Please note This course is extremely popular. Due to the large number of applications we receive, places fill up quickly and there is a chance you may not be accepted into the course in your preferred semester. We encourage you to apply for the next available semester.
The information presented on the course lists within this website is provided to the Department of Training and Workforce Development by the WA TAFE colleges and private training providers, and is offered as a guide only. It is updated regularly, however some changes to details may occur in between updates. You should always contact the TAFE or private training provider directly to confirm details and/or ask questions.