School Recomendation

Calarts

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OCAD

SVA

ECUAD

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UAL

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Graphic Design

Turn ideas into visuals that communicate and inspire. Our Graphic Design program covers branding, typography, layout, and digital media to prepare you for a wide range of creative industries.

Portfolio Prep: Include logo designs, posters, page layouts, branding projects, and digital or print pieces. Show a strong sense of composition, color, and visual communication.

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The Art of

Graphic Design

Q: Who is this program for?
This program is designed for high school students (Grades 10–12) preparing to apply to Graphic Design, Communication Design, or Visual Communication majors, as well as adults who want to transition into the creative industries. It’s ideal for students interested in visual problem-solving, branding, typography, and digital media.

Q: Why is a portfolio important for Graphic Design?
Graphic design schools look for portfolios that show both creativity and practical design thinking. A strong portfolio demonstrates how students can take an idea and communicate it visually through layouts, posters, logos, typography, and digital projects. Unlike fine art portfolios, graphic design portfolios emphasize clarity, communication, and purpose.

Q: Do I need prior design software experience?
No. Students do not need prior knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign before joining. The program introduces both traditional design foundations (composition, color, sketching) and digital design tools step by step.

Q: What kinds of projects go into a Graphic Design portfolio?

Logo and branding systems.
Poster and publication layouts.
Typography explorations and custom lettering.
Packaging and product mockups.
Digital media design (social graphics, motion concepts).
Process work showing idea development and design iterations.

Q: How long does it take to prepare a portfolio?
Most students take 6–12 months to develop a strong graphic design portfolio, depending on their starting skill level and the schools they are applying to.

Q: How does NPC support my application?

Instructors with professional backgrounds in design, advertising, and digital media.
A structured pathway that balances creative exploration and technical training.
Personalized critiques to align portfolios with the requirements of specific schools.
Guidance on digital portfolio formatting, presentation, and application essays.

Q: How do I register for a course?
You can register online through our website or in person at any NPC Art Center location. During registration, you’ll choose your preferred program (Kids, Portfolio Development, or Adult)

Q: What payment options do you offer?
We offer:

Individual Course Plans (Monthly, Seasonal, or Yearly – paid upfront).
Membership Program (automatic monthly payments with added benefits like flexible scheduling and discounts).

Q: Can I try a class before committing?
Yes. Trial classes are available for new students. Parents can schedule a one-time session to see if the program is a good fit before enrolling in a longer plan.

Q: Can I switch between Individual Plans and Membership?
Yes. Parents and students may switch at the end of their current billing cycle. Our staff can help with the transition.

Q: What happens if NPC cancels a class?
If NPC must cancel a class (due to holidays, weather, or scheduling changes), we will reschedule the session or provide a credit/refund for the missed class.

Q: Are materials included in the course fee?
Students have two options:

Bring Your Own Materials – Parents can purchase and bring their child’s own sketchbooks, pencils, paints, or digital devices (depending on the program level).
NPC Materials Package – For a flat fee, NPC provides all necessary supplies for the term, including sketchbooks, drawing tools, paints, brushes, paper, and craft/STEAM materials.

Most families choose the NPC package for convenience, as it ensures students always have the right materials in class.

Q: What is included in the NPC Materials Package?
The package typically covers:

Drawing essentials (pencils, erasers, sharpeners, sketchbooks).
Painting supplies (watercolor, acrylics, brushes, palettes).
Mixed media and craft materials (colored paper, markers, clay, glue).
For older students (Grade 5+): specialty items such as fine liners, perspective grids, or beginner digital tools.

Q: Which option is recommended?
We strongly recommend the NPC Materials Package, especially for younger students. This ensures consistency across projects, avoids forgotten supplies, and allows instructors to design lessons around a standardized set of materials.

Q: Do materials stay at the school or go home?

Sketchbooks usually go home so students can continue practicing.
Shared craft/STEAM materials remain at NPC for class use.
For portfolio students, completed works may be stored safely at NPC until review or portfolio submission.