Before I decided to enter the Print Media Program at Algonquin College, Ottawa, I had spent nearly a year looking for a job in the field of graphic design and illustration (that is after obtaining a degree in Communication Design from OCAD). My desperate search was to no avail, which made me realize that I was probably missing a set of important skills.
Yet, unsure as I was, I made the decision to enter the program – a choice I’ve never come to regret.
Being in Ottawa at the time, I started looking at different programs that offered technical skills complimentary to web/graphic design. Algonquin’s Print Media Program promised a solid foundation for becoming an expert layout artist and printer in just four semesters. I went to see Violet Storto, the program coordinator, who showed me their facilities with computer labs, production rooms and enormous odd-looking printing machines which left me wondering whether my artistic and ‘fine’ typography skills had any relevance to the technology around. Yet, unsure as I was, I made the decision to enter the program – a choice I’ve never come to regret.
What Print Media Is About
The Print Media program offers a great introduction to the Mac environment and commonly used Adobe Creative Suite Programs with a lot of practical tasks to be completed on a deadline. The facilities are equipped with up-to-date machines and software. All of the faculty members are dedicated field professionals.
Student projects and tasks begin with creating simple single page documents for offset printing. Later students work on more complex projects both individually and in groups. By the end of the course, students are printing their own books with full colour covers. As the projects advance students learn to use and become experts with Quark, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat Professional and Dreamweaver (here is your chance to try yourself in web design and build an awesome portfolio).
Part of curriculum covers some history and theory behind the printing process but it is mostly about hands-on training and in-depth understanding of the field aspects. As a print media student you gain a technical skill set for traditional and digital printing that includes pre-press, press room experience and post-production. You also learn about business, cost estimating and project management. I generally found that the classroom environment was very dynamic and contributing to learning.
I found this program was particularly useful to students with intentions to work in any aspect of printing.
The Verdict
I found this program was particularly useful to students with intentions to work in any aspect of printing: graphic services, sales, or in the field of production/desktop publishing and graphic design.
There were a number of organized meetings with industry professionals, job fairs and eight weeks of compulsory professional placement. This really helped me finalize my education and landed me my first job as a junior graphic designer just a few weeks after graduation. Later, as I looked at other places to work I’d constantly cross paths with other Print Media graduates.
Within a couple of years from graduation, I’ve established myself as a freelance graphic artist and have worked with a couple of advertising agencies and magazines, eventually finding myself becoming a full time in-house graphic designer.
The Print Media program opens doors to many opportunities. Imagine It. Create It. Print It.
Feel free to visit my website and view my work at http://www.ottawagraphics.com/
(2 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5)
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