Graphic Arts and Design Practices
Pathway 1: Graphic Design
The Graphic Arts & Design Practices Program offers two distinct pathways.
Graphic Design
The Graphic Design pathway explores core units in typography, layout design, information design, publication design, digital publishing, branding marketing and communication design.
Illustration
The Illustration pathway emphasizes learning and skill development through core units in various areas of image making, visualization of ideas, illustration techniques, visual storytelling, visual narratives, bookmaking, book arts and editorial illustration.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
As a Graphic Arts and Design Practices (GADP) student, you will be equipped to contribute meaningfully to the publishing industry across various mediums and languages. The course combines print-based and digital mediums to provide you with the technical and graphic skills necessary to create design and imaging solutions for the publishing and entertainment industry. Through this program, you will gain expertise in planning, creating, and producing work for various creative industries, including advertising, branding, digital, and print-based publishing. Embrace the opportunity to be a leader in the field and make your mark in the world of graphic arts and design.
The core content of the course focuses on:
Learning and skill development through core units in various areas of illustration, visual storytelling, graphic design, information design, and identity & marketing communication design, among others
Practical immersions through apprenticeships and work experience in the industry
Exploration of a variety of mediums and contexts that traverse the branding, publishing and imaging industries
VISION
The Graphic Arts and Design Practices course at SMI aims to prepare its graduates to be creative contributors to this publishing industry, whether print-based or digital, whether in English or other Indian languages. The course emphasises blended learning of print-based and digital mediums to enable technically sound and graphically skilful design and imaging solutions for the publishing and entertainment industry.
Graphic Arts practice is rich, multi-disciplinary and exploratory as it is nested at the threshold of graphic design, visual arts, imaging and digital publishing. Students will gain expertise in planning, creating and producing work in various creative industries, from advertising and branding to digital and print-based publishing.
SECTOR
Media and Entertainment
The three years of this course align with the levels 4, 5, 6, and 7 of the NSQF guidelines and creates skilled practitioners for the above sectors. NSQF, or National Skills Qualifications Framework, is a nationally integrated and competency-based education framework that allows individuals to achieve their desired competence level. In NSQF, qualifications are organized according to the levels based on skills, knowledge, and aptitude.
Key Elements Of National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF):
Skill proficiency promotion to create individuals with international equivalency
Multiple entries and exit provisions for students
Opportunities to help students become lifelong learners
Preparedness for the industry standard with development of skills
A transparent mechanism for the growth of students
PATHWAY 1: GRAPHIC DESIGN
The Graphic Design pathway is a comprehensive and diverse program covering print and digital mediums. Through core studios such as typography, publication design, information design, branding and advertising, marketing collateral design, and packaging design. Students will learn the fundamental visual design principles, including Gestalt principles related to perception and cognition. These principles and elements remain relevant as the medium of expression evolves and expands to include technologies such as augmented and virtual reality. This pathway develops skills for various industries, including advertising, branding and marketing, publication design, bookmaking, and web design.
What you will learn
Year-1 (NSQF Level 4 & 5)
Study and application of design elements and Gestalt principles for creating print materials.
Utilization of professional software for text and image manipulation.
Exploration of diverse print-making and production methods.
Compilation and documentation of work in a professional portfolio.
Emphasis on practical skills and design theory for print media creation.
Year-2 (NSQF Level-6)
Application of interaction and interface design principles to produce marketing materials and designs for digital screens.
Comprehensive learning of the design process, from initial concept to creating final print-ready files and digital publications.
Gain hands-on experience in preparing designs for both print and digital display mediums.
Engagement with an industry mentor through an apprenticeship, providing real-world experience at the year’s culmination.
Year-3 (NSQF Level-7)
Cultivate the skill to develop and realize a creative brief from ideation and research to visualization and execution.
Enhance communication and presentation abilities throughout the creative process.
Engage in a final capstone project within a selected industry sector during the last semester.
Create and present a professional portfolio that documents a range of graphic design projects for both print and digital media.
PATHWAY 2: ILLUSTRATION
The Illustration pathway in the Graphic Arts and Design Program prepares students for careers in various industries, including education, entertainment, fashion, publishing, and marketing. This program, developed with input from industry experts and in collaboration with industry leaders and creative professionals, exposes students to emerging trends and cutting-edge technology. Over three years, students will learn Sequential Storytelling, Character Design, 3D illustration, Digital publishing, and more. As one of the oldest art forms for visualizing ideas and communicating complex information, illustration is a valuable and enduring field of study.
What you will learn
Year-1 (NSQF Level 4 & 5)
Establish a base knowledge of design fundamentals, including typography, colour theory, layout, and imaging.
Apply Gestalt principles to the creation of print-based design materials.
Master industry-standard software and techniques for manipulating text and visuals, including printmaking methods.
Learn the art of storyboarding, visual storytelling, and character design for various media.
Compile a portfolio of your projects and gain practical experience with industry practice and real-world projects.
Year-2 (NSQF Level-6)
Employ creative imaging to improve brand messaging, visual appeal, user behaviour, and perception.
Achieve proficiency in leading industry software for visualization, illustration, and crafting innovative layouts.
Design and produce visually compelling content for both print and digital media.
Gain real-world experience by apprenticing with an industry mentor at the year’s end.
Year-3 (NSQF Level-7)
Learn to develop and fulfil a creative brief, from the idea stage and research to visualization and actual execution.
Enhance skills in effectively communicating and presenting creative concepts.
Undertake a capstone project in a chosen industry sector during the final semester.
Compile a professional portfolio showcasing various print and digital media illustration projects.
