Course Overview
This course explores the art direction process, emphasizing the role of overseeing and guiding the visual aspects of creative projects such as advertising campaigns, editorial design, and multimedia productions. Students will delve into generating innovative concepts, selecting effective visual elements like typography and imagery, and directing the work of various creative professionals. Through role-playing activities, students will practice collaborating with clients, copywriters, and stakeholders to ensure that the creative vision aligns with project goals. The course also focuses on adapting art direction strategies to emerging trends and evolving industry practices, enhancing communication, and developing strategic approaches to audience engagement.
Prerequisite(s)
- Completion of all courses within the CertGD
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$664.77
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Analyze and critique the art direction of existing creative projects and identify areas for improvement.
- Employ diverse design thinking strategies to generate innovative concepts and ideas for creative direction.
- Demonstrate advanced communication and collaboration skills, working effectively with clients, stakeholders, and other creative professionals.
- Differentiate the roles and responsibilities of creative professionals to optimize collaboration and project outcomes.
- Demonstrate effectiveness in directing the work creative professionals to ensure cohesive and high-quality outcomes that align with the project's vision.
- Utilize design principles and visual language to ensure the creative vision aligns with the project's goals, adapting to various media and formats.
- Develop strategic approaches to audience engagement, ensuring that the visual elements and messaging effectively reach and impact the target audience.
Effective as of Winter 2026
Related Programs
Art Direction (GDES 4130) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Business + Media
- Graphic Design and Interactive Media
Diploma Part-time
Course Offerings
Winter 2027
Below is one offering of GDES 4130 for the Winter 2027 term.
CRN 93900
Dates
Jan 07 - Mar 25 Loading
- CRN 93900
- $664.77 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 07 - Jan 21 | Thu | 18:00 - 21:00 | Downtown DTC Rm. 850 |
| Jan 28 | Thu | 18:00 - 21:00 | Online |
| Feb 04 - Feb 11 | Thu | 18:00 - 21:00 | Downtown DTC Rm. 850 |
| Feb 18 | Thu | 18:00 - 21:00 | Online |
| Feb 25 - Mar 04 | Thu | 18:00 - 21:00 | Downtown DTC Rm. 850 |
| Mar 11 | Thu | 18:00 - 21:00 | Online |
| Mar 18 | Thu | 18:00 - 21:00 | Downtown DTC Rm. 850 |
| Mar 25 | Thu | 18:00 - 21:00 | Online |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- This course is hybrid delivery - both synchronous online and in person, requiring you to participate in and attend online and in person classes on dates noted above. You will require access to Adobe Creative Cloud to start this course and it is your responsibility to have this access in place prior to course start. Students who are currently registered in BCIT Flexible Learning courses are eligible for a free Adobe Creative Cloud subscription from BCIT. Information explaining how to obtain an Adobe subscription is available on the BCIT Software Access webpage: kb.bcit.ca/student/adobe-creative-cloud-subscription-flexible-learning-student-3130/. It is important you have a stable and consistent internet connection to access course content. Please log into learn.bcit.ca using your BCIT student email and password on the first day of class.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.