Course Overview
Vector Graphics are widely used to create logos and business charts or graphs, greeting cards, posters, web or app. interface elements, graphics for brochures or manuals, patterns, clothing, and in fine art. Producing high quality vector graphics is a must-have skillset for any graphic designer. Students will be introduced to the foundations of vector graphics, including understanding anchor point types, creating paths and geometrical shapes, object's properties such as Fill and Stroke, working with gradients, and how to organize objects in groups and layers. Students will also learn advanced techniques such as working with Brushes, Symbols, Type objects, Masking, Graphic Styles, Artboards, and exporting the results for variant purposes. Students will apply this knowledge in individual and team projects. Using the professional design process, students are tasked with researching each project topic, producing design sketches, executing a final polished design, and then critiquing each other.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$623.69 - $664.77 See individual course offerings below for actual costs.
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:
- Describe the difference between vector- and raster-based graphics.
- Demonstrate how Bezier (curved) anchor points are created and edited.
- Create and modify different paths, objects, and shapes.
- Describe how graphics are organized within an illustrator file.
- Trace different details from images to produce high quality vector-based renders.
- Demonstrate how patterns are created and edited.
- Use artboards and adjust their position or size.
- Explain how different Text objects and Type Areas are created within illustrator.
- Demonstrate how gradients are used to create graphics.
- Create and utilize brushes.
- Explain how Symbols are created and updated.
- Demonstrate how to mask objects or groups using clipping and opacity masks
- Explain how libraries are created, saved, and exported.
- Export graphics for different purposes such as print, web or as app. interface elements.
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2025
Related Programs
Vector Graphics: Adobe Illustrator (GDES 1270) 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 Communications
Diploma Full-time
- Graphic Design
Certificate Full-time/Part-time
- Graphic Design Foundations
Associate Certificate Part-time
- Graphic Design and Interactive Media
Diploma Part-time
- Media Techniques and Marketing Communications
Certificate Part-time
- Media Techniques for Business
Certificate Part-time
- User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design
Associate Certificate Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below are two offerings of GDES 1270 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 50128
Dates
Sep 08 - Nov 24 Loading
- CRN 50128
- $652.73 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 08 - Nov 24 | Tue | 18:00 - 21:00 | Downtown DTC Rm. 890 |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Andrew Sugianto
Course outline
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- You will require access to the Adobe Creative Cloud to complete this course. In order to access the Adobe Creative Cloud on your personal devices for off-campus use, a subscription will be required. Information explaining how to obtain a discounted Adobe subscription is available on the BCIT Software Access webpage: kb.bcit.ca/student/adobe-creative-cloud-subscription-flexible-learning-student-3130/ If you are taking Graphic design programs, here is the suggested order to take them. www.bcit.ca/files/business/pdf/flexible-learning-graphic-design-certificate-recommended-order-of-courses.pdf
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.
CRN 50133
Dates
Sep 10 - Nov 26 Loading
- CRN 50133
- $623.69 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 10 - Nov 26 | N/A | N/A | Online |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Mahmoud Abdel-Hai
Course outline
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- This course will be delivered entirely online, however, is an asynchronous course which does not require that you meet each week at a specific time. Materials will be posted every THURSDAY and students are required to check the content posted and submit assignments weekly. Please log into learn.bcit.ca using your BCIT student email and password on the first day of class. You will require access to the Adobe Creative Cloud in order to complete this course. Students who are currently registered in one or more BCIT Flexible Learning courses are eligible for a free Adobe Creative Cloud subscription from BCIT. For subscription information, please visit: kb.bcit.ca/student/using-adobe-software-for-students-3588/ It is important you have a stable and consistent internet connection to access course content. Please check to ensure you meet the computer requirements for the class. If you are taking Graphic design programs, here is the suggested order to take them. - www.bcit.ca/files/business/pdf/flexible-learning-graphic-design-certificate-recommended-order-of-courses.pdf
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.
Winter 2027
Below are two offerings of GDES 1270 for the Winter 2027 term.
CRN 90646
Dates
Jan 05 - Mar 23 Loading
- CRN 90646
- $664.77 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 05 - Mar 23 | Tue | 18:00 - 21:00 | Downtown DTC Rm. 860 |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Aimee Chung
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- 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. If you are taking Graphic design programs, here is the suggested order to take them. www.bcit.ca/files/business/pdf/flexible-learning-graphic-design-certificate-recommended-order-of-courses.pdf
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.
CRN 90639
Dates
Jan 07 - Mar 25 Loading
- CRN 90639
- $635.73 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 07 - Mar 25 | N/A | N/A | Online |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- This course will be delivered entirely online, however, is an asynchronous course which does not require that you meet each week at a specific time. Materials will be posted every THURSDAY and students are required to check the content posted and submit assignments weekly. 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. If you are taking Graphic design programs, here is the suggested order to take them. www.bcit.ca/files/business/pdf/flexible-learning-graphic-design-certificate-recommended-order-of-courses.pdf
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.