What is Print Media?

The Print Media program covers the full spectrum of skills for the graphics industry, from design to production, allowing graduates to enter the industry in the area most suited to their talents and personal preference. Having a solid understanding of all procedures and functions not only equips the graduate with a complete knowledge of the process but allows for change as you move through your career.

What is special about this program?

The Print Media program is the only one of its kind in Eastern Ontario providing important and unique training in the graphics industry. The program has been reformatted to help get you launched on your career earlier, and to help local employers to meet their recruitment needs. Now, instead of taking two years to complete your diploma studies, you will be able to earn the same diploma in only 45 weeks of study. We have compressed the program by offering more hours of classes per week over fewer weeks, but we have retained all of the learning outcomes and hands-on experiences to ensure that you have the skills necessary to start working.

Is it more of a creative or technical program?
There are many opportunities to be creative in designing, planning and problem solving to bring a project to completion but the program is largely technical and stresses the need for technical competence. Technical knowledge is definitely an asset when looking for employment, so we focus on unique and creative ways of problem solving and troubleshooting to prevent delays and errors in production.

Will I need a portfolio of my work to enter the program?

No. While artistic talent is a benefit for the designs and assignments you will create, it is not essential to understanding the steps to take to complete production. Ample opportunity is provided for students who do want to use their own artistic creations, as well, digital images and artwork are available for those who wish to use it.

Do you use Macs or PC’s?
The graphics industry uses both Mac and IBM computers but our program primarily uses MacIntosh computers. Software is available in both platforms and students with home PCs generally have few problems. The College network is PC-based and all Algonquin students are currently provided with an e-mail account, access to the internet, dial-in access from home, and use of the Access and Online Learning Centres, rooms with over 100 computers dedicated to student access 24 hours a day.

Do I need a computer of my own?
We do not require that you purchase your own computer and software, although a growing number of students do. The College provides access to monitored and unmonitored computer labs and students in this program can access our Mac lab when classes are not being held during the day, evening and on weekends.

What kind of assignments will I be doing?

Assignments progress from designing simple one-colour, one-page documents to stationery sets, newsletters and small books. Many projects designed by students are carried from one class to the next, and to final production and printing on offset presses, screen printing or used for vinyl sign making.

Is there a work placement?

The program has a variety of placement experiences for students. In the early part of the program, students job shadow industry professionals to help gain an understanding of the scope and extent of the industry. As you progress and acquire more knowledge, work placement times increase in duration to provide more hands-on opportunities and familiarity with procedures and work flow in a real work environment. Students are encouraged to find their own placements which begins your networking and is more apt to provide you with a location that meets your personal preferences. Faculty are available to provide contact information and are happy to assist as needed.

I need to work while I am a student, how many hours can I spend at my job?

Many students work to support themselves and pay for their education. Working more than 10-15 hours per week may cause difficulty keeping up with your school workload. Some jobs are available in the College as part of government work programs. Information about these jobs is available from Employment Services.

How much will I need to spend on books and supplies?
You can expect to spend approximately $2,000.00 during the two years of the program on books and materials. Some projects require that you use a service bureau to print colour proofs of your work and some projects require the purchase of special paper for printing, such as stationery sets, T shirts or other products that are yours to keep.

What kind of job can I get when I graduate?
Employment is found in a wide variety of environments, from graphic design and advertising firms, book, newspaper and magazine publishers, to traditional printing companies and in-house graphic or printing departments in large companies, government offices, associations and educational institutions.

As one of the largest industries in the world graduates can find employment anywhere doing the job that most appeals to them, including occupations such as graphic artist, desktop publisher, web site developer, customer sales representative, planners or estimators, sales or technical support personnel, prepress or preflight technicians, press operators, screen printers or finishing personnel.

Some graduates freelance or decide to start their own business.