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Art & Design Foundations (ADF)

Formerly known as Art Fundamentals (AFD)

Starts in January, May, September

Campus
Delivery
In-person
Duration
2 Semesters (8ÌýMonths)
Study Option
Full-time
Credential
Ontario College Certificate
School
School of Creative Arts & Animation

About the Program

The Art & Design Foundations (ADF) program will equip you with essential art and design skills in both traditional and digital mediums. This program offers a robust curriculum that integrates design principles, visual culture and professional practices, ensuring you develop a strong foundation in art and design.

As a student, you will focus on developing core skills such as drawing, colour theory and figure studies in the first semester. The second semester builds on what you learned in the previous semester with a focus on visual development through specialization in the story arts. This structure not only enhances your technical abilities, but also prepares you for advanced studies in applied arts programs like AnimationÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýIllustration.

The ADF program meets the evolving needs of the art and design industry, preparing you for both academic and professional success. The up-to-date curriculum brings modern relevance to traditional art education, while prepares you for a career in art and design with strong communication and technical skills, portfolio development, as well as industry analysis.

Skills

Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

  • Theoretical foundation: gain a strong understanding of the formal elements, principles and terminology pertaining to art and design
  • Creative process: engage in the creative process to develop various strategies for visual idea generation
  • Technical proficiency: create two- and three-dimensional art and design projects using diverse materials, processes and techniques
  • Professional practices: compile and edit a collection of your best art and design projects to professionally present a portfolio in traditional and online formats
  • Cultural awareness: demonstrate decolonial and anti-oppressive perspectives and sustainability practices concerning art and design production

Program Availability

Start in Location Availability
Sept. 2025 ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø@York  Open
Jan. 2026 ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø@York  Open
May 2026 ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø@York  Open

Availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.

Start in Location Availability
Sept. 2025 ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø@York  Closed
Jan. 2026 ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø@York  Open
May 2026 ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø@York  Open

Availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.

This program meets Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility requirements.

Program and Course Delivery

This program is offered in person. Students are required to come on campus to attend classes.

Learn more: ³§±ð²Ô±ð³¦²¹â€™s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.

Your Career

When you graduate from this program, you can pursue various entry-level positions in the creative industry or continue your education in specialized fields like animation, illustration, graphic design and other applied arts disciplines. Here are some potential career paths:

  • Illustrator: produce illustrations for books, magazines, advertisements and other media
  • Animator: work on animations for films, television, video games and online content
  • Art director assistant: support art directors in developing visual styles and managing creative projects

The ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Polytechnic Difference

This is where university meets college. Where theory meets practice. Where ambition meets flexibility.

Career Support

offers students and graduates lifelong access to an exclusive job board, career coaching, networking and more.

Academic Pathways

Academic Pathways

As a graduate of this program, you have options to build on your credential through a pathway to one of our partner institutions.

The Service Hub

is your one-stop source of information about everything from registering and paying fees to student services and life on campus.

Student Life

Student Life

Join a diverse and welcoming community of peers and supporters, offering you a blend of academic excellence and vibrant urban life.

Student Experience

Graduate Career-Ready

Take the next step in your academic journey at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø. Join thousands of graduates who are making a difference here and around the world.

Student Works

Explore the creative work of Art & Design Foundations students in ourÌýstudent works and experiences gallery.

ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Student's drawing

360° Virtual Tours

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