Welcome to Graphic Design
Information for new students
Welcome, and congratulations on your acceptance into the Graphic Design program at the Prince of Wales Campus.
You are about to begin a very exciting and busy new chapter of your life! The information provided here is intended to help you prepare for the upcoming semester. Please read through it carefully, and contact us if you have any questions.
For a complete list of important dates, please consult the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar: https://www.hollandcollege.com/student-experience/registrars-office/academic-calendar.html
You canfreely download the textbooks for this program from the college library.
Drawing pencils, HB, B, H etc.
A set of good quality colored pencils.
(A 24+ color set is recommended)
Black markers: Wide and thin line tips and brush pens
Green or blue painters tape
Sketchbook
An adapter for HDMI to your computer (Ethernet, USB, USB C, may also be desired depending on your system)
Locally, many of these items can be found at Blank Canvas Art Supplies, Staples, Michael’s, or one of many other local establishments.
Online Art Supply Stores
The brands mentioned are recommendations only. You can order these materials from a variety of art supply stores or online, including the following: Deserres Art Supplies (Halifax), Above Ground Art Supplies (Toronto)
Software Requirements
You need to purchase your student version of the Adobe Creative Cloud software suite. We recommend that you wait until September to set up your account and take advantage of the student rates.
We primarily use Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, but you will also have access to and utilize many other applications through this subscription.
Computer Requirements
All students enrolled in the Graphic Design program at Holland College must ‘bring your own device’ (BYOD). Enrollment in this program requires you to own a laptop computer for your studies that meets the minimum requirements listed below.
This device is necessary for curriculum work both in-person and at distance. We will provide you with a large monitor to extend your workspace while working in the studio.
Apple Silicon MacBook Pro (M-series) or modern Intel/AMD equivalent
1TB SSD internal storage minimum
1TB+ external backup drive
macOS (v15 Sequoia or v26 Tahoe) or Windows 11 (some Windows 10 versions are supported.)
32GB RAM recommended
Dedicated GPU or integrated graphics supporting Metal (Mac) or DirectX 12/OpenGL 4.0+ (Windows)
4GB GPU memory
If your system meets or exceeds the minimum requirements for Adobe After Effects, all other applications will most likely run smoothly.
MONDAYS: Design 1
TUESDAYS: Web 1
WEDNESDAYS: Colour 1
THURSDAYS: Graphics & Illustration 1
FRIDAYS: Type 1
Congratulations on your acceptance to the Graphic Design Program at Holland College! We are excited to welcome you to our creative community. Thank you for taking the time to create a portfolio that showcased your creativity, problem-solving, positive attitude, and focus. You gave us everything we needed to know: that you are an excellent candidate for the program and that you have the drive to succeed as you face the many opportunities and challenges ahead. You are about to begin a learning journey that will immerse you in complex visual communication concepts, technical software skills, design theory, and creative problem-solving. Our project-based learning environment ensures you will apply new skills through engaging exercises and dynamic design assignments. As a full-time student, you’ll typically work on projects between 9 am and 4 pm. Although class times may vary, you can expect to stay engaged with meaningful assignments throughout the day. You’ll also have your own dedicated workspace in our studio, which includes both first- and second-year students.
Melissa Peters, Administrative Assistant - Arts, Media & Community Studies
melpeters@hollandcollege.com
902-566-9617
Michael C Thomas: mcthomas@hollandcollege.com
April Condon: ajcondon@hollandcollege.com