Visual Design Lab™: Graphic Design & Communication Certificate program for Teens (13-18)
In-Class Visual Design Lab™: Graphic Design & Communication Certificate program (Ages 13–18). Duration: 10 Months (40 Weeks)
Format: In-Class | 1 lesson per week | 60 minutes per class
Focus: Learn essential design principles, industry‑standard tools, and creative thinking skills through guided instruction, collaborative projects, and hands‑on practice.
Program Overview
The Graphic Design & Visual Communication Certificate Program is a comprehensive, 10‑month in‑class learning experience designed for teens ages 13–18 who want to explore the world of visual design and media. Throughout the program, students learn essential design principles, industry‑standard tools, and creative thinking skills through guided instruction, collaborative projects, and hands‑on practice. With each unit, students build and refine design work, gradually assembling a professional portfolio that showcases their creativity, technical ability, and visual problem‑solving.
Program Purpose
The purpose of this program is to provide young designers with a structured and engaging in‑class environment where they can learn visual communication principles, master design software, and develop a creative portfolio. The program emphasizes conceptual thinking, real project experience, and design literacy, ensuring students gain both practical abilities and confidence with visual technology
Ideal For
This program is ideal for:
◍ Teens ages 13–18 interested in visual arts and design
◍ Students who want to build creative portfolios for college, careers, or freelancing
◍ Beginners and intermediate learners seeking hands‑on, instructor‑led practice
◍ Young creatives who enjoy drawing, digital art, branding, and visual storytelling
◍ Teens preparing for advanced art, media, or technology studies
Registration is now open
◍ Registration for the Spring Semester 2026 is now open.
The new course starts on Saturday, March 7, 2026
Course schedule: every Saturday from 11:00 to 12:00 PM.
◍ We have two locations to serve you better — in Saint John and Quispamsis.
◍ Please fill out the form below.
The course manager will contact you within 24 hours.
Learning Focus
Students will focus on building:
◍ Visual communication and design principles
◍ Typography, color theory, and layout structure
◍ Digital design skills using professional tools
◍ Branding, identity systems, and visual storytelling
◍ Project planning, critique, and revision techniques
◍ Creative problem‑solving and artistic expression
◍ Portfolio creation and presentation skills
What Students Create
Throughout the program, students will produce a variety of real design projects, including:
◍ Logo and brand identity systems
◍ Posters, flyers, and layout compositions
◍ Digital illustrations and visual graphics
◍ Multi‑page brochures and digital publications
◍ Web and social media visuals
◍ A final Capstone Design Project
◍ A professional design portfolio showcasing all work
All projects are portfolio-ready and designed to show real understanding, not just screen time.
Program Structure
◍ Ages: 13–18
◍ Duration: 10 Months (40 Weeks)
◍ Format: In-Class | 1 Lesson per Week | 60 Minutes per Lesson
◍ Schedule: 1 Hours per Week
◍ Total Instruction Time: ~36 – 40 Hours
◍ Prerequisite: non
◍ Outcome: Certificate. Visual Design Lab™: Graphic Design & Communication program.
Delivery Format:
◍ In-Class Learning Experience
All learning takes place in a supportive classroom environment, led by experienced instructors who guide students step by step and ensure every child receives personalized attention.
Weekly Time Commitment:
◍ 1–2 hours in-class. Saint John NB or Quispamsis NB Locations
◍ 1–2 hours in – home projects
Program Outcomes
By the end of the 10‑month program, students will be able to:
◍ Apply foundational visual design principles to real projects
◍ Use industry‑standard tools like Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator
◍ Create effective brand identities and digital visuals
◍ Build layouts for print & web with clear communication
◍ Solve design challenges with creative thinking
◍ Compile a professional design portfolio
◍ Present and explain their creative work with confidence
◍ Prepare for careers, college programs, or freelance work in design
Visual communication is power
—Teens who design today shape the ideas of tomorrow. Design is the language of the future—learn it now, and your ideas will speak louder than words.
What College Educators Want Parents to Know+
How early skill development supports long-term academic and career success.
Visual Design Lab™: Graphic Design & Communication for Teens 13 – 18 years old
The Visual Design Lab™ focuses on helping teens develop both creative thinking and practical design skills through structured, hands-on, in-class learning. Students learn how to communicate ideas visually, use professional digital tools, and build real design projects that reflect industry practices. This program blends theory, studio practice, and real‑world design challenges—giving students the confidence and skills to pursue advanced study, freelance opportunities, or careers in creative industries. Core Areas of Focus Creative Problem-Solving Digital Design Tools & Technology Project-Based Learning Design Systems & Branding Presentation & Portfolio Development Why This Focus Matters ◍ Project Review (10 min) ◍ New Material Introduction (15 min) ◍ Hands-On Project Work (20–25 min) ◍ Weekly Assignment & Wrap-Up (5–10 min) By completing Artificial Intellect Lab™ Junior, students gain: 1:5 ratio Teacher to Student ratio, or better. All instructors are police-checked, first-aid trained, triple-reference checked, and highly trained. Ages: 13–18 | Duration: 10 Months (40 Weeks) | Format: In-Class ◍ Outcome Students complete the program with a professional graphic design portfolio, real creative projects, and a certificate of completion, fully aligned with your STEM / AI / Web Lab™ ecosystem. ◍ Registration for the Spring 2026 Introductory course is now open. ◍ The new course starts on Saturday, March 7, 2026 ◍ We have two locations to serve you better — in Saint John and Quispamsis. ◍ Please fill out the form below.
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SPOTS AVAILABLE
Program Focus – Visual Design Lab™
Visual Communication & Design Thinking
◍ Students learn how images, color, typography, and layout work together to communicate messages clearly and effectively.
◍Design challenges teach students how to analyze problems, generate ideas, and refine solutions—skills essential in design, STEM, and technology fields.
◍ Hands-on experience with industry-standard software (such as Photoshop and Illustrator) builds confidence and technical fluency.
◍ Each unit centers on real projects—logos, posters, layouts, branding, and digital media—allowing students to learn by doing.
◍ Students explore how professional designers create consistent visual identities across print and digital platforms.
◍ Students learn how to present their work, explain design decisions, and compile a professional portfolio.
◍ This program prepares teens not only for future creative careers, but also for advanced studies in STEM, technology, marketing, and digital media—where visual communication and design thinking are essential.Learning Flow – Each Class
Students share and discuss home assignments from the previous week. Instructors provide feedback and tips for improvement.
Instructor explains new concepts using demonstrations, slides, and video examples.
Students apply new concepts by building games, coding challenges, or mini-projects in class. Instructors provide step-by-step guidance and personalized attention.
Students receive instructions for the home project and next week’s challenge, ensuring continuous practice and portfolio development.Monthly Course Structure
Visual Design Lab™ – Month-by-Month Curriculum
Month
Learning Focus
Key Topics
Hands-On Projects & Outcomes
Skills Gained
Month 1
Introduction to Visual Design & Creativity
What is graphic design, elements of design (line, shape, color, texture), principles of design (balance, contrast, hierarchy), composition basics
Create simple poster or layout, sketch exercises
Visual literacy, creative thinking, observation
Month 2
Typography & Color Communication
Typography basics, font types, readability, color theory, color harmony
Typographic poster, color-focused project
Typography skills, color awareness, aesthetic judgment
Month 3
Layout & Composition
Grid systems, alignment, spacing, visual hierarchy, layout principles
Brochure or multi-section layout, digital/print composition
Structured thinking, layout planning, design clarity
Month 4
Digital Tools – Photoshop Basics
Interface navigation, layers, selection tools, basic photo editing
Photo retouching, image editing exercises
Digital fluency, technical confidence, photo manipulation
Month 5
Digital Tools – Illustrator Basics
Vector tools, shapes, pen tool, digital illustration
Vector icons, illustrations, combined Photoshop + Illustrator project
Vector graphics skills, precision, creativity
Month 6
Branding & Identity Design
Logos, brand systems, color palettes, typography, brand consistency
Logo design, mini brand kit, visual identity set
Branding skills, consistency, conceptual thinking
Month 7
Visual Storytelling & Campaigns
Storyboarding, narrative design, audience analysis
Poster campaign, visual storytelling project
Storytelling, communication clarity, narrative design
Month 8
Photography & Digital Media
Photography basics, composition, lighting, photo editing, social media visuals
Integrate photos into design, social media graphics, web graphics
Photo literacy, digital media skills, platform awareness
Month 9
Advanced Design & Capstone Planning
Design challenges, independent project planning, concept development
Capstone project storyboard, project development phase
Project planning, creative problem-solving, independence
Month 10
Capstone Completion & Portfolio
Portfolio assembly, presentation skills, final showcase
Complete capstone project, prepare portfolio, present work to peers & parents, receive certificate
Professional presentation, portfolio creation, confidence, achievemen
Final Learning Outcomes
◍ Strong logical and analytical thinking
◍ Understanding of AI concepts and smart systems
◍ Creative confidence with emerging technology
◍ A portfolio of AI-inspired projects1:5 ratio
Certificate of Course Completion
Upon completion of an This Course, a Certificate will be issued. A course completion certificate says you have attended all the classes required, passed all the tests required, and handed in all the work required.
Visual Design Lab™ – Month-by-Month Curriculum
Month 1 – Introduction to Visual Design & Creative Thinking
Week
Weekly Focus
In-Class Activities
Skills Gained
1
What Is Graphic Design?
Explore real-world design examples, discussion
Curiosity, visual awareness
2
Elements of Design
Hands-on exercises with line, shape, color
Visual literacy
3
Principles of Design
Balance, contrast, hierarchy activities
Analytical thinking
4
Composition Basics
Create a simple poster layout
Composition skills
Month 2 – Typography & Color Communication
Week
Weekly Focus
In-Class Activities
Skills Gained
5
Typography Fundamentals
Font exploration & readability exercises
Typography basics
6
Typography in Design
Typographic poster project
Text hierarchy
7
Color Theory
Color wheel, color emotion activities
Color awareness
8
Color Application
Color-focused design project
Visual decision-making
Month 3 – Layout & Visual Structure
Week
Weekly Focus
In-Class Activities
Skills Gained
9
Layout Principles
Alignment, spacing, white space practice
Structured thinking
10
Grid Systems
Brochure layout planning
Organization skills
11
Visual Flow
Improve layouts for clarity
Visual prioritization
12
Layout Project
Complete print or digital layout
Layout execution
Month 4 – Digital Design Tools
Week
Weekly Focus
In-Class Activities
Skills Gained
13
Photoshop Basics
Interface, layers, tools
Digital fluency
14
Image Editing
Retouching and effects
Image manipulation
15
Illustrator Basics
Vector tools & shapes
Vector design
16
Vector Project
Icon or illustration set
Precision & creativity
Month 5 – Branding & Identity Design
Week
Weekly Focus
In-Class Activities
Skills Gained
17
Introduction to Branding
Study logos & brands
Brand awareness
18
Logo Design Process
Sketch & concept development
Concept thinking
19
Brand Systems
Colors, fonts, consistency
Design consistency
20
Mini Brand Project
Create a brand kit
Visual identity skills
Month 6 – Visual Storytelling & Media
Week
Weekly Focus
In-Class Activities
Skills Gained
21
Visual Storytelling
Message & audience exercises
Communication skills
22
Poster / Campaign Design
Story-driven design project
Narrative design
23
Photography for Design
Composition & editing basics
Photo literacy
24
Image-Based Design
Photo-centered project
Media integration
Month 7 – Digital & Web Graphics
Week
Weekly Focus
In-Class Activities
Skills Gained
25
Web & UI Design Basics
Digital layout practice
Screen design basics
26
Social Media Design
Platform-based graphics
Digital branding
27
Responsive Design Concepts
Adapting visuals for screens
Flexibility
28
Digital Media Project
Web/social graphic set
Platform awareness
Month 8 – Advanced Design & Creative Challenges
Week
Weekly Focus
In-Class Activities
Skills Gained
29
Advanced Composition
Emotion-driven design
Creative maturity
30
Design Challenges
Real-world design prompts
Problem-solving
31
Independent Design Project
Student-led project
Independence
32
Critique & Refinement
Peer & instructor feedback
Iteration skills
Month 9 – Capstone Project Development
Week
Weekly Focus
In-Class Activities
Skills Gained
33
Capstone Planning
Project concept & planning
Project strategy
34
Capstone Build – Part 1
Design execution
Workflow skills
35
Capstone Build – Part 2
Continued development
Problem solving
36
Capstone Refinement
Review & polish
Attention to detail
Month 10 – Portfolio & Presentation
Week
Weekly Focus
In-Class Activities
Skills Gained
37
Portfolio Building
Select & organize projects
Portfolio skills
38
Portfolio Finalization
Presentation-ready portfolio
Professional polish
39
Presentation Skills
Practice explaining work
Communication confidence
40
Final Showcase & Graduation
Portfolio presentation
Confidence & achievement
Course Tuition
Registration is now open
Course schedule: every Saturday from 11:00 to 12:00 PM.
The course manager will contact you within 24 hours.
Pay in one payment and save $150
$59.00 per week. $236 per Month
$780 for 12 weeks Introductory course.
Total $2360 for 10 Month course.
Pay in two equal payment and save $100
$59.00 per week. $236 per Month
$780 for 12 weeks Introductory course.
Total $1,180 for 5 Month
Individual lesson
Pay in one payment and save $150
Pay in two equal payment and save $100
or pay Monthly
$79.00 per week. $316 per Month
$948 for 12 weeks Introductory course.
Total $3160 for 10 Month course.
