OverviewAbout this course
Gain high-level graphic design skills as you specialise in illustration. Build your portfolio and gain industry-ready experience for a career as an illustrator or designer.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Create illustrations for clients
Create graphic designs and illustrations for branding, identity and packaging
Use digital design and illustration techniques
Understand and effectively use typography
Work with industry software
Produce storyboards
Course outcomes
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
A nationally accredited qualification at advanced diploma level
Opportunities to collaborate with creative peers and establish a network of professional contacts
A portfolio of work to showcase designs in a graduate exhibition
Skills and knowledge to start your own business
Experience managing design projects to complete client briefs
A strong pathway to continue your study and enhance your career opportunities
SuitabilityIs this course right for you?
Entry requirements
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
A portfolio of work demonstrating significant skills and/or experience in graphic design and
Attend an interview with teaching staff
Completion requirements
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
A strong interest in design
The ability to think and problem solve creatively
Enthusiasm for working collaboratively on creative design
Good communication, organisational and project management skills
Computer skills, access to a computer and reliable internet connection
Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 12 high school level
TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test.
This skills test helps us to understand your individual study needs, to design an individualised plan that supports your study success and ensures your LLN skills match the demands of the course.
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
PathwaysFuture career and study options
Career pathways
Our graduates go onto roles like: illustrator, graphic designer, content creator, social media designer, storyboarding for film or television and freelance designer and illustrator.
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study2 Courses
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Further study1 Course
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Related study0 Courses
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
The Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design (Illustration) does not have any related courses.
Your experience counts
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
UnitsUnits taught in this course
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design (Illustration) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 15 Units of competency, including 6 core and 9 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
Establish, negotiate and refine a design briefCUADES512
Manage design realisationCUADES611
Extend typographic design expertiseCUAGRD603
Engage in the business of graphic designCUAGRD611
TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community
Info sessionsWant to know more?
There are a total of 1 information sessions planned for this course. They'll take place at different locations across the state.
You can select a study option below to see the sessions available. Or you can view all sessions related to Screen, Media and Games