Advertising - Art Direction
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Program Overview
At Humber, the Advertising Art Direction (AAD) graduate certificate program offers you a portal into the advertising industry as an art director. If you have a background in graphic design, digital and visual creative arts, branding, interaction or digital experience design, film or photography, and want to specialize in art direction within the ad industry, this is the program for you.
The AAD program offers focused classes to build skills and hone your craft in art direction. Our program models real agencies to include collaborations with Copywriting and Account Management students. Our faculty are expert, industry-based professionals ready to develop your skills through a variety of hands-on strategies in the classroom – your networking begins day one.
The program is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of advertising art direction, design and copywriting combined with marketing, branding and strategy development. These skills enable students to create effective communication and advertising solutions across a wide range of media – both emerging and traditional – to build a portfolio of creative work that reflects the industry standards required for field placement and entry-level art director positions.
Courses
At Humber, courses are delivered in a variety of formats:
In-Person - An in-person course is delivered fully on campus.
Online Asynchronous (A) - An online asynchronous course has no fixed class schedule and allows students to engage with the course at different times according to their needs. Faculty provide modules, which are completed independently by the students according to established deadlines.
Online Synchronous (S) - An online synchronous course is delivered fully online and requires faculty and students to participate in real-time according to a fixed schedule. Classes are scheduled for a specific day and time.
Hybrid - A hybrid course is a combination of in-person and online classes and follows a set schedule. Students must be available to attend in-person classes at scheduled times during the semester.
The chart below outlines the delivery options available for each course in this program, by campus. For some academic terms, there may be more than one delivery option available. You’ll be able to select your preferred options when building your course schedule during open enrolment. Preferences for course delivery will be considered on a first come, first served basis. Some Humber programs are also delivered fully online, where all courses are delivered online.
International students: the impact of studying from outside of Canada on Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility differs significantly based on when you start your program. Please review the PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.
| Course code and Name | Delivery Type by Location | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Code | Course Name | North | Lakeshore | IGS | DL/Online |
| Semester 1 | |||||
| AAD 5000 | Art Direction for Specific Media | N/A | N/A | N/A | Online (S) |
| AAD 5005 | Radical Art Direction 1 | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| CAD 5000 | Copywriting 101 | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| CAD 5005 | Art Direction 101 | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| CAD 5015 | Advertising Studio 1 - Copywriting and Art Direction | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| FAA 5000 | Introduction to Advertising | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| FAA 5005 | Creative Brief Development and Strategy | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| Semester 2 | |||||
| AAD 5200 | Persuasive Art Direction | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| AAD 5205 | Radical Art Direction 2 | N/A | Online (S) | N/A | Online (S) |
| AAD 5210 | Art Direction Concepts | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| CAD 5200 | Intensive Portfolio Development | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| CAD 5215 | Advertising Studio 2 - Copywriting and Art Direction | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| FAA 5205 | Professional Practice | N/A | Online (A) | N/A | Online (A) |
| Semester 3 | |||||
| AAD 5300 | Field Experience - Advertising - Art Direction | N/A | Hybrid In-Person Online (A) |
N/A | N/A |
Work-Integrated Learning
Work-Integrated Learning courses serve as the vital link between academic learning and real-world application. Within this framework, students actively participate in the Professional Practice course, equipping you with the necessary skills and confidence to secure your own field experience. Throughout this journey, a dedicated career & work-integrated learning advisor offers personalized guidance and support.
In Semester 3, students immerse themselves in the Field Experience course, committing 280 hours of practical application within the field. Whether pursuing paid or unpaid opportunities, all experiences undergo approval by your career & work-integrated learning advisor to ensure relevance.
The Humber Advantage
"Being a self-taught photographer and graphic designer and working freelance for the past few years, this program was the perfect entry point into the world of advertising. It taught me how to use my existing creative skills in an ad-specific way and to think of big ideas and concepts."
Arman Sadrzadeh, 2022 Alumnus
"Humber College’s Advertising - Art Direction program gave me the education, tools, and experience necessary to thrive in an advertising agency. I learned how to approach “big idea” thinking by analyzing ad campaigns, reviewing the work of my peers, and receiving thoughtful feedback from my educators. I felt well-equipped to jump right in with live-client creative briefs, award submissions, and the development and refinement of my creative portfolio. With the help of my instructors, their guidance, and a host of opportunities for professional networking, I’m happy to say I received an internship at one of my top choice agencies!"
Jordan Bloom, 2023 Alumnus
“I like how challenging and hands-on the AAD program is, which I felt prepared me to work in the industry. The direct critiques, the creative team dynamics, the live clients we got to work with, and the real care and attention from our professors all contributed to make a practical and authentic journey of professional growth that I won’t forget.”
Lina Zhu, 2023 Alumnus
“Humber College's Advertising Art Direction program provided an invaluable foundation for my career in the advertising industry. The program taught me essential skills needed to thrive in an advertising agency, from analyzing ad campaigns to understanding the insights behind them. I learned to think big and develop key concepts from target audience analysis to the creation of impactful ideas. Combining my background in spatial design with my new-found advertising expertise, I feel well-prepared for my internship at Salt XC. I am grateful for the guidance and support from my instructors, which played a crucial role in securing this opportunity.”
Mansi Almadi, 2024 Alumnus
"Enrolling in the Advertising Art Direction (AAD) program at Humber College was a dream come true for me as an international student. The course was a thrilling rollercoaster ride, from sleepless nights working on assignments to super fun ad studio collaboration projects. I loved working with live clients and receiving direct critiques from our experienced professors. The hands-on nature of the program, the creative team dynamics, and the genuine care and attention from the faculty made this journey of professional growth both practical and unforgettable. This program truly prepared me to step confidently into the industry and start my internship at DonerNorth. I'm grateful to my professors for helping me reach my full potential and guiding me to create my portfolio."
Foram Vandra, 2024 Alumnus
"The Advertising Art Direction program's intensity pushed students to their best potential. This is namely due to the care and dedication of professors who nurture the growth of creative teams. The professors made the classroom a safe environment allowing first attempts at learning to be a positive and supportive experience. Personally, this program has taught me what true dedication and effort can lead to in a field I’ve had a huge interest in. Starting my internship, I can confidently move forward as an art director to advocate for myself and understand the possibilities and potential I bring to my work."
Jhenny Castillo, 2024 Alumnus
"This program gave me the tools to adapt my previous knowledge and gain new skills to effectively turn my ideas into campaigns. Thanks to the program, I am entering the industry with live client and agency experiences. The guidance and support from our professors and amazing effort from the program to bring networking events and industry opportunities has prepared me for the start of my internship. Truly a great decision to kick-start my creative career in Canada.”
David Nunez, 2024 Alumnus
Want a career in advertising AND free tuition?
Looking to get your foot in the door at one of Canada’s top creative companies? Zulu Alpha Kilo founder Zak Mroueh created the 20Doors Scholarship Fund to open doors for new voices to enter the advertising industry. This scholarship is open to BIPOC students and covers the tuition for a one-year post-graduate program in copywriting or art direction. Zulu Alpha Kilo will provide mentorship to kickstart a successful career in advertising.
To apply, send us an email at 20Doors@zulualphakilo.com with:
- A video about yourself. In 2 minutes, introduce yourself and tell us why you think you’d be great for the ad industry.
- An example of your creativity. Never made an ad? No problem! Send us anything from a video to music to something you wrote. We’re looking for your creative potential.
Be part of the next generation of great creative thinkers. Apply today at 20Doors.ca.
BuildingF (formerly the AdCentre) brings agencies and clients together with advanced students from most Humber programs to produce strategic creative content and innovative solutions.
Students are provided with the opportunity to work with real clients, on actual accounts and live briefs, receiving first-hand experience in the field.
2022 Young Ones – Student Bronze Pencil
Award-winning campaign by Art Direction & Copywriting students
Live Client Campaign – Porta
Winning campaign by Art Direction, Copywriting and Account Management students
We are making an impact with prominent industry awards and agency placements:
- Cannes Lions – Bronze (2023)
- Cannes Young Lions – Gold (2024)
- ADCC Student Awards – Bronze (2023)
- National Advertising Challenge Student Category – Bronze (2023)
- The Young Ones Student Awards – Student Merit (2023), Bronze Pencil (2022)
- Applied Arts Student Awards – Winners (2023, 2024)
- D&AD New Blood and Editor X Portfolio Competition – Winners (2022, 2023)
- D&AD New Blood Academy (2023)
Agency Work Placements and Positions:
- Balmoral Multicultural
- Barrett and Welsh
- Britt Skelly
- CleanSheet Communications
- Camp Jefferson
- Cossette
- DDB
- DonerNorth
- Elemental
- FCB & FCB/SIX
- Forsman & Bodenfors
- FUSE Create
- GUT
- Ig2
- The Kitchen
- Klick
- No Fixed Address
- Octopus Ink
- Pigeon Brands
- Publicis
- Salt XC
- VML
- Yonge & Eist
- Zulu Alpha Kilo
Expert Faculty
Carmela Cammisuli
Carmela is a Toronto-based art director and designer. With a background in both design and advertising, Carmela has been working in the industry since 2009. Carmela has a certificate in Arts and Design Foundations and a diploma in Graphic Design from George Brown College. She continued her studies and completed a Bachelor of Creative Advertising from Humber College. She is a multidisciplinary creative with extensive experience in advertising, visual communication and design.
She has worked with a substantial number of clients, including Molson Canadian, Boston Pizza, Creemore Springs, Home Hardware, Old Dutch, Vitamix, Sleep Country, Shoppers Drug Mart, Scotts Lawn and many others.
Elizabeth Dempster
Liz is currently a professor in the Bachelor of Creative Advertising, the Post Graduate certificate in Account Management, and the Diploma in Advertising and Graphic Design programs. Her industry experience ranges from agency, media, and in-house; working with clients like: Rogers, Kraft, Unilever, P&G, Reckitt Benckiser, SC Johnston, Campbell's, and Cadbury. Educationally, Liz has always had a focus on design and art direction with her Undergrad, Post Graduate, and Masters work/research all centering on design thinking.
Janice Fung
Janice Fung is the program co-ordinator and a professor for the Advertising – Art Direction graduate certificate program. She has also taught in the Bachelor of Creative Advertising and Advertising & Graphic Design diploma programs at Humber. Her industry experience includes agency and freelance work with notable clients such as Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, Dance Umbrella of Ontario, and Government of Canada. She actively participates in mentorship programs, portfolio reviews and other industry activities through The Association of Registered Graphic Designers and the Advertising & Design Club of Canada.
Sarah Nasby
Sarah Nasby (she/her/hers) is a professor in the Bachelor of Creative Advertising program and the Advertising & Graphic Design diploma program. She completed an MFA at NSCAD University and a BA at the University of Guelph. She is a designer and visual artist. Her work has been shown recently at Access Gallery in Vancouver, Critical Distance Centre for Curators in Toronto as well as a temporary public artwork for the City of Mississauga at Jack Darling Memorial Park, in collaboration with Shannon Linde.
Your Career
Our program allows you to develop strong conceptual and creative skills in art and design to work in the advertising industry as an art director. From these first steps, you can look forward to growing your career as a creative director and moving up to executive positions.
Upon graduation, your competitive advantage will include:
- experience creating campaigns, from concept to execution for all forms of advertising, including traditional touchpoints, digital and social platforms, and interactive media
- experience working on creative teams with aspiring copywriters, account managers and strategists to develop campaigns for real clients in partnership with NEXT - Humber’s internal advertising and communications agency (formerly known as BuildingF)
- a focused and comprehensive art director portfolio developed through agency-style, studio-based classes
- participation in national and international advertising and design competitions
- proficiency in art and design for advertising
- strong industry networking through faculty connections, industry guest speakers and a final portfolio showcase
Program Availability
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Course-Based | Lakeshore | Open |
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Course-Based | Lakeshore | Open |
Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
International students in Canada could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*. Apply now!
Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Course-Based | Lakeshore | Open |
Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
International applicants outside of Canada can apply through Humber International. Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.
Upcoming Recruitment Events
How Humber Advertising Programs Get You Industry-Ready
Watch the video to learn more about Humber's Advertising programs.
News Feed
Industry Insights – Three Questions for Three Leaders
Tue, October 20, 2020
We spoke with three industry professionals and heard their thoughts on how the industry is changing and what students can do to keep up and stand out.
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