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Advertising - Art Direction

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Program Code: AD511
Credential: Ontario Graduate Certificate
Start Dates: September
Program Length: 3 semesters
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Humber is proud to have the highest graduate employment and employer satisfaction rate of the GTA colleges based on Colleges Ontario’s key performance indicators for college graduates in 2022-2023.

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, visual and creative arts, 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 through collaborative courses with the Advertising Copywriting, and Advertising Account Management programs. 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. This combination of skills enables 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 Open "Courses" to view individual course delivery modes.

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  

Students will gain practical, hands-on experience in the industry by completing a mandatory in their final semester of study. After completing a field experience preparation course, students will be supported in marketing themselves to prospective employers in order to find a field experience that aligns with their personal career goals.

"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, Jr. Art Director, The Kitchen

"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, Jr. Art Director Intern, No Fixed Address

“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, Jr. Art Director Intern, Publicis

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.

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2022 Young Ones – Student Bronze Pencil

Award-winning campaign by Art Direction & Copywriting students

We are making an impact with prominent industry awards and agency placements in the program’s initial year:

  • National Advertising Challenge Student Category – Bronze (2023)
  • The Young Ones Student Awards – Student Merit (2023), Bronze Pencil (2022)
  • D&AD New Blood and Editor X Portfolio Competition – Winner (2022)

Agency Work Placements at:

  • Balmoral Multicultural
  • Barrett and Welsh
  • Britt Skelly
  • CleanSheet Communications
  • Camp Jefferson
  • Cossette
  • DDB
  • DonerNorth
  • Elemental
  • FCB & FCB/SIX
  • Forsman & Bodenfors
  • FUSE Create
  • GUT
  • Ig2
  • Klick
  • No Fixed Address
  • Octopus Ink
  • Publicis
  • TAXI
  • The Kitchen
  • Zulu Alpha Kilo

Expert Faculty

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faculty image
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.

faculty image
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.

faculty image
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.

faculty image
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 supplied by BuildingF – Humber’s internal advertising and communications agency
  • 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 dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students in Canada who apply for May 2024 start could be eligible for a $1,000 Scholarship*. Apply now

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students Out of Canada can Apply through Humber International

Recruitment Events

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How Humber Advertising Programs Get You Industry-Ready

Advertising at Humber Video

Watch the video to learn more about Humber's Advertising programs.


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Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Janice Fung, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 3520
janice.fung@humber.ca

Campus Information

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How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following four requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following: 

    • A bachelor’s degree, advanced diploma, diploma or equivalent
       

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • Portfolio

  • As an applicant to this program, a portfolio of your own original creative visual work is required. The portfolio requirements include:

    • Provide 2 two-dimensional design projects. These can include (and are not limited to) promotional pieces, branding and logo designs, digital or interactive media, UX or experiential design. Process ideas and sketches can be scanned and added to this submission.
    • Provide 2 complementary visual projects. These can be personal or professional pieces that are design-related or visual pieces you’re proud of. These can range from (and are not limited to) two- or three-dimensional pieces, video or film, interactive or multimedia work. Process ideas and sketches can be scanned and added to this submission.

    • Design a 1080 x 1080 pixel “ad” for a product called Water®Try to persuade a Gen Z audience to drink colourless, odorless, refreshing Water®. Using images and typography (less than 10 words), how would you convince someone to drink water?  

    Submissions Instructions

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

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Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for three semesters is:

  • domestic: $6,001.09
  • international: $19,169.12

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
View Pathways Into This Program  
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