What Equipment Will I Need?

As you will be studying from home there will be a certain amount of equipment that you will need to undertake the course successfully. These are as follows;
A Computer: PC or Mac is fine, the course runs on any operating system. The Schoolyard itself functions like any other internet site, no special requirements are needed to run the Schoolyard. You will however be using graphics software throughout the course. These software platforms require a minimum amount of system requirements to run fast and efficiently.

Computer Requirements

Below are the minimum system requirements taken directly from Adobe in order to run the Creative Cloud design platform.

If you wish to discuss your current computer or if you are interested in purchasing a new machine in order to complete your design studies; please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on info@thegraphicdesignschool.com.

Windows

• Multicore Intel processor (with 64-bit support) with SSE 4.2 or later or AMD Athlon 64 processor with SSE 4.2 or later.
• Microsoft® Windows® 11 (64-bit Version) or Microsoft® Windows® 10 (64-bit Version)
• 8GB of RAM (16GB recommended)
• 7GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required for course content and work (SSD recommended)
• 1024×768 display (1920 x 1080 recommended)
• Optional (not required): To use Touch Workspace in Illustrator, you must have a touch-screen-enabled tablet/monitor running Windows 10 (Microsoft Surface Pro is recommended by Adobe only for use with Touch Workspace).
• Optional (recommended): OpenGL 4.x. To use GPU Performance: Your Windows should have a minimum of 1GB of VRAM
• Stable Internet connection and registration are necessary for required Adobe software activation, membership validation, and access to Schoolyard online services.

Mac OS

• Multicore Intel® processor (with 64-bit support) with SSE 4.2 or later, or ARM-based Apple silicon processor
• macOS version 12.0 (Monterey), macOS version 11.0 (Big Sur) or macOS version 10.15 (Catalina)
• 8GB of RAM (16GB recommended)
• 7GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required for course content and work (SSD recommended)
• 1024×768 display (1920×1080 recommended)
• Optional (recommended): To use GPU Performance: Your Mac should have a minimum of 1GB of VRAM (2GB recommended) and your computer must support Metal.
• Stable Internet connection and registration are necessary for required Adobe software activation, membership validation, and access to Schoolyard online services.

Software

You will be required to subscribe to the Adobe Creative Cloud. Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and Acrobat Pro DC are needed to complete the course.

Adobe Student Discount

Students enrolled with The Graphic Design School are eligible to receive the Student discount for the Adobe Creative Cloud. Discounts can be found on the Adobe website of your region and are at the sole discretion of Adobe.

Contact us if you wish to purchase the software at the discounted rate and you will be forwarded a letter to present on purchase to prove your enrolment at The Graphic Design School.

Internet

Connection to Internet is also required. There are no particular speeds or access that is a minimum requirement as all modules can be downloaded and saved to your computer. If you do have the option to have access to higher speed internet (cable or broadband), this will help you have a more timely access when you need to conduct design research on the web.

Illustration Supplies

Throughout your course you will need to complete design sketches, we ask that students have a small range of lead pencils HB-4B, A4 and A3 sketching pads.

Camera Equipment

Module 6 and 9 requires you to have access to a DSLR camera. This camera must be at least 7 mega pixels. In Module 10 and 11 you may like to photograph your work for presentation of your portfolio projects, this is entirely personal, most students will use ready made mockups. If however you would like to create your own mockup from scratch you may need the SLR camera again.

If you don’t own an DSLR camera, don’t panic. You only need the camera for a few days, you could try and borrow one from a friend or colleague. You could even rent one: Click here to see a quick search for rental options near you.

Printing and Scanning Equipment

In order to record evidence as part of your design processes you will be required to have access to a scanner and a printer. A colour printer is a personal preference, but not necessary for your assessments, black and white printing is acceptable.