Course description

Entrepreneur Essentials in Graphic Design provides experienced designers the knowledge and skills to elevate their graphic design career and expand their entrepreneurial potential. 

Focus on key business strategies, including marketing, pricing and project execution, to build a sustainable and successful freelance practice or start your own graphic design company.

Start

May 1, 2025

Duration

24 Hours

Price

$575 + GST

Availability

Open

Delivery Format

Online self-directed

Learning outcomes

After completing this course, learners will be equipped with the essential skills to establish and sustain a successful graphic design business by understanding business strategy, client relations, and branding.

  • Understand and Articulate Business Foundations: Explain business objectives, market segmentation, pricing strategy, and marketing strategy related to running a graphic design business.
  • Identify Client Needs: Develop strategies to meet client expectations by clearly articulating what distinguishes their business or service from competitors while highlighting unique selling points.
  • Develop Business Operations: Utilize software and productivity tools to develop a brand identity, create marketing and client relations materials and prepare legal documents that will solidify your graphic design practice.
  • Expand and Maintain a Client Base: Integrate business and marketing strategies to connect with potential clients and build professional relationships that thrive.
Computer with design software

Course topics

Topic 1 | Introduction to entrepreneur essentials in graphic design

Explore the core principles of running a design business

Topic 2 | The graphic design process

Understand the workflow of a successful graphic design project, from initial client briefing and concept development to final delivery.

Topic 3 | Brand identity

Discover the importance of logo creation, typography, colour theory and branding strategies that set you apart in the market.

Topic 4 | Defining your graphic design business

Learn how to position your services effectively to target your ideal client base.

Topic 5 | Marketing and strategy

Identify your market niche, create a pricing strategy and promote your services effectively. 

Topic 6 | Contracts and legal considerations

Navigate legalities including creating contracts, managing intellectual property and addressing client rights.

Topic 7 | Client proposals and presentations

Learn to communicate your ideas effectively, win projects and establish long-term client relationships.

Topic 8 | Networking & collaborating

Explore strategies to grow your professional network and build collaborations with other creatives.

Delivery format

Online self-directed

This course is delivered in a fully online, self-paced format, allowing you to learn in your own time from anywhere. There are no scheduled lectures or live sessions, but you will have access to course materials and facilitator support as you progress. This format is ideal for those who need flexibility while developing new skills. 

Learn more about delivery formats (TBD)

Career pathways

Skills gained from this micro-credential can be applied to industries such as branding, marketing, UX design, web design, publishing and entrepreneurship. Participants will be equipped with the tools to manage pricing strategies, client relationships and project execution, helping build a sustainable design practice.

Why enroll in this course?

Practical, self-paced learning, with support from industry experts.

Projects that you can include in your own work or portfolio.

Earn a digital badge to showcase & share your skills.

Customize your learning path to match your career goals and earn higher credentials.

Course completion

This non-credit course runs for 12 consecutive weeks, during which you’ll complete graded assignments and assessments to demonstrate your skills and competency. All coursework must be submitted within the 12-week timeframe. To successfully complete the course and earn a digital badge, you must achieve an overall grade of 70% or higher.

Course requirements

  • Laptop or desktop computer with keyboard 
  • A stable Internet connection 
  • Drawing Tablet and Pen   
  • Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office, or Google Workspace 

Recommended: Experience with graphic design, Microsoft Office Experience and internet research is recommended but it is not mandatory.   

Instructor bio

Clarissa Crosby

Clarissa Crosby is a seasoned graphic and web design professional with over 15 years of experience in corporate design, digital marketing, and web development. With a strong foundation in both creative and technical aspects of design, Clarissa has contributed to various industries through her expertise in branding, UI/UX, and digital content creation.

As an instructor, Clarissa has developed and delivered curriculum at institutions such as the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts), and Visual College of Art & Design. Her teaching approach combines hands-on learning with industry insights, ensuring students gain practical skills in Adobe Creative Suite, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and UX/UI design tools.

Beyond the classroom, Clarissa has excelled as a digital marketing coordinator and graphic and web design specialist, leading digital campaigns, optimizing eCommerce strategies, and managing brand identities for organizations such as The Brick, Best Buy, Distribution Now, Dalhousie University and Metalsmiths Sterling.

How to register

Your step-by-step guide to enrolling in a professional development course at AUArts.

Follow instructions on this page

Registration page

Register for Entrepreneur Essentials in Graphic Design and add it to your cart for checkout.

Add to cart & checkout here

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