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Course

Art Direction and Project Management

DSGN-40004

Art Direction: Where Design Meets Strategy
10 Weeks | Suggested Prerequisite: Aptitude with design industry tools and processes
Format: Asynchronous Online with Instructor Feedback and Guidance Throughout

Art Direction and Project Management is designed for aspiring design leaders who want to master both the creative and organizational aspects of successful project execution. Over the course of ten weeks, you’ll learn how to craft effective briefs, develop innovative concepts, and tell compelling visual stories that connect with your audience. With hands-on exercises in applied campaign creation, you'll gain the skills to translate concepts and ideas into powerful, cohesive visual narratives. This course is perfect for those looking to take on leadership roles in design and art direction, as it blends creative exploration with the essential project management skills needed for success.

Course Details

Alongside creative development, this course also emphasizes the importance of project management in the art direction process. You’ll dive into the essential elements of estimating project costs, managing timelines, and keeping track of milestones. Learn how to navigate contracts, handle client interactions with confidence, and manage stakeholder relationships throughout the project lifecycle.

This course also covers how to efficiently source imagery, stock resources, and integrate AI tools to streamline your creative process, helping you stay on the cutting edge of modern design practices.

By the end of the course, you’ll better understand how to lead design projects from concept to completion, balancing creative vision with effective project management. Whether you're managing a team, collaborating with clients, or overseeing a campaign rollout, this course will prepare you to confidently lead and execute design projects that exceed expectations.

What You'll Learn

  • Build effective project briefs and translate insights and concepts into compelling “big ideas” and creative solutions.
  • Apply the creative process and visual storytelling techniques to campaign creation.
  • Manage timelines, milestones, and track project progress efficiently.
  • Learn to navigate client interactions, ensuring clear communication and satisfaction.
  • Utilize collaboration techniques that foster creativity and teamwork.
  • Gain proficiency in project estimating, budgeting, and managing contracts.
  • Integrate AI tools into your art direction process for enhanced creativity and efficiency.

Course Information

Online
3.00 units
$695.00
Notes: Quarters Offered: Winter
Equipment/Software: Adobe Creative Cloud for Students. Asana, MarkUp, and/or Slack may be required and used in this course. Instructor will provide information regarding software. 
Flexible Enrollment: This course is a requirement for the Digital Design and Creative Strategy Professional Certificate but is open to all students, even if you're not enrolled in the Certificate Program. 
Academic Calendar: The Academic Calendar shows the open enrollment dates and term start dates for each quarter. Courses do not necessarily start on the first day of the term. 

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This course applies to these programs

Digital Design and Creative Strategy

Course sessions

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Section ID:

196751

Class type:

Online Asynchronous.

This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.

Textbooks:

All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.

Policies:

  • No refunds after: 4/3/2026
  • Early enrollment advised
  • No UCSD parking permit required
  • No visitors permitted

Schedule:

No information available at this time.
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Instructor: Ivan Freaner

Ivan Freaner
For over 15 years, I’ve also shaped the next generation of designers as a professor in NYU’s Master’s Program in Digital Publishing. I’ve developed curriculum and led programs for underserved populations through CUNY Kingsborough and CUNY City Tech, with a focus on UX/UI and accessible design education.

I’m more than a creative — I’m a senior marketer, award-winning visual designer, and brand strategist with deep expertise in healthcare, education, and non-profit organizations. My work bridges strategy and creativity, helping brands move with purpose and power across digital, print, and experiential platforms. I also specialize in ADA compliance and DEI standards, ensuring that accessibility and inclusion are embedded in everything I help build.

As a tech enthusiast managing growing resources for an expanding North American company, I combine strategic thinking with human-centered approaches to business development. My work focuses on the intersection of technology and authentic relationship building, helping organizations grow through service-first principles and strategic generosity.

Beyond design, I’m deeply passionate about helping companies grow by connecting them with top-tier AI Experts, Engineers, and Creatives across Mexico, US and Canada.

 
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