PC or Mac—both work fine. The Schoolyard (our student platform) runs on any operating system, just like any website.
\nBut: You’ll be using design software (Adobe Creative Cloud or Canva), which has minimum system requirements to run fast and efficiently.
\nBelow are the minimum system requirements taken directly from Adobe to run the Creative Cloud design platform:
\n| Spec | \nMinimum | \nRecommended | \n
|---|---|---|
| Processor | \nMulticore Intel (64-bit) with SSE 4.2+ OR AMD Athlon 64 with SSE 4.2+ | \nSame | \n
| Operating System | \nWindows 11 (64-bit) or Windows 10 (64-bit) | \nSame | \n
| RAM | \n8GB | \n16GB | \n
| Storage | \n7GB for software + space for your work | \nSSD for faster load times | \n
| Display | \n1024×768 | \n1920×1080 | \n
| Graphics | \nOpenGL 4.x with 1GB VRAM (optional) | \nSame | \n
| Internet | \nStable connection required | \nSame | \n
Touch workspace (optional): To use Touch Workspace in Illustrator, you need a touch-screen-enabled tablet/monitor running Windows 10 (Microsoft Surface Pro recommended by Adobe).
\n| Spec | \nMinimum | \nRecommended | \n
|---|---|---|
| Processor | \nMulticore Intel (64-bit) with SSE 4.2+ OR ARM-based Apple silicon (M1, M2, M3) | \nSame | \n
| Operating System | \nmacOS 10.15 (Catalina), 11.0 (Big Sur), or 12.0 (Monterey) | \nSame | \n
| RAM | \n8GB | \n16GB | \n
| Storage | \n7GB for software + space for your work | \nSSD | \n
| Display | \n1024×768 | \n1920×1080 | \n
| Graphics | \n1GB VRAM, must support Metal | \n2GB VRAM | \n
| Internet | \nStable connection required | \nSame | \n
Email us: info@thegraphicdesignschool.com
\nTell us your computer’s specs (processor type, RAM amount, operating system version) and we’ll let you know if it’s suitable for your chosen course.
\nPlanning to buy a new computer? We can give you recommendations based on your budget and course requirements. Mac or PC, laptop or desktop—we’ll help you choose.
\n"}},{"id":"software","title":"Software","content":{"html":"You’ll need to subscribe to Adobe Creative Cloud.
\nRequired programs:
\nCost: ~$80/month (standard rate) or ~$30-40/month (student rate—see below)
\nNot included in course fees. You subscribe and pay Adobe directly.
\nYou’ll need:
\nCost: ~$18/month (AUD)
\nStudent discount: Canva does not offer student discounts.
\nFree trial: Canva offers a 30-day Pro trial—perfect for completing Module 3 assessments before deciding whether to subscribe.
\nGood news: Students enrolled with TGDS are eligible for Adobe’s student discount (usually 60% off regular price).
\nHow to get it:
\nDiscount eligibility is at Adobe’s sole discretion (not controlled by TGDS). Visit Adobe’s website for current student pricing.
\nTypical student pricing: ~$30-40/month instead of ~$80/month (saves ~$500-600 per year).
\n"}},{"id":"internet","title":"Internet Connection","content":{"html":"Required: You need internet access to:
\nNo minimum speed required. All modules can be downloaded and saved to your computer for offline work. Videos can be downloaded for offline viewing.
\nRecommended: High-speed internet (cable or broadband) makes it easier to:
\nHave slow internet? You can still complete the course. Download materials in advance when you have good connection, then work offline.
\n"}},{"id":"illustration","title":"Illustration Supplies","content":{"html":"You’ll be sketching designs throughout your course.
\nThroughout your studies, you’ll complete design sketches as part of the professional design process. We ask that students have:
\nCost: ~$20-40 total (available at any stationery store, art supply store, or Officeworks)
\nWhy sketching matters: Professional designers sketch before jumping into software. It’s faster for brainstorming, exploring concepts, and refining ideas. We’re teaching you real-world design process.
\n"}},{"id":"camera","title":"Camera Equipment","content":{"html":"Modules 6 and 9 require photography work.
\nWhat you need:
\nWhen you need it:
\n| Module | \nUsage | \n
|---|---|
| Module 6 | \nPhotography module (required for several days) | \n
| Module 9 | \nLayout design module (may need for project photography) | \n
| Modules 10-11 | \nPortfolio photography (optional—most students use ready-made mockups instead) | \n
No problem. You only need it for a few days. Here are your options:
\nOption 1: Borrow
\nOption 2: Rent
\nOption 3: Use a Smartphone (Check First)
\nCost to rent: ~$50-100 for a few days (much cheaper than buying a $800+ camera you’ll only use twice)
\n"}},{"id":"printing","title":"Printing and Scanning Equipment","content":{"html":"You’ll need access to:
\nColour printer? Personal preference. Black-and-white printing is acceptable for assessments (you’re assessed on design quality, not printer quality).
\nNo problem. You can use:
\nCost: ~$10-30 total throughout your course (if using print shops instead of owning equipment)
\nScanner: Required (for digitizing non-digital media, optional)
\nPrinter: Required for one assessment (you don’t need to own it—use a professional print shop like Officeworks for that one project)
\n"}},{"id":"dsm-equipment","title":"Design for Social Media Course Equipment","content":{"html":"Canva works on:
\nNo high-powered machine needed. Canva is cloud-based and runs in your web browser. As long as you have internet and a modern browser, you’re good to go.
\nIf you decide to submit assessments, Module 3 Assessment 3 requires product photography. You’ll need:
\nCamera & Support:
\nLighting:
\nBackdrops:
\nProps & Tools:
\nCost: ~$100-300 total (depending on what you already own and whether you go pro or DIY)
\nWhy optional? Many students skip assessments and just learn the skills. If you’re submitting assessments, you’ll create portfolio-worthy product photography—professional quality work you can show clients.
\n"}},{"id":"summary","title":"Summary - What Do I Need to Buy?","content":{"html":"| Item | \nCost | \n
|---|---|
| Computer (meet minimum specs) | \n$500-2000 (if buying new) | \n
| Internet connection | \n~$50-100/month (typical home internet) | \n
| Software subscription | \nAdobe CC: ~$30-80/month / Canva Pro: ~$18/month | \n
| Pencils and sketchpads | \n~$20-40 (one-time purchase) | \n
Total upfront cost (if buying new computer): ~$600-2100
\nOngoing monthly cost: ~$30-100/month (software + internet)
\nCertificate IV / IFC:
\nDesign@Work:
\nDesign for Social Media (if submitting assessments):
\n