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Graphic Design And Computers Summer School Short Course

Course description

This intensive four-week course offers a broad grounding in many of the key design software packages used by professional designers and illustrators. Uniquely for a software course the tuition offers a strong emphasis on creative ideas, processes and principles in addition to the more technical and production-focussed aspects of your learning.

Though software instruction will be central to your learning experience, you will be encouraged at every stage to develop original ideas on paper, in discussion with your tutors and peers, prior to developing and producing final designs on the computer. The aim is to enable you to make the computer work for you rather than becoming a slave to its power.

Software covered will include:

Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator as well as moving image and website development software.

Ideas, principles and processes covered will include:

The rules of typography, grids, Gestalt and compositional concepts, idea generation, making ideas memorable and more.

The course content progresses from simple tutor-led exercises and software instruction through to more complex personal projects. Each stage of the course builds on the skills learned in the previous one, moving from small-format, print-based work (magazines, posters, folded leaflets etc) through to more screen based digital outcomes (moving image, websites etc). Critique of the work you produce will be given by your tutors and classmates at the end of each stage of the course.

We make class visits outside the studio and invite guest professionals to share their knowledge and experience.

Who should take this course?

The course is primarily aimed at beginners/hobbyists looking to take their design to the next level of professionalism. It is particularly suitable for students preparing a portfolio for entry to undergraduate or postgraduate courses. No prior design or software knowledge is necessary but if you have experience of working with a particular package (or packages) you will be encouraged to develop multiple concepts and develop your ideas and design abilities further.

Clear, easy to understand lessons:

  • Our tutors will explain things in easy to understand, accessible English. If they need to use any special terminology they will make sure they explain what they mean.
  • New methods will be shown to students through live demonstrations, in a way thats crystal clear and easy to understand.
  • Experience life on campus
  • Network and share ideas with students from across the globe
  • Access the technology and materials relevant to your discipline
  • Shop in our college shops for any materials you might need
  • Ask questions of your tutor in real time
  • Receive feedback and critique on your assignments
  • Experience the many sights of London on your down time

A certificate of completion:

  • You've put the work in so we want to make sure you have something to show for it!
  • As long as you attend a minimum of 80% of your classes, we will provide you with a certificate of attendance.
  • We always recommend you attend all of the classes so that you get the most out of the experience!
  • Certificates are great to compliment your cv.

Available dates

It can take a few moments for our course dates to load - if there are no available dates, please contact our customer service team who will help you find a course or email you when new dates become available.
Make an enquiry or call us on 0207 514 7015.

Details

Your tutor will outline the course agenda in detail on day one of your course.

Materials

Please bring with you to the first session:

  • A3 Sketchpad
  • A5 lined notepad
  • Pencil case containing the following items:- Scissors
  • Scalpel
  • Eraser
  • Ruler
  • Pencils
  • Pens
  • Black Marker Pen

IMPORTANT - Adobe ID Login for Short Course Students

Students will need to create an account with Adobe (unless you already have one) in order to access the Adobe suite at the college – instructions are included below. You will need to use a personal email address to create this. If you already have an account with Adobe, please make sure you bring your login details with you on the first day of the course.

Please note:

  • Creating an Adobe account is free.
  • The software will only be accessible when logged into a UAL networked computer
  • The same account can be used outside of the University, but software will only be accessible through a personal paid subscription that students will need to set up independently
  • You can still create an account on the day but doing this beforehand will save time and avoid delays to the start of the class.
  • If you already have an Adobe ID/ subscription you can use this on your short course rather than setting up a new account.

To create an account students will need to:

  • Go to Adobe Sign in page.
  • Select ‘Create an account’
  • Enter your details and select ‘Create account’
  • Meet the Tutor:

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    This intensive course offers a broad grounding in many of the key design software packages used by professional designers and illustrators with a strong emphasis on creative ideas, processes and principles.

    £
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