Graphic Design Beginners Short Course
Course description
Course overview
This short course in visual communication (graphic design) is primarily concerned with ideas and how to develop one's own design rationale. This is underpinned by discussions to build semiotic understanding of the world in which we live, and the ability to critically analyse everyday signals. Rather than fixating on a polished outcome, we concentrate on the generation of relevant concepts which can adequately stand on their own. We prioritise thoughtful and mature work based upon intelligent research, realised through innovative and appropriate design solutions.
Single-day projects during the course provide a varied backdrop of fundamental design tasks to practice concept development and implementation. The course is entirely analogue, so no computers are required. Each project begins with a lecture that provides contextual understanding and the thorough analysis of examples relevant to the problem we will set about to solve.
Class discussion and group critique of the work is paramount to learning. Most of the projects are expected to be finished off by the students out of class time and brought in the next day for class discussion.
Who this course is for
This course is suitable for anyone interested in developing graphic design skills, regardless of prior experience. Beginners are welcome, as are those looking to expand existing knowledge.
Key information
Topics covered
- The course is delivered through the setting of project briefs
- Explore areas such as typography, layout and image-making
- Presentations and exercises to learn through doing the project
- Group critiques to learn and use design terminology while developing your critical dialogue with graphic design practices
Learning outcomes
- Approach any design task with a measured, process-based rationale
- Analyse complex aspects of the world in which we live and translate them as simplified communications based upon your knowledge of an audience's understanding
- Utilise your understanding of design rules to develop a series of graphic symbols with shared characteristics, i.e. develop parameters and a unified graphic language within any project you undertake
- Re-format chosen elements of the physical world to create instantly recognisable graphics, logos and pictograms that clearly represent physicality in a two-dimensional interface
- Utilise your understanding of typographic hierarchy to effectively order messaging within a poste
- Understand the role that visual communication plays within the marketing and world building of a product to develop basic brand principles and outcomes
- Exercise fundamental image curation techniques to generate a desired effect within a layout
- Utilise the foundation of design thinking and techniques covered in the course to further develop your own work, concepts and aims outside of the week's parameters
- Digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
- A3 sketchpad
- A5 lined notepad
- Pencil case containing the following items
- Scissors
- Scalpel
- Eraser
- Ruler
- Pencils
- Pens
- Black marker pen
Tutor
Eilis Searson
Eilis is a Graphic Designer and Lecturer at London College of Communication, UAL. Her current research revolves around amateurism in graphic design, relating especially to Working Class British voice, language and fanzines. Eilis managed Camberwell Press (2014-17), the publishing imprint of Camberwell College of Arts. She is the proprietor of independent publisher HOLY! HOLY! HOLY! (2017-) which has been represented at numerous galleries, events and exhibitions - including: the Institute of Contemporary Arts, Tate Modern, The Victoria and Albert Museum, South London Gallery, and PUBLICS Gallery.Jamie She
Jamie is an artist, designer and lecturer at London College of Communication, UAL. Having graduated from a Fine Art (Painting) degree at Wimbledon College of Arts, Jamie has continued his practice in painting, animation, filmmaking and music production. He has previously been involved in setting up residencies and exhibitions as part of an art space called Muddy Yard, and also writing and performing in a musical duo called WOOZE. His work has been featured in Den of Geek, HERO Magazine, The Guardian, NME, DIY Magazine, DORK Magazine, The Quietus and more.
Alex McCullough
Alex McCullough works as a designer, art director and lecturer in London. Alex has contributed to and lead courses teaching visual communication at the University of East London’s design faculty A.D.I. 2014 —2017.
In recent years Alex’s practice has been rooted primarily in the music industry, where he maintains consistent roles as art director for some of the UK’s most exciting contemporary electronic music labels and promoters.
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