Graphic Design And Computers Summer School Short Course
Course description
Course overview
This intensive four-week course offers a broad grounding in many of the key design software packages and coding languages used by professional graphic designers, web designers, illustrators and photographers. 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. The course offers equal opportunities to learn and engage with design software as well as sharpen core skills including research, ideation, analogue and digital photography and print production.
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 output meaningful projects, harnessing the power of communication design and overcoming software limitations.
Software covered will include Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Lightroom as well as coding (HTML, CSS). Core skills, principles and processes covered will include the rules of typography, grids and compositional concepts, idea generation, research, bookbinding, introduction to print production 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, to more demanding project outcomes. Feedback on 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 this course is for
The course is primarily aimed at beginners/hobbyists looking to take their skills and understanding of graphic design to the next level. 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.
Key information
Topics covered
Design software:
- An introduction to Adobe InDesign
- An introduction to Adobe Photoshop
- An introduction to Adobe Lightroom
- An introduction to Adobe Illustrator
- An introduction to web design, CSS and HTML (VisualStudioCode)
Design software (optional):
- Use of AI to generate imagery
Ideas, principles and processes:
- The (graphic) design process
- Analysing a briefing document
- Idea generation and development
- Compositional concepts (InDesign)
- The rules of typography and using grids (InDesign)
- Scanning, image resolution, cut-outs and collage (Photoshop)
- Curating your typeface collection, font licensing and free alternatives
- Making ideas memorable by using ‘Witty Thinking’
- Logotype design/tips (Adobe Illustrator)
- Introduction to Print Production
- Setting up PDFs for commercial printing (Adobe InDesign/Acrobat)
- Portfolio preparation for further study in higher education + professional practice
- Photoshoot, product shoot and moodboards
- Introduction to web design
- Introduction to bookbinding
Learning outcomes
- Lay a broad foundation in key design software packages used by professional designers and illustrators
- 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
- Analogue or digital camera (optional)
IMPORTANT - Adobe ID Login for Short Course Students
Students will need to create an account with Adobe (unless you already have one) 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:
- 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
- During this course you may be using Adobe Photoshop. If you do not already have Photoshop, you can sign up for a free 7-day trial of Adobe Creative Cloud. Please note a credit card is required to register for the free trial. The subscription must be cancelled on the date provided by Adobe if you do not wish to continue into a paid 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'
Tutor
Leonidas Liolios
Leonidas Liolios (he/him) is a graphic communication designer and educator based in London. His studio practice focuses on identity design and creative direction for independent fashion labels and cultural institutions. Leonidas is also an Associate Lecturer at the BA (Hons) Graphic Communication Design course at Central Saint Martins.
Select clients include Central Saint Martins, Camden Council, Ceramic Art London and the Historical Museum of Crete.
In 2022 he published queer anglo-greek magazine The Boy Is Beautiful with an international readership spanning over 50 cities worldwide.
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