Graphic Design Beginners Short Course

Course description

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. 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, with which 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.

Through this course we aim to cement a confidence within students to trust their personal experience and unique view of design.

Course outcomes

By the end of this course, students will:

• 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 their 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 their understanding of typographic hierarchy to effectively order messaging within a poster
• Understand the role that visual communication plays within the marketing and world building of a product. Using that knowledge 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 their own work, concepts and aims outside of the week’s parameters

Entry requirements: none

Level: beginners

Please note: this course is for students aged 18 and older

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 that’s crystal clear and easy to understand.

Experience life on campus:

• Study at Central Saint Martins, Granary Square a world-famous art and design college
• Network and share ideas with students from across the globe
• Access the technology and materials relevant to your discipline
• 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 and a digital badge:

• 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 and digital badges are great to compliment your cv.