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
Urjuan Toosy
Urjuan Toosy (she/her) is a freelance graphic designer, associate lecturer, and design mentor based in London. She teaches BA Graphic Design courses at Kingston School of Art, Ravensbourne University, and Richmond American University. Her portfolio includes collaborations with renowned brands such as FARFETCH, Dickies, Dr. Martens, NIKE, The North Face, Sony, and Lululemon.
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.Simona Knuchel
With 20 years in visual design, Simona Knuchel is renowned for her impactful storytelling. Her portfolio includes award-winning contributions to her work at Swiss Radio and Television, where her creative imprint has significantly enhanced major documentaries and current affairs programs through her thoughtful title designs, opening credits, infographics, and both 2D- and 3D animations.
Simona's versatility extends to live events and theatre, where her mesmerising projections have a significant impact. Her innovative use of digital technology immerses audiences in dynamic visual narratives, with digital projection mapping becoming her signature, breathing life into theatrical performances and adding a new dimension to event experiences.
Beyond her design career, Simona shares her knowledge as a digital design lecturer. She guides students in creating digital content for theatre and live events, where her teachings delve deeper than design principles, emphasising the profound importance of storytelling, and highlighting design's power to convey compelling narratives.
Book a course
Loading