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Graphic Design Projects Online Short Course

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Graphic Design Projects Online Short Course | Online
Gain graphic design fundamentals and visual communication skills. This self-paced course offers flexible learning for busy schedules, from any location.

Course description

Course overview

The Graphic Design Projects Online Short Course is a unique self-paced online course which offers students the opportunity to study in a way that works for them. Our self-paced short courses are all about flexibility. Students can learn from any location at a time that suits them. When you sign up for an on-demand course, you will be able to connect with other learners in an exciting global community and receive feedback from your tutor along the way.

The Graphic Design Projects Short Course is designed to help students gain an understanding of graphic design and visual communication as a practice. The course includes a number of visual language exercises and tasks, tutor lectures and presentations, opportunities for peer and tutor feedback, access to selected online resources and three design briefs. The aim is to support students in designing a digital portfolio of graphic design works, in which they may showcase three project ideas completed during the course.

This course is designed to reflect the studio-based idea development and creative problem-solving nature of graphic design and includes a significant amount of 'hands on' non-digital practice. Students will be required to photograph and upload non-digital work to the course page on a regular basis, to share with their peers and tutor.

Total recorded hours: 4

Estimated hours of self-study to complete course: 36

Who this course is for

This course is suitable for those who are new to graphic design as well as those with some previous knowledge and experience.

It would be a good fit for anyone looking to gain a solid grounding in the principles and practices of graphic design and visual communication, as well as those wishing to build a portfolio of design projects for future studies or build on an existing portfolio for professional development.

The course would also suit those interested in exploring and developing their own design skills and creative thinking in a semi-structured, supported learning environment.

Key information

Topics covered

  • Principles of layout and using grid systems
  • Data visualisation (Project 2)
  • Principles of visual language: signs, symbols, visual semiotics, colour etc.
  • Principles of working with typography; history of printed type, classification and character of type
  • Principles of working with space; grids systems, page layout and Gestalt Theories of visual perception
  • Conducting and documenting visual research
  • Socially and environmentally engaged design - design for change

Please note: this is not a digital design software course and will not include Adobe CC tuition, with the exception of a short tutorial demonstrating how to set up a digital portfolio in InDesign, and an open-source free equivalent, Scribus.

Those who do have access to and experience of using Adobe CC software can use it when appropriate for their project outcomes, however it is entirely possible to complete the projects successfully without using digital design software.

Learning outcomes

  • Have a broader and deeper understanding of graphic design and visual communication as a practice
  • Improved ability to think creatively and formulate and develop ideas through a range of creative processes
  • Gained a practical understanding of the key principles of visual language, including signs, symbols and visual semiotics
  • Gained a practical understanding of the fundamental principles of working with typography and knowledge of the history of printed type
  • Developed ability to effectively communicate ideas / concepts through visual presentation, including a basic understanding of the key principles of layout and grid systems
  • Developed ability to conduct research, both visual and text based, related to a design brief and translate their research into design concepts and final outcomes
  • Have 3 researched, developed and resolved design projects for inclusion in their professional or academic portfolios
  • Receive a digital badge and certificate of attendance

Materials

Recommended materials:

  • Black fineliner pen/s
  • Pencil/s
  • Coloured pen/s
  • A steel ruler
  • Sharp scissors or a craft knife
  • A cutting mat
  • White paper
  • A small amount of black paper (one A2 sheet will be enough)
  • Grey paper (optional)
  • Sketchbooks / notebooks
  • A phone for taking photos of your exercises and project work

Please see our Guide to taking online short courses.

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