Typography Short Course

Course description

Discover how the visual manipulation of words can bring great insight into text functions, enhance clarity and produce really successful visual communication. Whether you are a beginner or a professional designer, if you want to find confidence in your own typographic voice, this is the course for you. And here's why...

First, you will learn the fundamental typographic elements and principles and how to use them effectively and creatively.

Second, you will explore ideas visually through projects embracing typography as both information and art.

And third, your learning will be supported by project critiques, when you'll get ideas from your colleagues and advice from your tutor.

But that's not all. You will also get to use Central Saint Martins' letterpress facilities for one of the sessions.

Course outcomes

By the end of this course, students will:

• Understand the fundamentals of typography through a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on activities. Participants will explore key typographic terms, the anatomy of type, classification systems, hierarchy, and both historical and contemporary examples and theories.
• Engage with contemporary and historical debates in typography and typeface design.
• Develop the ability to use type effectively and creatively by working on projects that explore typography as both a system and a design element, resulting in a cohesive body of work.
• Experiment with a variety of creative visual processes and tools to produce prints, posters, and new typeface designs.
• Foster collaborative learning through project reviews and in-studio critiques, gaining insights from peers and guidance from instructors.
• Have the opportunity to create their own letterpress prints at the CSM letterpress facility.

Entry requirements: none

Level: beginner

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.