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Short course

Introduction To CSM Fashion Design Short Course

Introduction To CSM Fashion Design Short Course | On campus
Introductory course to the fashion design process. Work from a set brief through research to generate and develop ideas for fashion.

Next start months
July 2025
August 2025
October 2025
Tutor(s)
Ian Kettle
Price
From £660.00

Course description

Course overview

This introductory course is tailored for beginners, offering a comprehensive overview of the fashion design process.

Through this course, you will be guided step-by-step, starting with a set brief and progressing through an extensive research process to generate and develop your own fashion ideas. By the end of the course, you will have a solid understanding of the design process, equipped with the tools to effectively communicate your concepts and start building a portfolio for further study in fashion.

This course will not only help you decide if fashion design is the right path for you but also introduce you to the diverse and vibrant roles within the fashion industry. Whether you are aspiring to be a designer or exploring other opportunities, this course will provide you with valuable insights and foundational skills.

Who this course is for

This course is suitable for absolute beginners, business start-ups, and experienced students looking to refresh their design practice, who are aged 18 and older.

Key information

Topics covered

  • Design briefing (setting up a project)
  • New research methods for designers
  • Colour palette and texture sourcing workshop
  • Figure drawing workshop
  • Multiple design exercises (collage-detail placement-negative)
  • Preliminary design development workshop
  • Sketchbook development
  • Runway review (deconstructing a designer's collection)
  • Individual advice, diagnostics and portfolio review (next steps in fashion)
  • Guidance on developing a personal design 'language'

Learning outcomes

  • Establish your creative style
  • Understand the Research and Design (R and D)
  • Process better communicate your design Idea
  • Better understand the language of portfolios
  • Digital badge and certificate of attendance

Materials

  • A5 Note Pad
  • Pen
  • Rubber (eraser)
  • HB Retractable Pencil
  • Pritt Stick
  • 1cm Masking Tape
  • Small pair of scissors
  • A4 layout pad
  • Colour drawing materials (anything acrylic, pencils, pastels, water colour etc.)
  • A4 Portrait or A3 Landscape Sketchbook (white paper)
  • Black 0.1 and 0.5 Fine Line Pens
  • Letraset Pro-Markers (1 ivory and 1 cool grey no.1)
  • Camera / Smartphone (for research only)
  • Laptop or tablet (optional - you will be researching online but have access to UAL computers)
  • Budget for GBP 15- GBP 25 for Research Photocopying

Tutor

Ian Kettle

Ian Scott Kettle is a London-based artist and bespoke maker of men’s accessories and fibre art pieces. He is a graduate of Central Saint Martins (BA) and the Royal College of Art (MA), with a distinguished career as a freelance designer, having collaborated with numerous independent designers and brands. His work has been featured in various magazines and has contributed to projects across the arts, film, theatre, and music industries.
A respected and inspiring educator, Ian has taught fashion design at Central Saint Martins for over twenty years and lectures internationally. He has established and delivered courses and seminars in cities such as Paris, Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Bogotá, Riyadh, and China.
Studio visits are welcome, by appointment, offering you a chance to see a working studio and discuss your future course options.

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