Advanced visual communications: where is the truth?

What is the course about?

This course is designed to provide an understanding of the implications and responsibilities of communicating information in the public arena, across a range of contemporary media. You will build on your existing skills in the area of design, communication, text and image, and visual narratives, and gain an awareness of how information, messages, news and agendas are susceptible to manipulation and alteration in meaning or interpretation, through the creative design process.

This course is delivered in studios at CityLit.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

Across a number of short project briefs examining the representation of information through graphic design and media, we consider the author’s voice, the process of developing narratives, and what happens to ‘truth’ during the process of design, and as a result of decisions and intent.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• understand and apply theories and principles of communication and design to your work, to convey your intended message.
• use digital software and/or traditional processes to investigate your ideas, explore creative possibilities and develop your own creative responses to questions.
• analyse and reflect on your creative ideas and solutions, and present your work to peers and tutors as a portfolio, evaluating and applying feedback.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

You will be expected to have experience of previous study in graphic design or visual communications at least at an elementary level. Basic skills in Adobe Creative Cloud software will be an advantage, but not essential. You should be comfortable working in a sketchbook. The course is appropriate for students who have previously completed the City Lit graphics course (VK414), or one of our introductory level graphics courses.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course consists of workshops and short lectures, practical exercises and tutorials. You will be required to practice your skills and develop projects outside the class, and will be asked to complete research outside of class time which you present during class for discussion. You will need to keep a sketchbook (see below), which will also occasionally be used or referred to during class discussions.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

As a minimum, we recommend:
- A4 sketchbook, A3 layout pad;
- A4 cutting matt, scalpel and 10A blades; or a craft knife; metal 30cm ruler; fineliner black pens; pencils (range 4B to HB), a range of colour pencils, coloured felt-tips and marker pens (6-12 of each)
- masking tape (half-inch), plastic eraser, glue-stick.

Your tutor will be able to advise on materials in more detail, as the course progresses.

Besides these, you will need to have the following, as essentials:
- email address
- computer/laptop/tablet with a fully updated browser (we recommend Google Chrome)
- digital camera or smartphone to document your work for sharing on Google Classroom and on Padlet.
- access to Adobe Creative Cloud software: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign (student costs circa £16 per month for subscription).

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Suitable progression routes from this course may include other advanced City Lit courses (eg: Artist’s Moving Image Practice; Advanced animation; Contemporary printmaking and digital practice), which your tutor will advise, as suits your individual interests and practice. This course is an ideal primer for City Lit advanced graphic design (VK600).