A Little Summer Bonus – Save 15%
Use code SUMMER2025 for 15% off eligible summer courses between £99 and £500 – and feel free to use it as often as you like.

Terms and conditions apply. See full terms and conditions.

Discount only valid on one course between £99 and £500 inclusive. Discount ends midnight Monday 2 December 2024. 

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Art and design portfolio projects

96% of 100

Develop and realise your creative language in art and design through the development of a personal project. Through workshops and small projects you will be able to build a portfolio of work in 2D and 3D related to your own personal theme or interest.

Choose a starting date

Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.

  • Start Date: 15 Sep 2025
    End Date: 17 Nov 2025
    Mon (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 10 sessions (over 10 weeks)
    Course Code: VB641
    Tutors:  Rod Judkins
    Full fee £449.00 Senior fee £359.00 Concession £292.00
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  • Start Date: 12 Jan 2026
    End Date: 23 Mar 2026
    Mon (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 10 sessions (over 11 weeks)
    Course Code: VB642
    Tutors:  Rod Judkins
    Full fee £449.00 Senior fee £359.00 Concession £292.00
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  • Start Date: 20 Apr 2026
    End Date: 06 Jul 2026
    Mon (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 10 sessions (over 12 weeks)
    Course Code: VB643
    Tutors:  Rod Judkins
    Full fee £449.00 Senior fee £359.00 Concession £292.00
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Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.

Book your place
In stock
SKU
237203
Full fee £449.00 Senior fee £359.00 Concession £292.00

What is the course about?

How do artists and designers generate ideas and turn inspiration into powerful visual outcomes? This dynamic and hands-on course explores the creative process from concept to completion. Over ten weeks, you’ll experiment across multiple media while building confidence in your ability to express ideas visually. By the end, you’ll have developed a personal body of work and a deeper understanding of how to approach creative challenges.

 

What will we cover?

You will take on a new project theme each week, exploring drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, sculpture, illustration, and more. Through creative exercises and playful experimentation, you'll learn to develop ideas, respond to briefs, and approach art-making with curiosity and purpose.

 

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

Have a developing a personal creative process

Have built skills in visual communication across various media

Have created a cohesive body of work for a portfolio

Have gained confidence in discussing and presenting your work

Have an understanding of contemporary art and design practice

By the end of the course you will have a portfolio of work and a clearer creative direction.

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

This course is ideal for beginners or those in the early stages of their creative journey. Whether you're returning to art after a break or exploring a potential future in art and design, this course offers a supportive environment to help you find your creative voice.

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

The course combines practical studio sessions, illustrated talks, one-to-one tutorials, and group critiques. Each week, you'll be introduced to new techniques and ideas, with continuous guidance from experienced artist tutors. Sessions also include visits to galleries or museums for inspiration.

You’ll be encouraged to keep a sketchbook, reflect on your ideas, and continue developing work between sessions, though this is flexible and self-directed.

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

All essential materials are provided. You may wish to bring an A4 sketchbook and a portfolio folder to store and present your work—your tutor can advise on this during the course.

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

 Many students use this course as a springboard for further study, such as a Foundation Diploma in Art & Design or other specialist courses in art and design.

Rod Judkins

Rod Judkins is an artist and writer. He gained an MA at the Royal College of Art and has had numerous one man exhibitions across the world. He has also exhibited at Tate Britain, The National Portrait Gallery and The Royal Academy. He lectures on the subject of creativity at universities and to businesses around the world. His first book, Change Your Mind: 57 Ways to Unlock Your Creative Self and his second book, The Art of Creative Thinking, were international best sellers, with sales in hundreds of thousands and have been translated into over fifteen languages. He has delivered creative thinking workshops and talks to some of the worlds top companies such as Apple, Google, Bombay Sapphire and Samsung and to Medical Science students at University College London in The Royal Free Hospital for the last few years.

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.