Art and design portfolio projects

What is the course about?

The City Lit art and design portfolio projects courses run throughout the year in three separate programmes which can be studied individually or as a group. The courses are designed for beginners and those in the early stages of developing their creative thinking, practice and interests and who wish to explore a wide variety of creative subjects and practices. On the course you will explore diverse aspects of art and design through a series of creatively stimulating projects to assemble a varied portfolio that reflects your own personal creative development which can be used for applying for further study on courses such as the City Lit Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. The portfolio courses can be studied on their own, or as a series – enabling you to explore and develop your skills, knowledge and portfolio in a whole range of diverse practices.

The emphasis of this course in the series will be on the effects of colour, light and layout in visual communication within art and design. Working in 2D and 3D media, you will recognise and develop work from your own sources and inspiration in response to set themes and briefs, communicating ideas through various art and design media. In 2D, you will build up skills in illustration, lay out and developing and applying general design concepts. In 3D you will explore how to experiment with ideas using model making techniques. Throughout the course you will also develop methods of recording and presenting your work and creative development. Individual portfolio feedback will be offered throughout the course by an experienced and knowledgable artist-educator, to inspire you and help you recognise your strengths and areas for development.

What will we cover?

On the art and design portfolio course a new topic and project brief will be set each evening, which will be introduced and investigated through illustrated talks, tutor demonstrations, practical projects and group discussion. In a supportive atmosphere you will experiment and develop a personal approach to making art and design in response to the proposed topics.

On the course you will:

- Explore life drawing and develop observational drawing skills using line, tone, and composition
- Explore basic colour theory by investigating collage techniques and experimenting with printmaking
- Explore 3D design and sculpture, using materials such as clay, plaster, wire and card
- Develop work in graphic design and typography, exploring layout and composition
- Learn techniques in photographically recording your work and portfolio presentation

This course concerns contemporary practice and debate. As such you can expect to be stimulated and challenged by some of the ideas and images discussed.

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

- Develop personal creative work in response to set project themes and ideas
- Draw, sculpt, paint and design with greater confidence
- Explore and use a range of mixed media and materials
- Develop and present your own creative work
- Develop a well-presented portfolio which could be used to apply for Foundation Diploma level study or for your own personal development and enjoyment
- Have an understanding of visual concepts through observation, expression and creative thinking
- Assess your own creative abilities and strengths.

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

This course is appropriate for complete beginners, those returning to art education after a break, or those with some experience who wish to inspire, refresh and renew their approach to making art and design work.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions in demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations to support your artistic development.

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

The course involves group and studio based learning as well as one-to-one tutorials with a great deal of advice, encouragement and instruction from experienced artist-educators. There will be visual presentations on contemporary art and design to inform and inspire your own work, and each evening a new project and theme will be set, and new materials introduced to extend your creative development. Workshops will include group discussions and portfolio feed back from your tutor, and an external group visit to a museum or gallery.

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

All essential materials will be provided, including paints, paper, inks, sculpture materials and print making materials. You may wish to purchase and use your own materials, depending on the work you wish to make. You may wish to buy an A4 sketchbook and a portfolio depending on your creative plans.

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

In completing this course you may be interested in continuing with the next Art and Design Portfolio Projects course (VB643). Having developed a portfolio of work, you may wish to apply to the City Lit Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, and gain a formal qualification for access to higher education and University courses or to begin your career in the art and design industry.