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 practice and interests 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.

On this course you will explore and develop art and design skills through a range of projects, developing work in drawing, painting, graphics and model making. You will be encouraged to confidently develop your individual ideas into personal creative work, building confidence in visual note taking and mark making in a stimulating and creative environment. Individual feedback on your portfoilio work is offered throughout the term, and advice will be provided in relation to further study and creative development.

What will we cover?

On the art and design portfolio course a new project theme or topic will be introduced every evening, which will be explained and investigated through illustrated talks, tutor demonstrations, practical projects and group discussions. In a supportive atmosphere you will experiment and develop a personal approach to making art and design in response to the proposed project themes and briefs.

On the course you will:

- Develop a range of personal creative work in response to short project briefs
- Develop observational drawing skills using line, tone, composition and life drawing
- Develop portfolio presentation skills
- Explore 3D construction
- Develop techniques for creatively documenting your work and ideas
- Receive guidance on your personal study and research from an expert artist-educator.

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...

- 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 through a range of short project briefs
- Develop a well-presented portfolio including 2D and 3D work from fine art to graphics 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 critical thinking
- Evaluate 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 refresh and renew their approach to making art and design work through exploring guided creative projects.

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 a mixture of group learning, creative studio work and one-to-one tutorials, with a great deal of advice, encouragement and instruction from experienced artist teachers. 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 (to be advised by your tutor).

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

On completing this course you may be interested in continuing with the next Art and Design Portfolio Projects courses (VB642 or VB643) or, if you are ready, 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. This is an ideal course for starting and finding a creative direction, and will help you in deciding on future courses or study.