Advanced graphic design

What is the course about?

This course is designed to help you build on existing skills and interests in graphic design, and communicating ideas and messages through text and image, across a range of traditional and digital media. It will give you a clear understanding of the cultural influences and debates around graphic design, support the development of advanced skills, and help you evolve new working processes in pursuit of more advanced and ambitious creative aims.

What will we cover?

Across a number of projects designed to extend your thinking and practice in graphic design, the course will cover: commercial print; branding; editorial (web/screen/mobile); animation/motion graphics; visual narratives; online delivery (web/screen/mobile).

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

- recognise examples of cultural influence on design, and understand and apply design theories and advanced practices to your work
- use digital software and/or traditional processes to investigate your ideas, explore creative possibilities and develop your own design solutions
- analyse and reflect on your creative ideas and solutions, and present finished work to peers and tutors as a portfolio, evaluating and applying feedback.

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

As this is an advanced course, you will be expected to have experience of previous study in graphic design or visual communications at an elementary or intermediate level, and to be able to present a sample portfolio of work at interview. You should have at least basic skills in Adobe Creative Cloud software, and be comfortable working in a sketchbook. The course is appropriate for students who have previously completed the City Lit graphic design course (VK414), or an equivalently in-depth programme of study in the field of graphic design or visual communications.

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?

Basic materials will be provided for work in the studio, but you should also ensure that you keep a sketchbook. As a minimum, we recommend at least one A4 sketchbook, but you may find other formats more appropriate to your processes and methods, as your work develops.You will also find it useful to have your own supply of basic 'dry' media for work outside class. Typically this will include fineliner black pens; pencils (range 4B to HB), a range of colour pencils, coloured felt-tips and marker pens (6-12 of each).
It will also be useful to have a folio case (A3) to keep physical works in, and USB memory stick or separate hard drive for electronic files.
Your tutor will be able to advise on materials in more detail, as the course progresses.

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

Suitable progression routes from this course may include other advanced City Lit courses (eg: City Lit advanced print and media), which your tutor will advise, as suits your individual interests and practice. Other options include application to HE courses (BA/MA) in relevant subject specialisms, or practice in graphic design/visual communications.