Develop and realise your creative language in art and design through a series of workshops and small projects. You will build a portfolio of work in 2D and 3D that will help you discover your personal style and interests.
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.
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.
How can we develop creative ideas? What processes do artists and designers follow to generate successful outcomes? This fast-paced course guides each student through a personal creative process - transforming initial sparks of inspiration into a cohesive body of work across multiple media.
This is a ten-week one-term course, designed for beginners or those who wish to reinvigorate their creativity. You will explore a wide variety of creative subject areas within a supportive atmosphere. Through a series of creatively stimulating projects, you will explore many aspects of art and design to assemble a varied portfolio that reflects your own personal creative development. This could be used to develop your own body of work or for applying for further study on courses such as a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.
You will be encouraged to confidently develop your individual ideas into personal creative work, build confidence in visual communication in a stimulating and creative environment. There are illustrated talks on the subject every evening. Individual feedback on your portfolio work is offered throughout the term, and advice will be provided in relation to further study and creative development.
What will we cover?
On this course you will explore and develop art and design skills through a range of projects including: drawing, painting, printmaking, graphics, sculpture, illustration, graphics, collage and model making.
A new project theme or topic will be introduced every session: you will experiment and develop a personal approach to making art and design in response to the proposed project themes and briefs.
Through creative exercises and playful experimentation, you’ll cultivate a heightened awareness of your surrounding culture and discover the power of unexpected inspiration. An encouraging studio culture is designed to help you unlock and grow your own creative voice.
You will be encouraged to develop your own process to constructing a body of art work that will extend your thinking and practice, enabling you to apply for further education courses with confidence. You'll develop a body of artwork, which can be used towards a portfolio for art college application using skills and techniques in research, idea development and practical work. This course concerns contemporary practice and debate. 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...
You'll produce substantial work that will enhance your portfolio and be able to talk about your work with confidence. You'll have improved your technical skills in a variety of areas and you'll be able to generate ideas for new work and new ways of working.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is appropriate for 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.
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. Workshops will include group discussions and portfolio feedback from your tutor. There will be set homework tasks to encourage you to develop project work outside of class time. Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.
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 including an A4 sketchbook and a portfolio; advice will be given throughout 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 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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/art-and-design-portfolio-projects154944Art and design portfolio projectshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/r/art-and-design-portfolio-projects-1024_1.jpg479479GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Advanced art & design/Foundation diploma & portfolio preparation/Courses/Art & design/Advanced art & design22851132113511701228511321170<p>Develop and realise your creative language in art and design through a series of workshops and small projects. You will build a portfolio of work in 2D and 3D that will help you discover your personal style and interests.</p> <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">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. <br />
<br />
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.</div>54.8https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/p/o/portfolio_rod.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/p/o/portfolio_4.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/_/a_d_1_rod_copy_1.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/p/o/portfolio_3.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/_/a_d_2_rod_copy_1.jpg3029902Art and design portfolio projects479479https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/r/art-and-design-portfolio-projects-1024_1_28.jpgInStockEveningMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-09-14T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allSep 2026Art & designVB641479479Art and design portfolio projects383311479Rod Judkinsart-and-design-portfolio-projects/vb641-2627<p>Develop and realise your creative language in art and design through a series of workshops and small projects. You will build a portfolio of work in 2D and 3D that will help you discover your personal style and interests.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-14 00:00:00<p>How can we develop creative ideas? What processes do artists and designers follow to generate successful outcomes? This fast-paced course guides each student through a personal creative process - transforming initial sparks of inspiration into a cohesive body of work across multiple media.</p><p>This is a ten-week one-term course, designed for beginners or those who wish to reinvigorate their creativity. You will explore a wide variety of creative subject areas within a supportive atmosphere. Through a series of creatively stimulating projects, you will explore many aspects of art and design to assemble a varied portfolio that reflects your own personal creative development. This could be used to develop your own body of work or for applying for further study on courses such as a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.<br><br>You will be encouraged to confidently develop your individual ideas into personal creative work, build confidence in visual communication in a stimulating and creative environment. There are illustrated talks on the subject every evening. Individual feedback on your portfolio work is offered throughout the term, and advice will be provided in relation to further study and creative development.</p><p>Develop and realise your creative language in art and design through a series of workshops and small projects. You will build a portfolio of work in 2D and 3D that will help you discover your personal style and interests.</p><p>On this course you will explore and develop art and design skills through a range of projects including: drawing, painting, printmaking, graphics, sculpture, illustration, graphics, collage and model making. </p><p>A new project theme or topic will be introduced every session: you will experiment and develop a personal approach to making art and design in response to the proposed project themes and briefs.<br><br>Through creative exercises and playful experimentation, you’ll cultivate a heightened awareness of your surrounding culture and discover the power of unexpected inspiration. An encouraging studio culture is designed to help you unlock and grow your own creative voice.</p><p>You will be encouraged to develop your own process to constructing a body of art work that will extend your thinking and practice, enabling you to apply for further education courses with confidence. You'll develop a body of artwork, which can be used towards a portfolio for art college application using skills and techniques in research, idea development and practical work.<br>This course concerns contemporary practice and debate. You can expect to be stimulated and challenged by some of the ideas and images discussed.</p><p>You'll produce substantial work that will enhance your portfolio and be able to talk about your work with confidence. You'll have improved your technical skills in a variety of areas and you'll be able to generate ideas for new work and new ways of working.</p><p>This course is appropriate for 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.<br><br>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.</p><p>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.<br>There will be visual presentations on contemporary art and design to inform and inspire your own work. Workshops will include group discussions and portfolio feedback from your tutor. There will be set homework tasks to encourage you to develop project work outside of class time. Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.</p><p>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 including an A4 sketchbook and a portfolio; advice will be given throughout the course.</p><p> 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.</p>Advanced art & designFoundation diploma & portfolio preparationvirtual3067465Art and design portfolio projects479479https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/r/art-and-design-portfolio-projects-1024_1_29.jpgInStockEveningMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-01-18T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJan 2027Art & designVB642479479Art and design portfolio projects383311479Rod Judkinsart-and-design-portfolio-projects/vb642-2627<p>Develop and realise your creative language in art and design through a series of workshops and small projects. You will build a portfolio of work in 2D and 3D that will help you discover your personal style and interests.</p>0000-Available|2027-01-18 00:00:00<p>How can we develop creative ideas? What processes do artists and designers follow to generate successful outcomes? This fast-paced course guides each student through a personal creative process - transforming initial sparks of inspiration into a cohesive body of work across multiple media.</p><p>This is a ten-week one-term course, designed for beginners or those who wish to reinvigorate their creativity. You will explore a wide variety of creative subject areas within a supportive atmosphere. Through a series of creatively stimulating projects, you will explore many aspects of art and design to assemble a varied portfolio that reflects your own personal creative development. This could be used to develop your own body of work or for applying for further study on courses such as a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.<br><br>You will be encouraged to confidently develop your individual ideas into personal creative work, build confidence in visual communication in a stimulating and creative environment. There are illustrated talks on the subject every evening. Individual feedback on your portfolio work is offered throughout the term, and advice will be provided in relation to further study and creative development.</p><p>Develop and realise your creative language in art and design through a series of workshops and small projects. You will build a portfolio of work in 2D and 3D that will help you discover your personal style and interests.</p><p>A new project theme or topic will be introduced every session: you will experiment and develop a personal approach to making art and design in response to the proposed project themes and briefs.</p><p>On this course you will explore and develop art and design skills through a range of projects, in drawing, painting, printmaking, graphics, sculpture, illustration, graphics, collage and model making. </p><p>Through creative exercises and playful experimentation, you’ll cultivate a heightened awareness of your surrounding culture and discover the power of unexpected inspiration. An encouraging studio culture is designed to help you unlock and grow your own creative voice.<br>You will be encouraged to develop your own process to constructing a body of art work that will extend your thinking and practice, enabling you to apply for further education courses with confidence. You'll develop a body of artwork, which can be used towards a portfolio for art college application using skills and techniques in research, idea development and practical work.</p><p>This course concerns contemporary practice and debate. You can expect to be stimulated and challenged by some of the ideas and images discussed.</p><p>Have a developing a personal creative process</p><p>Have built skills in visual communication across various media</p><p>Have created a cohesive body of work for a portfolio</p><p>Have gained confidence in discussing and presenting your work</p><p>Have an understanding of contemporary art and design practice</p><p>By the end of the course you will have a portfolio of work and a clearer creative direction.</p><p>This course is appropriate for 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.<br><br>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.</p><p>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.<br>There will be visual presentations on contemporary art and design to inform and inspire your own work. Workshops will include group discussions and portfolio feedback from your tutor and an external group visit to a museum or gallery. Homework tasks will be set to encourage you to develop project work outside of class.</p><p>Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.</p><p>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 including an A4 sketchbook and a portfolio; advice will be given throughout the course.</p><p>On completing this course you may be interested in applying to a Foundation Diploma in Art & Design or further study. This is an ideal course for starting and finding a creative direction, and will help you in deciding on future courses or study. Advice will be given. </p>Advanced art & designFoundation diploma & portfolio preparationvirtual3067468Art and design portfolio projects479479https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/r/art-and-design-portfolio-projects-1024_1_30.jpgInStockEveningMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-04-12T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allApr 2027Art & designVB643479479Art and design portfolio projects383311479Rod Judkinsart-and-design-portfolio-projects/vb643-2627<p>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.</p>0000-Available|2027-04-12 00:00:00<p>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.</p><p> </p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p> </p><p>Have a developing a personal creative process</p><p>Have built skills in visual communication across various media</p><p>Have created a cohesive body of work for a portfolio</p><p>Have gained confidence in discussing and presenting your work</p><p>Have an understanding of contemporary art and design practice</p><p>By the end of the course you will have a portfolio of work and a clearer creative direction.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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. Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts</p><p>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.</p><p> 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.</p>Advanced art & designFoundation diploma & portfolio preparationvirtual383479311VB641,VB642,VB643NONEMon14/09/26 - 16/11/2618:00 - 21:0018:0021:0010 sessions (over 10 weeks)105-10 weeksEveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetRod JudkinsBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-09-14T00:00:00+00:00,2027-01-18T00:00:00+00:00,2027-04-12T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026,Jan 2027,Apr 2027Art & design479479Art and design portfolio projectsart-and-design-portfolio-projects/vb641-2627,art-and-design-portfolio-projects/vb642-2627,art-and-design-portfolio-projects/vb643-2627<p>Develop and realise your creative language in art and design through a series of workshops and small projects. You will build a portfolio of work in 2D and 3D that will help you discover your personal style and interests.</p>,<p>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.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-14 00:00:00<p>How can we develop creative ideas? What processes do artists and designers follow to generate successful outcomes? This fast-paced course guides each student through a personal creative process - transforming initial sparks of inspiration into a cohesive body of work across multiple media.</p><p>This is a ten-week one-term course, designed for beginners or those who wish to reinvigorate their creativity. You will explore a wide variety of creative subject areas within a supportive atmosphere. Through a series of creatively stimulating projects, you will explore many aspects of art and design to assemble a varied portfolio that reflects your own personal creative development. This could be used to develop your own body of work or for applying for further study on courses such as a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.<br><br>You will be encouraged to confidently develop your individual ideas into personal creative work, build confidence in visual communication in a stimulating and creative environment. There are illustrated talks on the subject every evening. Individual feedback on your portfolio work is offered throughout the term, and advice will be provided in relation to further study and creative development.</p>,<p>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.</p><p> </p><p>Develop and realise your creative language in art and design through a series of workshops and small projects. You will build a portfolio of work in 2D and 3D that will help you discover your personal style and interests.</p>,<p>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.</p><p>On this course you will explore and develop art and design skills through a range of projects including: drawing, painting, printmaking, graphics, sculpture, illustration, graphics, collage and model making. </p><p>A new project theme or topic will be introduced every session: you will experiment and develop a personal approach to making art and design in response to the proposed project themes and briefs.<br><br>Through creative exercises and playful experimentation, you’ll cultivate a heightened awareness of your surrounding culture and discover the power of unexpected inspiration. An encouraging studio culture is designed to help you unlock and grow your own creative voice.</p><p>You will be encouraged to develop your own process to constructing a body of art work that will extend your thinking and practice, enabling you to apply for further education courses with confidence. You'll develop a body of artwork, which can be used towards a portfolio for art college application using skills and techniques in research, idea development and practical work.<br>This course concerns contemporary practice and debate. You can expect to be stimulated and challenged by some of the ideas and images discussed.</p>,<p>A new project theme or topic will be introduced every session: you will experiment and develop a personal approach to making art and design in response to the proposed project themes and briefs.</p><p>On this course you will explore and develop art and design skills through a range of projects, in drawing, painting, printmaking, graphics, sculpture, illustration, graphics, collage and model making. </p><p>Through creative exercises and playful experimentation, you’ll cultivate a heightened awareness of your surrounding culture and discover the power of unexpected inspiration. An encouraging studio culture is designed to help you unlock and grow your own creative voice.<br>You will be encouraged to develop your own process to constructing a body of art work that will extend your thinking and practice, enabling you to apply for further education courses with confidence. You'll develop a body of artwork, which can be used towards a portfolio for art college application using skills and techniques in research, idea development and practical work.</p><p>This course concerns contemporary practice and debate. You can expect to be stimulated and challenged by some of the ideas and images discussed.</p>,<p>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.</p><p> </p><p>You'll produce substantial work that will enhance your portfolio and be able to talk about your work with confidence. You'll have improved your technical skills in a variety of areas and you'll be able to generate ideas for new work and new ways of working.</p>,<p>Have a developing a personal creative process</p><p>Have built skills in visual communication across various media</p><p>Have created a cohesive body of work for a portfolio</p><p>Have gained confidence in discussing and presenting your work</p><p>Have an understanding of contemporary art and design practice</p><p>By the end of the course you will have a portfolio of work and a clearer creative direction.</p><p>This course is appropriate for 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.<br><br>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.</p>,<p>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.</p><p>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.<br>There will be visual presentations on contemporary art and design to inform and inspire your own work. Workshops will include group discussions and portfolio feedback from your tutor. There will be set homework tasks to encourage you to develop project work outside of class time. Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.</p>,<p>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.<br>There will be visual presentations on contemporary art and design to inform and inspire your own work. Workshops will include group discussions and portfolio feedback from your tutor and an external group visit to a museum or gallery. Homework tasks will be set to encourage you to develop project work outside of class.</p><p>Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.</p>,<p>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.</p><p>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. Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts</p><p>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 including an A4 sketchbook and a portfolio; advice will be given throughout the course.</p>,<p>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.</p><p> Many students use this course as a springboard for further study, such as a Foundation Diploma in Art &amp; Design or other specialist courses in art and design.</p>,<p>On completing this course you may be interested in applying to a Foundation Diploma in Art &amp; Design or further study. This is an ideal course for starting and finding a creative direction, and will help you in deciding on future courses or study. Advice will be given. </p>Advanced art & designFoundation diploma & portfolio preparationconfigurable
