Designing textiles using Photoshop I

What is the course about?

This creative course covers the basic technical Photoshop knowledge required to create motifs and tiles from your own artwork and images. You will be taught step-by-step instructions on how to digitally design and develop textiles using Adobe Photoshop.
Initially you will be guided into the software and scanning possibilities, developing a body of drawings.
As we progress we will delve deeper using demonstrations, presentations, and activities investigating scale, composition,design development and pattern structure.
You will complete the course with a small collection of your chosen designs on fabric.

What will we cover?

• Cleaning up scanned images and artworks
• Creating textures and drawings using the pencil and brush tools
• Developing motifs and designs by hand and on screen
• Working with colour images including photographs using photomontage techniques
• Explore placement patterns, half drops and all-over seamless repeat pattern
• Managing colour and saving swatches
• Sending files to print in our digital lab for sublimation white printing your own designs
• Printing possibilities for textiles on paper and cloth using the heat press

You will work to a project of your choice, relating to your own work or favoured theme, with guidance from thetutor.

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

• Feel confident in using a computer and Photoshop for textile design
• Produce evidence of image and design research and design development
• Produce and save a range of digital textile designs for future development
• Feel challenged to take design work further in the future
• Produce some designs as prints on paper or fabric.

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

Beginners are welcome at this introductory level. Working in Photoshop, you are encouraged to develop your own design work through following the course and instructions.If you already have some knowledge of the programme you can work at your own level. Additional tasks will be provided to push your development.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, 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.

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

You will be supported and encouraged to develop your own design and work at your own pace. If you already have some knowledge of the programme you can work at your own level. We will create tasks to push you in achieving your outcomes.
You will be taught using demonstrations, practical exercises, analysing samples, one to one tutorials and hand-outs.
Please note the City Lit uses Apple Mac computers.
Student preparation and homework outside class times is strongly encouraged to support your progression on this course.

The course is supported by Google classroom as an e-learning virtual environment where handouts, and useful information will be stored. Details on how you can access the portal will be provided before the course starts.
You will need to login into our classroom before our sessions starts where all course materials will be stored. Details on how to access this will be provided in advance.

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

Access to basic materials and resources are available as part of the course. You will also need;

- A memory stick with designs to work on with sufficient space to save all your files. 4 -8gb is recommended
- You may wish to bring examples of your textile work in a sketchbook or portfolio (optional)
- A4 note book and folder to store your notes, samples and hand-outs.
- Your ideas and a selection of source images/photos/drawings/ideas to work on. These can be your drawings, photographs, paintings, fabric samples, designs and images but can also be colours, textures and patterns that inspire you.
- Basic drawing tools are advisable to explore different mediums, black pens different thickness, like a sharpie and ballpoint pen, we will discuss in class.

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

Designing Textiles using Photoshop II is a natural progression from this course. You can also further develop your skills and interest in courses at the City Lit in such as 3D design, illustrator for textiles, or explore surface design techniques using the Laser cutter or 3D printer.

Please browse the website for upcoming courses.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 14:00 then 16:00 – 18:00.