Developing graphic design
Time: 18:00 - 21:00
Location: Keeley Street
Graphic Design is everywhere; in our books, magazines, and newspapers. Emblazoning packaging at the corner shop to the mall. On our screens- phones, TVs, computers and tablets. To say it’s important would be an understatement.
Don’t just consume. Learn how to use image and type to communicate your messages, emotions, and ideas. Beyond this, learn about the movements and styles which have shaped the field of Graphic Design over the years, and how to find your place there.
Choose a start date
- Course Code: VZ125
- Dates: 15/01/25 - 19/02/25
- Time: 18:00 - 21:00
- Taught: Wed, Evening
- Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
Course Code: VZ125
Choose a start date
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
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.
What is the course about?
This is an intermediate level course for learners to continue developing their Graphic Design practice. Through practical exercises, learners will cement their understanding of the design principles underpinning graphic design, and take the first steps toward fostering their personal design language. Learners will also delve deeper into the historical and contemporary movements and styles that have shaped the field of Graphic Design, and begin to identify which ones have greatest relevance to their own practice.
What will we cover?
Intermediate level teaching of:
• The key elements of graphic design: layout (grids and hierarchy), typography, colour, shape, pattern.
• How to create designs which communicate specific information.
• Researching, developing and realising graphic designs in response to a brief.
• The different applications of Graphic Design, from print media to digital.
• The key movements and styles within the subject area.
• Identifying which of the sub-areas and movements are most relevant to your developing graphic design practice.
Introduction to creative software:
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe In Design.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Manipulate layout, typography, colour, shape, pattern, to communicate more complex information.
• Research, develop and realise more complex graphic designs in response to a brief.
• Discuss the different applications of graphic design and the key movements and styles, and how to situate your developing personal practice within them.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for intermediate learners, e.g. those who have completed a beginners’ course in Graphic Design, or have equivalent knowledge and experience.
English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You may need to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
- Presentations
- Demonstrations
- Practical work
- Individual and group tutoring
- Group discussion
Additional/extension activities may be set for you to complete at home or outside of the course hours. Completion of additional tasks is encouraged to help you get the most out of the course. Where required your tutor will discuss these with you.
This course is supported by Google Classroom as a Virtual Learning Environment. When you log on you will be able to access course material, presentations, and handouts etc. and may be asked to complete learner progress records. You can find help via the student help centre on the City Lit website.
Please note it is important that you sign up and log in to your course Google classroom prior to the first session. Joining detail will be sent to you via email (check your junk/spam folder).
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
At City Lit, access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive, to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required.
Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services, at 15% off.
To get 15% LGC discount, you will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment and being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. Student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/offer.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
We recommend looking at the Visual Communication category of our website, to see our full range of courses and specialist workshops within graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.¿
Also, you may wish to consider applying to one of our Advanced Programmes in Media and Communications, or a related subject. https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/art-and-design/advanced-practice.