Learn to laser cut
- Course Code: VW270
- Dates: 14/06/24 - 28/06/24
- Time: 10:00 - 16:00
- Taught: Fri, Daytime
- Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Suk Han Lee
Course Code: VW270
Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 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 course begins with image and artwork development in Adobe Illustrator. You will create a range of simple motifs and patterns that can be laser cut in a range of materials including cotton, plywood, paper, and leather.
Designs can come from a wide range of resources such as your own images, imported from the web, text and words (e.g. your name) and repeating geometric shapes. A range of fabric and paper samples will be created that you can use for your portfolio or further develop them to use within personal projects.
What will we cover?
• Introduction to Illustrator: exploring tools, importing images, creating simple all-over vector based patterns and designs.
• Creating laser cut paper and fabric: testing and sampling, selecting suitable materials and fabrics, checking and exporting files. Students are free to bring in their own suitable materials to experiment with. Your tutor will discuss this with you.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Use Illustrator to create a simple vector file suitable for laser cutting.
• Understand how the laser-cutting machine works.
• Know which materials can safely be cut by laser.
• Make and evaluate laser cut samples in different materials.
• Apply laser-cutting technology to small personal project ideas.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a beginner’s course,you will receive technical support, individual encouragement and group tuition.
No previous experience of laser cutting needed. Some experience of using Photoshop or Illustrator is required. Please be aware you will be working on Apple Macs or Macbook for this course.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be encouraged to take part in group discussion.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Students will be introduced to the design lab, facilities and the laser cutter. You will see examples of laser cut samples. You will be taught using a range of demonstrations, handouts and set tasks using Illustrator to design images or, text that can be laser cut from paper.
You will then be supported as you create your own samples of laser cutting for future reference.
Additional / extension tasks may be set for you to complete at home and outside of the course hours. Completion of tasks is encouraged to help you get the most out of the course. If required, your tutor will discuss these with you during each session.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
• A USB stick with 8-16gb free storage to save files you make.
• A notebook, pen and visual references for inspiration such as drawings, photographs, images from magazines etc.
• Sample fabrics and cartridge paper will be supplied however, if you wish to use your own materials The tutor will advise on these as certain materials are not suitable for the laser cutter machine.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Laser cutting for improvers is a natural progression from this course where you can explore techniques further.
City Lit has an extensive range of courses in digital and contemporary crafts to facilitate your curiosity.
Please browse the website for our upcoming courses.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 10:00 – 12:00 then 14:00 – 18:00.
Suk Han LEEs original print designs have been used by many international fashion brands and retailers such as Halston, Calvin Klein, Whistles, Reiss, KIN by John Lewis, ASOS and Sweaty Betty. She launched new print collections twice a year at Premiere Vision in Paris and worked closely with sales representatives in US and Australia over many years. One of her most recognisible prints in the UK was for a Whistles dress which was worn by Kim Sears while she was attending Andy Murray's winning match during the London Olympics. That particular dress sold out instantly that afternoon! Suk Han LEE graduated with an MA in Fashion Womenswear from the Royal College of Art. She set up her own design studio to pursue her passion not only in print design, but also to explore ideas in sustainable wellness projects.
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.