What is the course about?
The aim of the course is to learn how to create drawings and prints by hand and then transform them into digital files using Photoshop. It is suitable for beginners and for students, artists and designers who already have a creative practice and who would like an introduction into working with Photoshop. This is a fun course and creative course that takes you through the step by step stages of hand producing basic designs and then the technical processes using Photoshop to digitise them. The unique aspect of the course is that it unifies the hand made with the digital. This enables you to understand the basics of the whole process, from putting pen to paper, all the way through to creating files that can be professionally printed. The course is packed with tips to the essential and quick ways of producing pattern on Photoshop, while also exploring how to use the programme in a experimental and creative way.
The production of your final digital files is important, as they open up a new world to new and experienced makers that enables you to print your work onto a range of surfaces such as fabrics and ceramics. The digital files can also be used online and on publicity to promote your work.
What will we cover?
The course is divided into two distinct sections: the first 2 sessions will be focused on producing drawings and prints. You will be taken through a series of fun and creative exercises to produce a selection of drawings, mark making, mono printing and block printing.
The next 3 sessions will focus working on Photoshop, to scan in, digitise and manipulate your files. You will be taken through the basic technical steps to scan in and clean up your paper designs, and create repeat patterns on the first day. You will also learn about how to set up your files correctly and in the correct resolution. On the second day you will learn how to manipulate and transform your designs in a fun and creative way using Photoshop. The last day you will finish your digital designs and save and print out your best designs onto fabric and paper.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Produce a range of simple drawings and prints for textile design
- Compare 3 basic textile repeats and identify how to create them
- Produce up 5-10 digital files from your drawings and prints using Photoshop
- Apply Photoshop filters and colour adaptation to manipulate your digital files
- Complete at least 3 final designs to save and print out on to fabric and high quality paper.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for beginners. Photoshop experience helpful but not essential. This course is also perfect for students, artists and designers who already have ideas and designs on paper but don’t have the technical knowledge to transform them into digital files.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught using a range of techniques including demonstrations, practical exercises, group and individual assistance, and hand-outs. Please note the City Lit may use Apple Mac laptops.
You may be set some homework to do between the classes.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will need to bring a USB stick to save your digital work, a note book and a file or folder for your course notes and drawings. You are encouraged to bring sketchbook or scrapbook of drawings, ideas and visual inspiration. Basic drawing materials provided but you may want to bring in more specific items to work with.
Computers will be provided, but you are also welcome to bring you own laptop to work on during the last 3 sessions. Ut You will need to have a Photoshop CS6 or CC to work on.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This course is an introduction to the process of designing textiles using hand and digital techniques.
To further develop your designs by hand you could study many drawing and pattern courses at City Lit including:
Textiles and surface pattern: understanding repeats
Colour and abstract design for textiles and surface pattern
Textiles and surface pattern: drawing and design development
Textiles and surface pattern: designing with collage
To further develop your designs by on computer you could study:
Designing textiles using Photoshop Stage 1
Designing textiles using Photoshop Stage 2
Illustrator: stage 1.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 19:00.
See the course guide for term dates and further details
