Textiles and surface pattern: drawing and digital print
Course Code: VX195
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Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
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.
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 from fabrics to ceramics.
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. You will then finish a selection of digital work 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
- Create up 5-10 digital files from your drawings and prints using Photoshop
- Apply Photoshop filters and colour adaptation to manipulate your digital files
- Complete 3 final designs to save and print on fabric.
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 use Apple Mac laptops.
Additional / extension tasks may be set for you to complete outside of the course hours. Completion of additional tasks is encouraged, to help you get the most out of the course.Your tutor will discuss these with you during each session
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 details will be sent to you via email (check your junk/spam folder).
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 however, you will need to have Adobe Photoshop 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 or digitally, City Lit offers a range of courses in Digital and Contemporary Textiles for beginners to advanced learners and professional practitioners. 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 12:00 – 14:00 then 16:00 – 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.