Experimental ideas for printed textiles: from drawing to digital print
imaginative research for generating design ideas for surface pattern. Develop versatile designs for textiles: interiors,fashion, stationery or text.
This course has now started
Course Code: VX439
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 Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
You will explore experimental drawing using mixed media for textiles and surface pattern and the journey between drawing and design work. If you are unconfident or frightened about drawing, welcome to an exciting course where playful experiments can enrich your design work.
If you have experience with drawing, delve even deeper into this inexhaustible resource by picking up some new
skills and diverse ways of thinking.
You will be encouraged to scan artwork each week. In week 3 we will use simple techniques in Photoshop to translate artwork into basic block repeats. The final artwork will be saved to a tutor USB and given to the digital lab technician to print out. You will receive 2 paper print outs of the final digital designs.
What will we cover?
You will develop a body of experimental drawings (applicable to textiles and surface pattern design) exploring
texture, line, mark-making, scale, layering, surface and mixed media. These drawings will be inspired by learners own personal collection of sources and tutor resources. You will begin working in black in white, then progress to colour.
We will investigate how to collect lively and imaginative research. For beginners you can start a sketchbook and get advice on what to put in it and how to keep it going as part of regular practice. If you keep sketchbooks already, this is an opportunity to share your approach with others and reflect on what methods are useful for your development of ideas.
Lastly, you will start developing your drawings into design ideas. You will use collage techniques, print blocks and heat transfer methods to transfer design ideas from paper onto fabric. You will be encouraged to pursue a personal direction, but the design process itself may help to lead you to surprising and exciting results.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
As a beginner:
- Explore a range of drawing techniques and media
- Start a portfolio with drawings and inspiration references
- Experiment with mark making, scale, collage and layering
- Develop initial design ideas into viable starting points for printed textiles.
As an experienced student:
- Build on existing drawing skills, developing imaginative responses to your starting inspiration
- Experiment with other techniques to explore building on existing areas of interest and ideas.
- Push use of mark-making, scale and layering in a personal direction.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a mixed ability course suitable for beginners new to textiles, and those who wish to extend their skills.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and
safety information.
You should be able to make basic measurements and calculations.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be hands on, taught through visual presentations and technical demonstrations, practical exercises, group tutorials and one to one support.
There will also be recommendations for books and information on contemporary artists and designers. You are encouraged to take part in group discussions.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will have access to basic tools and materials as part of this course. You will also need:
- A collection of personal objects and or images as inspiration to work from. For example, magazine cutouts, personal mementos, photographs etc.
- A USB with 4gb storage where you can save artwork and digital files.
- A Sketchbook.
- You may need a folio if you produce larger pieces of work.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The techniques learnt on this course can be applied to many areas of Art and Design.
City Lit runs a wealth of classes in contemporary crafts and digital textiles for beginners through to advanced learners. Please browse the website for upcoming courses.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is also available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday
to Fridays from 12:00-14:00 then 16:00–18:00.
Janie Murphy (b.1967 Leamington Spa, UK) studied an MA Degree in Textile Design at Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design, London (1993-1995). She has sold work through numerous retail outlets and galleries but more recently through The Artist Support Pledge via Instagram and The Dulwich Artist Open House. Janie currently lives in South London and works from a small studio (converted 1920’s garage) at the end of her garden. She loves drawing, painting and printmaking. Inspiration for work is taken from her environment and the garden. Her observational drawings are developed as Abstract artworks using bright colours, surface overlays, collage and prints. She has experience in teaching adults from all different backgrounds. At City Lit she runs short courses in textiles, recycling fashion and printed textiles. You can see her designs featured on: https://www.instagram.com/janiemurphy4/ https://patternbank.com/janiemurphy
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.