Graphic design for beginners
Course Code: VK469
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 Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This is an exploration of Graphic Design through a series of typographic and layout exercises that can then be applied to a wide range of design projects. You will be encouraged to explore the basic design principles through a creative use of drawing, photography and collage. There will be an emphasis on an experimental approach in developing your ‘looking’ and ‘seeing’ skills. These ideas will be developed through challenging design briefs for poster design, magazine covers, branding, logo design and a range of graphic material.
What will we cover?
• Typography and use of type in graphic design
• Use of colour and form
• Logo design
• Creating composite images
• Grids and Layout design
• Lateral thinking.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Explain the basic design principles in Graphic Design
• Create simple grids and layout design work
• Demonstrate an awareness of effective visual communication
• Critically evaluate design work in order to develop ideas further
• Present visual ideas in a sketchbook form.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is ideal for complete beginners or anyone interested in trying out different approaches to working on design work. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught through a series of practical exercises, presentations, individual tutorials as well as group discussion. Some extra work may be required between classes.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course.
We advise you to bring an A4 or A5 sketchbook and A4 or A3 plastic sleeves for your final design work. You may wish to bring a memory stick (USB) to save any scanned or digital files.
Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencil to printing services, at 15% off.
To get 15% LGC discount, students will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment of them 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. The 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/.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
We offer a range of courses in graphic design and illustration including our City Lit graphic design projects and Advanced graphic design course. For more information about all courses available, please visit our website.
Pam Williams is a designer and an educator with a wealth of industry experience. Working with leading architects, including Foster and Partners to create exhibition and signage design. Whilst at The Museum of London she produced graphic illustrations for inhouse Archaeology publications. She is responsible for the visual identity and promotional material for Peckham based Ganapati Restaurant. Pam has been lead as well as contributed to teaching Visual Communications at the University of the Arts on the Foundation course and for Central Saint Martin Summer School Programme. She is a graduate of Central Saint Martins and The Royal College of Art.
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.
