Graphic Design is all about visual communication. We see it around us every day in advertising, books, posters, CD covers, packaging; film and television titles, trailers, and idents; anywhere a message, an idea or an emotion needs to be conveyed with words, images or a combination of both.
This course will give you a broad knowledge and understanding of graphic design. It includes visual research techniques, lettering and typography, layout on screen and for print, digital design and image manipulation. Students are encouraged to stretch their creativity, to explore the area in the broadest sense, to be experimental and risk-taking, and learn how to solve problems and create elegant and workable solutions to design briefs to deadline.
The course will also give students a grounding in the work of other artists and designers and how technology has shaped the profession. Students will gain skills at researching, developing and presenting their ideas, and produce a sophisticated portfolio of work ready for further study or employment.
This is a two year programme and is the equivalent of 3 A levels.
What experience and skills will you gain?
The course is a combination of skills with understanding and manipulating materials and producing outcomes, both by hand and digitally. You will develop skills, techniques, and knowledge of areas that can include:
- Typography; how the language of type conveys meaning and identity
- Drawing
- Layout and composition
- Colour theory
- Branding and identity, logo creation
- Packaging design
- Using the Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator
- Illustration/image making including time-based imagery and animation
- Client-based work
- Career options within the field of graphic design
