2025 - Intro to Graphic Design - Fri AM

Service Description

The Introduction to Graphic Design classes are suited to anyone who wants to explore some of the key principles of graphic design – from typography and colour, through logo design and branding, to infographics and layout. Anyone wanting to learn more about Graphic Design is welcome - for example, you may be: • A school leaver interested in a taster course before committing to a degree • Anyone in marketing who is looking at developing visual skills • A business owner looking to design/develop their brand • Anyone with an interest in Graphic Design, looking at the creative process and having a go Each session includes slides to open up discussion about different aspects of visual communication (tone of voice, structure, balance etc) which we critique as a group. From these discussions we look at how to generate our own ideas, using a dummy brief to guide us through each processes. The course is a series of 6x 2 hour workshops - Friday mornings from 10am - 12 noon. Each session builds on the previous one, but slides are provided should you be unable to attend all sessions. All materials are provided for the session, but it is helpful if you want to bring a tablet/phone/laptop to help with your research. The practical work is primarily analogue, unless you are keen to develop your ideas digitally using software you may already be familiar with. Adele, course facilitator, talks about how much she enjoyed the Autumn term: "Throughout the classes we have been working with a dummy brief. The brief includes a company name and a description about the brand: its message, values, target audience and tone of voice etc – all essential background information needed to develop ideas to reach a design solution. It’s great watching the students accept each challenge: to choose a suitable typeface or colour scheme, for example, and to design a logo and apply consistent branding across a variety of mediums. I really enjoy sharing the knowledge and experience I have gained throughout my career as a graphic designer. Even though this is a short introduction to the profession, it gives students an insight into many of the approaches and decisions that a graphic designer makes during the creative process. I have noticed that students on this course become easily engaged with the design principles, get involved in lively discussions and tasks, and are impressed by their creative outcomes!"