Graphic Design for Beginners - Nottingham Trent University

Description

Master branding, typography, and publishing – all while tackling real-world design projects. Hone your professional and technical skills and develop a visual design language. You'll go beyond theory, experiment with graphic design principles and develop your technical skills to thrive in the ever-evolving graphic design landscape. You will become familiar with techniques for working with images and fonts, designing layouts, crafting logos and visual identities and gain hands-on experience using Adobe. Through working on a number of set and self-initiated projects, including client briefs, you will develop an individual portfolio of work in line with your personal ambitions and future career direction. Aimed at the beginner with limited or no knowledge of graphic design, this popular introductory course combines theoretical and practical content with a professional, commercial perspective. It’s also open to anyone with some previous experience looking to refresh or develop their skills further and experiment in an environment with like-minded people. The development of ideas, the creative process and an understanding of visual language, layout and typography will all be included in this course to help you develop your knowledge of the different disciplines and skills associated with graphic design. You’ll dive into industry-standard tools like Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, looking at the key elements of graphic design: layout (grids and hierarchy), typography, colour, shape, pattern, and how to create designs which communicate specific information whilst researching, developing and realising graphic designs in response to a brief and experiment with the different applications of graphic design, from print media to digital. You will create innovative compositions using words, pictures and colour through workshops and projects that combine theoretical discussions with practical applications. The course will show you graphic design principles, branding techniques, and essential Adobe tools so you can create professional-looking designs. On this course, you will: • learn about graphic design and who’s shaping the design world - and apply this knowledge to your work • work with typography in a creative and experimental way • create layouts that communicate a clear message • select and edit images and combine these with layouts and typography • gain hands-on experience using Adobe software • work to a commercial project brief and understand the processes involved, from initial research to final presentation • critique your work and that of others to improve your knowledge of why some graphic design is successful, and others less so • bring together the different disciplines within graphic design to create visually interesting and engaging results. Throughout the course you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice what you’ve learnt and receive constructive feedback with interactive and hands-on activities. The course includes the use of graphic design software however it is not an introduction to software, but rather an introduction to graphic design principles. This course is about idea generation and problem solving within graphic design, which tends to be new to people. You will learn how to apply these principles creatively, focusing on developing original concepts and effective visual communication. By the end of the course you will have a robust understanding of graphic design principles. You’ll have developed your proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Photoshop and built skills in crafting compelling graphic designs, leave with strategies for maintaining visual consistency in print and digital media, and have created assets for your portfolio. You’ll have increased your confidence in your own skills and feel inspired to continue designing after the course, with an understanding of how the graphic design industry works, including the interpreting of design briefs. Tutor profile: Craig Proud runs a creative workshop, design and print studio, Dizzy Ink. Being a lover of education and grassroots activism Craig has focused his personal research into Notts Zine Library, a free open and accessible resource currently based in Nottingham Contemporary. Notts Zine Library, along with Institute of Mental Health Uo, conducts research around mental health and zine culture as a form of therapy and benefits of connection. With an extensive portfolio, Craig has been involved in many projects with a cause and continues to do so. His artwork has been exhibited at Nottingham Castle, alongside V&A's collection of activist media for the exhibition: A World to Win, 2015. As well as putting on workshops for D&AD New Blood and various festivals; another highlight was being commissioned to produce a special exhibition around the UK's referendum. Through his print studio Dizzy Ink, he led QUADs major exhibition, titled, Three Months On, 2016.

What's included in the price?

This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus. Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course. Please bring with you to the first session: • a layout pad • drawing materials (pencils, felt-tips, gel pens etc) • notepad and pens • a memory stick. On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.

Cancellation policy

Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Nottingham Trent University

with Craft Courses since 2015

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