Graphic Design - Beginners University of the Arts London (UAL)

Overview

This Graphic Design - Beginners short course at the University of the Arts London (UAL) is primarily concerned with ideas and how to develop one's own design rationale. This is underpinned by discussions to build semiotic understanding of the world in which we live, and the ability to critically analyse everyday signals.

Rather than fixating on a polished outcome, we concentrate on the generation of relevant concepts which can adequately stand on their own. We prioritise thoughtful and mature work based upon intelligent research, realised through innovative and appropriate design solutions.

Learning outcomes

• Approach any design task with a measured, process-based rationale
• Analyse complex aspects of the world in which we live and translate them as simplified communications based upon your knowledge of an audience's understanding
• Utilise your understanding of design rules to develop a series of graphic symbols with shared characteristics, i.e. develop parameters and a unified graphic language within any project you undertake
• Re-format chosen elements of the physical world to create instantly recognisable graphics, logos and pictograms that clearly represent physicality in a two-dimensional interface
• Utilise your understanding of typographic hierarchy to effectively order messaging within a poste
• Understand the role that visual communication plays within the marketing and world building of a product to develop basic brand principles and outcomes
• Exercise fundamental image curation techniques to generate a desired effect within a layout
• Utilise the foundation of design thinking and techniques covered in the course to further develop your own work, concepts and aims outside of the week's parameters
• Digital badge and certificate of attendance