Graphics
The Graphics course gives you the opportunity to develop a personal and structured approach to project work. You’ll explore ideas and materials, develop your critical faculties in both practical and written work and acquire a high level of design, presentation and making skills.
There are a huge range of career options relating to art and design, from architecture to graphic design, film and television to museum work, animation and teaching. This is a specialised course that involves work in areas of illustration, advertising graphics and typography. You will be expected to show proficiency in drawing and painting as well as exploring a wide variety of techniques and ideas related to both art and design.
Graphic computer-based work will be used as a creative method to develop and realise ideas. You will study the work of other artists, designers and photographers, including work from primary sources during visits to galleries and museums.
Look.
Designers
'Design is intelligence made visible'
It is important as designers that we observe the world around us. The role of a designer is incredibly important, and we have a number of tools at our disposal:
Typography / Image / Colour / Motion
Below are a number of designers we would like you to research. Remember it is not just about the aesthetic, what are these designers trying to communicate.
Documentaries
'Everything is designed. Few things are designed well'
There are a number of films that document the important role design plays within our society. These include many forms of design from typography, product, architecture and fashion.
Below are a number of films, please take the time to watch some of them
Watch.
Engage.
Visit
'Design is intelligence made visible'
As designers it is important that we share our ideas and work. Here are a number of websites that display designers portfolios, exhibitions and publications.
To be a successful designer you must engage with all areas of design, art, film and music.
FAQ
What do you do in Graphics?
This is a diverse graphic design course. Students will look at branding, illustration, architecture, advertising, editorial design, printing and much, much more.
Can you make up your own projects?
The course is teacher led to begin with to establish skills, knowledge and good practise. However, creativity and ideas are highly valued and as the course develops more and more creative freedom is given, eventually resulting in student led briefs.
What software do you use?
We mainly use Adobe Creative Suite. Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign are used extensively as well as software such as Blender, Sketch Up and Adobe Premier. Due to recent changes with Adobe licensing, all A+D students who enrol with us will have free access to Adobe Creative Suite at home.
Do I need a Mac?
Whilst Mac is the industry standard for Graphic Design and we use Apple technology in college, the software we use is also available on other computers. If you are thinking of purchasing a computer for your college work, feel free to message us for advice on this.
Do I need to have studied an art subject at GCSE?
Whilst lots of important skills are learnt on GCSE courses and it would certainly be a valuable experience, you do not need to have studied any related GCSE courses. Through hard work students are frequently able to reach a very high standard of work, even if they haven't studied related courses previously.
What are the most important skills and knowledge to have prior to the course?
Creativity, ideas, and a great work ethic are the most vital skills for any designer. We are excited by our student's ideas and the diverse range of work produced on the course. It is useful, although not essential to have some experience of Adobe software. Design students should be constantly looking for inspiration. Design is everywhere and we are eager to see what design our students are influenced by. Visiting galleries is very much encouraged. An open-minded approach to what design is and could be is vital.