Graphic Design Art Diploma Course(D3)
Tutored by Vanessa Weaver
Course Overview
The course starts with a brief introduction to the history of graphic design before moving quickly into basic drawing skills. These can act as a brief refresher for more experienced artists. The course then looks at how to draw with perspective. Drawing skills are further developed with the introduction of pen and ink and how to convey textures. Designing with type is examined, looking at different typefaces and their uses as well as a brief look at calligraphy. Painting is then introduced with a look at colour mixing and colour technology.
Different printing techniques are examined along with their uses. Drawing skills are returned to with a section on cartoons before moving on to illustration followed by designing book jackets and CD covers. The course then looks at how to develop logos for businesses and the different kinds of packaging and how to design it. How to design posters is followed by Advertising – the different kinds and how to determine the best kind to use. By the end of the course the student will have a good understanding of many aspects of Graphic Design and a portfolio of coursework.
Work will be sent in at seven points in the course and between 2 and 5 pieces will be requested each time.
Course Prices
Please visit our 'Prices and Buy Now' page to view the course prices and to purchase your course. UK residents can purchase courses on this page via instalments, please scroll down to the relevant section to pay a deposit.
Why do students choose Graphic Design Art Course?
Students who study on this course have a variety of aims:
- 1. To improve drawing ability. The course offers a comprehensive guide to basic drawing techniques complemented by practical exercises.
- 2. To learn about or improve in specific areas, including composition and layout, techniques with specific media (pen & ink, pencils, paints), and how to generate and develop suitable ideas towards successful design solutions.
- 3. To learn how to design successfully and be able to apply that knowledge to personal work in the future, including designing using a computer. Students tackle realistic design briefs and are guided through the design process. They will gain experience of creating and developing successful design solutions that can then be applied to their own leaflets, posters, cards, and other personal work.
- 4. To learn more about different aspects of art and design including drawing, colour, lettering and typography, and to choose specialist subjects to study further such as poster design, book jackets/ CD design, illustration, packaging design, life drawing, portraiture, cartooning, advertising and logo design.
- 5. To create a portfolio of work to apply for further or higher education courses.
- 6. Please note that although we award our own London Art College Diploma with this course, it does not carry academic credits. This is a vocational (skills improvement ) course.
Critiques
If you have scanning / photography facilities, students are able to upload their artwork to the Artwork Submission Area on our website. Each student is given a unique username and password on enrolment for their own private section in this area. Students can upload their artwork to this area for the tutor to collect and critique. The tutor will then upload feedback for the student to download or read.
Critiques via Regular Mail
If you do not have any facilities to upload your artwork, you can send your work in the normal way to the tutors centre and receive your artwork back with your critique. It is essential you label all packages/artwork your student number.
Support
All our courses are written to be complete in themselves. However we realise that students may appreciate being able to get clarification about various things as they work through their programme as well wanting reassurance that they are putting techniques into practice effectively. The tutors provide the technical support to deal with relevant queries.
Most courses have their own dedicated Tutor. The tutor keeps the course up to date and relevant to today's students. They are available to the individual student for advice and encouragement. Each course has regular exercises and assignments that are constructed in such a way as to give the student the opportunity to practice the techniques learnt on the course and to test themselves as they go along. The student is encouraged to submit the assignment work to the college for the tutor to critique. The student's work will be returned together with the tutor's personal critique. On many courses the assignment work may be suitable for inclusion in a student's Portfolio of Work that could be very useful later. The college will use the assignments submitted as the basis for any award of a letter, certificate or diploma.
Duration
The expected duration of this course is approximately 1 year although the college allows students up to two years to complete their studies.
Overview
This course is suitable for all students. The following is an overview of some of the areas that are covered in the course.
Media: Equipment used |
Subject: Mandatory Subjects |
Techniques: Skills developed |
Use of the following types of media is dependant upon which study units are selected.
Pencil
Pen And Ink
Watercolour
Gouache
Coloured pencils
Collage
Felt pens/markers |
History of Graphic Design
Drawing
Lettering and Typography
Communicating Ideas
Materials and Colours
Printing
Cartooning
Illustration
Packaging
Book jackets/CD s
Posters
Logos
Advertising |
Use of media
Basic Drawing
Perspective
Materials
Calligraphy |
Samples pages from this course - click to enlarge
Below are some sample images from the course
Testimonials from students
Dear Vanessa,
Thank you so much for my assessment! As you can imagine I am absolutely delighted with my results and your kind comments!
Yes, my aims at the start of the course are on the way to being met!! The course is not only challenging my drawing skills but also my brain - trying to think around the task. It is this aspect that I am really enjoying. The course is so varied. Once again thanks,
Many best wishes, Lesley (Graphic Design Art Course – D3)
I did find the last series of exercises challenging. I enjoyed doing it and with the completion of every piece, I feel more confident and excited about going further."
S.R. From Birmingham (Graphic Design Art Course – D3)
Dear London Art college,
Thank you for my diploma which I received. I enjoyed the course and I'm thankful for Vanessa's support. She encouraged me through all the units and always gave many great advices. I hope the quality of few images of my will be suitable for the college's website. I hope they will motivate some of the future students at London Art College.
Thank you. Kind regards,
Adriana Terzievova (Graphic Design Art Course – D3)
