Diploma of Graphic Design

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Design Thinking 1 is a theoretical and practice based subject that encourages students to consider audience, purpose and context, while creating personas and stories to inform practical outcomes that fuse commercial reality with design thinking tools. It introduces students to traditional and non-traditional digital, 2D and 3D design with a strong emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility. Students will justify the physical and conceptual format their outcome will take, to innovatively challenge existing conventions of what is currently available commercially, and deliver an empathic, holistic solution from point of sale through to consumer use and finally to disposal.

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This subject continues the exploration of the theory and practice of interaction design for digital media. The subject covers core research and concept development methods for interaction design. Students will focus on interpreting and structuring information content for interactive non-linear presentation and delivery, and will also focus on visual aspects of interface design and the ways in which visual design affects end-user experience.

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This subject provides the student with the opportunity to explore an area of graphic design most suited to a specific design project. Working within the parameters of a ‘live brief’ in conjunction with an industry client, students will learn how to unpack a defined challenge into achievable outcomes and use this framework to guide the creative process as well as influence the form of the final deliverable. This subject will look at ways designer’s use research methods to reduce bias and how findings from this activity can be used to support the design strategy. Finally, students are exposed to presentation techniques and how to objectively respond to constructive criticism and feedback.

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This subject introduces semiotics and identity design. Students explore the history of symbols and ways of categorising them. They are then introduced to logos, exploring elements and categories of logo design including word-marks, symbols and monograms. Students work through the process of developing an identity, with attention to simplification, process and documentation. Throughout, students will be required to focus on audience interpretation and seeing how the customer sees.

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This subject develops students’ understanding of typographic convention in both traditional and contemporary applications. Students will use their understanding of basic typographic formatting, page composition and layout to explore advanced typographic setting, work flow and content editing across print and digital platforms. Students will also explore the role of typographic narrative within the sequenced delivery of information across a variety of environments. They will be challenged to consider the ‘voice of type’ and develop a greater appreciation and understanding of how content is read and viewed in traditional and non-traditional mediums.

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This subject explores the history and origins of typographic communication, from Cuneiform through to contemporary digital type. It introduces the fundamental principles and terminology relating to typography, including letterform structure, classifications of faces and styles, typesetting. Students will work with specialist software to create and manipulate type, and will start to formulate their own set of strategies for effective use of typography as an element of graphic design.

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ILS104 Illustration This subject allows the student to develop an area of illustration they are particularly interested in while increasing their familiarity with the elements and principles of design. It identifies the difference between drawing, art and illustration and explores commercial avenues for illustrators looking at how the illustrator’s process is different to artists and more aligned with designers. Students are encouraged to develop an individual approach by researching and studying specific techniques and imitating various approaches in order to find best practice and develop their own voice. Camera and Capture This subject aims to introduce students to the foundations of photo imaging and to develop comprehensive technical skills of operating a digital camera and build experience in taking pictures under a range of conditions. A percentage of time is devoted to students receiving feedback on their recently taken images and learning to give constructive criticism to their peers, enabling them to start seeing and thinking like a photographer. This module serves as a strong foundation to pursue further advanced and specialised photography skills.

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This subject introduces a core set of industry-standard specialist design software tools. The emphasis of this subject is on building a comprehensive familiarity with these tools and features so that their application becomes second nature and can be treated as part of the overall creative tool kit. Students will work through a range of small exercises to cement their learning and to build their working knowledge by experimenting with the different tools and techniques. Students will then combine these tools and techniques to explore print and screen-based projects and in doing so, become aware of how to create flexible visual outcomes not wedded to single-use mediums.

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This introductory subject places design process and practice within the context of a chronological survey of major historical eras of influence. Students are encouraged to engage with the historical socio-political movements influencing design trends of each era through research and reflection. Academic skills (research, referencing, essay writing, and sentence structure) and design software skills are taught in weekly lessons. Students use the academic and software skills to document historical research and generate creative responses to the themes of historical eras.

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This subject explores self-promotion in the graphic design sector. Students will be introduced to the skills and knowledge required to successfully operate a freelance graphic design business, including how to charge and market effectively. Students design their own identity and portfolio they will use to promote themselves to clients and the wider design industry.

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This subject explores the structure of studios and agencies within graphic design and advertising. Students develop an understanding of how the industry works; from day to day running of a studio to the many other professions they will need to work with. They will build an understanding of graphic design career paths and salaries, and will develop the skills required to foster effective working relationships with clients and colleagues.

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This subject develops effective finished art techniques, including pre-press, printing and file management. Students will develop an awareness of paper stocks and finishes, and an understanding of the specific requirements for working with different materials and processes. They will be required to conceptually develop and design a professional piece, taking into account how it will be produced, learning how to choose the best print process and to take advantage of the affordances of specific processes and materials. The subject also explores some of the less common areas of finished art, including environmental design and large-scale printing.