Graphic Design Portfolio Course

Course detail

Aims of the course

The Graphic Design Portfolio course will introduce you to the subject of graphic design from an informed beginners perspective, through the development of professional processes and skills, to the building of an original and effective graphic design portfolio. This is not a computer software course but rather reflects the studio-based and idea generation nature of graphic design. It is highly international and is sympathetic to the needs of international students.

View photographs of the latest course workshops and activities on Instagram.

The course aims to serve the needs and ambitions of three main student groups:

• Those seeking to build a portfolio for application to BA Graphic Design at Central Saint Martins or elsewhere
• Those seeking to build a portfolio for application to MA Communication Design at Central Saint Martins or elsewhere
• Professionals seeking to renew their creativity through personal projects, new processes and produce a fresh portfolio with a creative London edge.

The course assists you in realising your goals through common creative exercises, lectures, workshops, demonstrations, visits and individual tuition. It will make full use of the cultural aspects of London and there may be the opportunity to get involved in ‘live’ briefs from industry (which will give you a further taste of the BA and MA courses at Central Saint Martins).

"We are always impressed by the level of work achieved by the Graphic Design Portfolio Course students. The range of subjects they have tackled, the free thinking approach and the individual attention from the tutors allows students to create portfolios which are mature, well considered and contain the individuality that HE colleges will demand. Since 1996 this course has been a great springboard into study at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and on to successful and rewarding careers."
Jonathan Barratt
Dean of the School of Graphics and Industrial Design, Central Saint Martins

The course is comprised of two days tuition per week over three terms known as Stage 1(Apr-Jul), Stage 2 (Sept-Dec) and Stage 3 (Jan-Mar). The courses are taught on a progressive basis providing the opportunity to study for up to one year. It is possible to take each course separately. The Graphic Design Portfolio Course is an international course and is sympathetic to the needs of overseas students.

Course dates

Autumn term
Stage 2: 3 October - 6 December 2017, 10 weeks
Tuesdays: 9.30am – 5.30pm
Thursdays: 9.30am – 5.30pm

Course structure

Graphic Design Portfolio Course comprises two days tuition per week in three 11 week stages. The stages of the course are taught on a progressive basis providing the opportunity to study for up to one year. It is also possible to take each stage separately.

• Some students, particularly those who are beginners, take all three stages: Stage 1(Apr-Jul), Stage 2 (Sept-Dec) and Stage 3 (Jan-Mar).
• Some students, such as those with some previous experience, become successful BA applicants after taking two stages: Stage 2 (Sept-Dec) and Stage 3 (Jan-Mar).
• Most MA applicants usually take just one stage: Stage 2 (Sept-Dec) or Stage 3 (Jan-Mar)
• Professionals will benefit from any stage.

Any and all of the three stages are suitable for all three of the expected groups, however each term has its own unique opportunities and focus:

Stage One (Apr-Jul): Back To Basics

This stage is primarily aimed at students for whom London and/or graphic design is a new experience. It is also geared towards those who feel the need to revisit the basics. The fundamental elements of graphic design are explored and creative processes and approaches are developed. The pace of this stage is quite relaxed. Being held during early summer allows the course to get out of the classroom to see more of London, the summer Graphics BA and MA shows, studios and galleries. During this stage there are a number of guest lectures and workshops delivered by CSM Graphics alumni and professionals, giving a broad overview of the subject. You will produce a range of work for your portfolio.

Areas of study:

• History of Graphic Design
• Typography basics
• Basic creative thinking techniques and processes in Graphic Design
• Narrative environments (exterior space)
• Life drawing (colour and movement)
• Printmaking (silkscreen)
• Digital design (flash: website design)
• Photography
• Live projects
• Specialist creative workshops with London-based designers, college staff and alumni

Stage Two (Sept-Dec): Principles And Processes

This stage builds on ideas introduced in Stage One (Apr-Jul). Creative exercises lead to projects, projects lead to processes and processes lead to a more professional looking portfolio. More studio-focussed than Stage 1 (Apr-Jul), the pace increases with a large part of successful BA folios being put together in this term. Projects and workshops focus on broadening the range of work in your portfolio.

Areas of study:

• Creative Thinking Techniques and Processes in Graphic Design
• Wit & Humour in Visual Communications
• Typography (Rules, Grids, Composition and Information Hierarchies)
• Narrative Environments (Interior Space)
• Printmaking (Monoprinting & Lino Cut)
• Life Drawing (Form & Tone)
• Digital Design (Photoshop)
• Photography
• Live Projects

Stage Three (Jan-Mar): Professional Preparations

The climax to the year, this term builds on ideas introduced in Stage 1 (Apr-Jul) and Stage 2 (Sept-Dec). Challenging projects greatly enhance the emerging folio. This stage is fast paced and highly focussed on students preparing portfolios for BA and MA applications. There is also a more self-determined course of study for professionals. This stage is less suitable for beginners if taken on its own.

Areas of study

• Folio review by BA and MA Course Directors (crucially, this is only available in this stage)
• Folio surgery: intense preparation for BA/MA/Pro review and interviews
• Advertising
• Narrative environments (public space)
• Printmaking (drypoint)
• Life drawing (space and depth)
• Digital design (InDesign: yearbook)
• Photography
• Personal projects and research
• Live projects

Based on this curriculum the entry points are as follows:

Stage one (Apr-Jul) Individuals of varying ability are accepted at this point with the view that they have the potential to begin a BA graphic design course in October the following year, after completing a full year of the course.

Stage two (Sept-Dec): You are accepted if you appear to have the potential to produce a suitable portfolio of work within six months to present at interview.

Stage three (Jan-Mar): You are accepted if you have previous experience in the field and have the potential to produce a suitable portfolio of work within three months to present at interview.

Assessment

An assessment of work will take place for those undertaking all three stages of the course and a certificate of completion will be granted to any student who reaches a satisfactory standard.

Staff

Jamie Hearn is an designer, artist and lecturer living and working in London. He began his Foundation Studies at Central Saint Martins, after winning the prestigious Designer of the Future competition run by the Design Museum London. He studied on the BA Graphic Design course at Central Saint Martins, and after graduating became the college’s Artist in Residence in Printmaking. Since graduation he has been a visiting lecturer to the college, teaching a variety of classes and short courses. Jamie has industry knowledge and experience having worked for the design agencies Pentagram, Johnson Banks and Landor Associates. He worked as the in-house designer at Art supplies retailer Cass Art. In addition he has worked for furniture design company LagoStudio in Italy, and also leads his own professional practice as a freelance designer.