Intermediate Graphic Design - Nottingham Trent University

Description

Take your graphic design skills to the next level on this course and learn essential skills like brand development, typography, and layout, all while working on industry-inspired projects. This course will introduce you to the journey graphic designers take when working in professional practice. You’ll work through the design process of a project from concept to completion, learning the importance of each design stage along the way. Whether you’re designing for yourself, a client, or an employer, you’ll learn how to create work that’s both visually stunning and strategically effective. With expert-led tutorials and a collaborative studio environment, you’ll refine your creative process, develop a strong visual narrative, and gain the confidence to produce portfolio-worthy designs. You’ll work on projects and exercises that simulate real-world design scenarios and learn how to think conceptually and practically, always considering the client and their brief. With a mix of engaging studio activities and tailored tutorials, this is your chance to level up your skills and design with purpose. This course mirrors real-world graphic design workflows, ensuring you develop industry-ready skills. Whilst the course is aimed at professional practice, there is a heavy focus on creativity, how to spark inspiration, develop a strong narrative, and create a process that turns ideas into impactful outcomes. You’ll spend dedicated time making, experimenting, playing with new concepts, and understanding your audience to create meaningful results. You'll work on practical projects and gain insights into: • professional branding and identity design • cohesive brand assets that resonate with target audiences • typography and layout for print and digital • font selection, grid systems, whitespace, and hierarchy for stunning compositions • colour theory and print production • print-ready designs, exploring CMYK, Pantone, and finishes like foil stamping • building a portfolio that gets noticed • create standout work and learn how to present it professionally to clients and employers. You’ll develop both technical expertise and creative confidence, ensuring you can work to industry standards while pushing the boundaries of your design potential. By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped to navigate every stage of the graphic design process with confidence, from client briefs to deliverables. You will leave with two portfolio worthy pieces: an instant book output with correct colours and print specifications and a poster or packaging concept. You’ll also have a good understanding of the process taken in professional graphic design practices when taking on a new project. You will have learnt about the importance of each design stage and why it’s crucial to gather as much information from the client brief as possible. Level: Intermediate Entry requirement: You should have completed a beginners graphic design course at NTU or elsewhere, or have some professional experience. Experience with Adobe is essential; you should have a basic understanding of tools and within InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. Tutor profile: Craig Proud runs a creative workshop, design and print studio, Dizzy Ink. Being a lover of education and grassroots activism Craig has focused his personal research into Notts Zine Library, a free open and accessible resource currently based in Nottingham Contemporary. Notts Zine Library, along with Institute of Mental Health Uo, conducts research around mental health and zine culture as a form of therapy and benefits of connection. With an extensive portfolio, Craig has been involved in many projects with a cause and continues to do so. His artwork has been exhibited at Nottingham Castle, alongside V&A's collection of activist media for the exhibition: A World to Win, 2015. As well as putting on workshops for D&AD New Blood and various festivals; another highlight was being commissioned to produce a special exhibition around the UK's referendum. Through his print studio Dizzy Ink, he led QUADs major exhibition, titled, Three Months On, 2016.

What's included in the price?

This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus. Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course. Please bring with you to the first session: • a layout pad • drawing materials (pencils, felt-tips, gel pens etc) • notepad and pens • a memory stick. On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.

Cancellation policy

Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Nottingham Trent University

with Craft Courses since 2015

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