Course description

Undertake 100 varied projects that cover all aspects of design. These projects are designed to be fast-paced, encouraging you to think in a creative, free-ranging, and open-minded manner. The emphasis is on producing memorable and eye-catching concepts rather than a slick finish. There’s a strong emphasis on generating ideas and unusual outcomes. Be prepared to fire up your imagination and tackle design projects with an open mind. This comprehensive course will provide you with a solid foundation in design, covering a wide range of disciplines and theoretical themes.

Creating and developing eye-catching, memorable designs that convey an idea effectively is crucial to any designer. This course is not just about developing technical skills, but also about discovering your unique style and purpose as a designer. You will learn to engage your audience and communicate your ideas with dynamic designs. Projects range across all aspects of design, from graphics, advertising, product design, illustration, packaging, experiential design, branding, typography, layout, branding, book jacket design, magazine design, and many more. You will explore theoretical themes relevant to design culture, sparking your creativity and broadening your understanding of the design world.

Throughout the course, you will be exposed to the work of the latest contemporary designers through illustrated talks. You will develop a ‘design toolkit’ that will equip you with the practical skills to tackle any design brief in any medium. These skills are critical to the Central Saint Martins approach to design, as the projects are adapted from CSM design degree courses. By the end of the course, you will leave with a firm idea of who you are as a designer and the practical skills to succeed in the design industry.

Every student receives a copy of the book ‘The Art of Creative Thinking’ by Rod Judkins, a valuable resource that will inspire and guide you in your design journey.

Course outcomes

By the end of this course, students will:

• Developed a strong identity as a designer.
• Harness the power of typography, branding, illustration, and storytelling to promote ideas.
• Be confident when solving any design brief in any medium.
• Learn how to communicate your ideas to an audience and make them compelling and memorable.
• Feel confident about visualising your design ideas quickly and effectively.
• Developed an in-depth understanding of design principles and how to apply them.
• Feel confident about visualising your design ideas quickly and convincingly.
• Be able to create powerful conceptual ideas swiftly.

Please note: this course is available in 2 formats - an intensive course with 25 hours of study and a condensed 5-week evening course with 12.5 hours of study. The intensive course offers more studio and class time for the activities, while the 5-week evening course will include exercises and homework over 5 weeks.

Who should take this course?

Beginners who want a fast-track ride through all areas of design. Those with experience who want to reconnect with raw and immediate working methods.

Clear, easy to understand lessons:

• Our tutors will explain things in easy to understand, accessible English. If they need to use any special terminology they will make sure they explain what they mean.
• New methods will be shown to students through live demonstrations, in a way that’s crystal clear and easy to understand.

Experience life on campus

• Study at Central Saint Martins, Granary Square a world-famous art and design college
• Network and share ideas with students from across the globe
• Access the technology and materials relevant to your discipline
• Shop in our college shops for any materials you might need
• Ask questions of your tutor in real time
• Receive feedback and critique on your assignments
• Experience the many sights of London on your down time

A certificate of completion:

• You've put the work in so we want to make sure you have something to show for it!
• As long as you attend a minimum of 80% of your classes, we will provide you with a certificate of attendance.
• We always recommend you attend all of the classes so that you get the most out of the experience!
• Certificates are great to complement your cv.