What are lessons like in this subject?
Graphic Design lessons include a combination of practical workshops, 1:1 tutorials, and independent project work.
In Year 12 the course is structured to develop the fundamentals of Graphic Design, covering a range of traditional skills including drawing, mixed media, and professional digital techniques using industry standard Adobe software. The use of typography is integral, either hand rendered, or computer generated.
In Year 13 you will have more freedom to explore your own design interests and select themes appropriate for your future career aspirations. The Visual and Digital Arts department has professional standard studio spaces with Apple Macs, Adobe Creative Suite software, and Wacom drawing tablets. It also has a wide variety of other arts- based specialist tools and equipment to encourage students to explore multidisciplinary techniques such as photography and printmaking. We operate an ‘open door’ policy to allow students to use the equipment and studio spaces independently outside of their lessons.
What will I study?
- Typography and font design.
- Drawing skills (both traditional and digital).
- Colour theory.
- Traditional printing techniques.
- Visual research.
- Adobe Illustrator.
- Adobe Photoshop.
- Contextual skills.
- Infographics.
- Independent working skills.
- Layout and presentation.
- Editorial and branding.
In Graphics I feel encouraged to experiment and create. My work reflects my creativity whilst showing advanced skills that I’ve been taught in lesson. I find every lesson enjoyable and engaging, allowing me to learn from my mistakes and make pieces that are heavily inspired by designers and their work.
Lily Jai Fretwell, Charleston High School
Graphic Design
Please note: Subject videos have been filmed from colleges across our Trust.