Graphic Design and City Typography

London

London is undeniably one of the major creative capitals of the world and the graphic design scene plays no small part in the city's important creative economy. Within the confines of the city an amalgamation of influences and ideas come together from around the globe to form an intoxicating and rich visual culture that is hard to escape. During this intense week long course you will explore the graphics of the cityscape. Through a process of investigation; documentation; analysis; experimentation; and ultimately, design; you will be asked to consider what it means to contribute to the fabric of the city. Short practical studio projects will be combined with excursions around the capital, taking in exhibitions; a lettering tour; and on-site design projects. The course will look to address the fundamentals of graphic communication, with sessions on typography; branding design; and semiotics. Their will be opportunities to pursue individual work alongside the chance to collaborate with others.

Barcelona

You will be guided through the professional processes involved with presenting a design solution for a commercial business. You will also have the opportunity to visit practising media and design companies to see how the industry is responding to the evolving climate.

Barcelona is well known for the relationship that has developed with design through the years, which is visible not only in architecture but also in the daily life of the city; where communication takes place in different ways, for example with billboards, shop lettering, street signs and typography. Modern Graphic Design is experiencing a significant transition where new technologies and social media have established increasing importance and complexity; however, the main principles are mostly the same. This programme will ask you to examine the commonalities and basic structures of typography and find fresh ways to conceptualise and create contemporary graphic design. We'll analyse different kinds of visual communication around the city: messages, images, typography & lettering in context, looking back to their historical roots, questioning their effectiveness and also analyse in depth the shapes, colours and ideas.

Course leader

David Preston is a graphic designer and typographer who gained a BA in Graphic Design from Central Saint Martins. Upon graduation he took a post at the BBC, working as an information designer with the News Interactive team, responsible for producing the a

Target group

Suitable for students and graduates of graphic design, media studies, marketing or other visual design backgrounds, particularly those with an interest in strategic and conceptual communication design.

Professionals working, or wanting to work within the field of graphic design, typography or branding.

Creative individuals with an active interest in the field and a willingness to engage with the subject.

Prospective students who are keen to learn more about what this field involves.

*Prior skills required: basic knowledge of graphic design principles and software.

Course aim

To provide an inspirational look at Graphic Design, Typography and Branding from the context of the London design scene.

Structure
Beginning with a fast paced workshop on the fundamentals of visual communication, we will progress to short practical studio projects that will be interspersed with various excursions around the city.