Graphics (Vocational A Level)

Are you a creative with a passion for design and want to learn more? On this course you will work on multiple design projects, including illustration, logo design and branding, promo pieces, app design, magazine spreads, animation and more. Competitions and live briefs are also used to give you a genuine experience of professional design practice.

The course is 100% coursework, so no exams, and features loads of practical skills, creative knowledge and developing your opinions and personal style. You will be expected to create artwork and designs from week 1 and continually improve on the quality of your work and ideas over the duration of the course. You will get to use specialist hardware and the latest Adobe Creative Cloud in college and at home! In college you will be supported by teachers who have industry experience and outside of your lessons there are opportunities to continue to achieve and succeed by taking advantage of the excellent creative facilities at the college. There are multiple rooms kitted out for digital work, art studios, a library with a huge selection of art and design books, laptops and cameras are available for loan as well as a photography studio and the opportunity for collaborative work with students from other creative courses.

If you want to develop your creative skills and develop your portfolio, this is the place to be.
On this highly successful course you can expect to learn and use an extensive range of 2D, 3D and animation skills as you respond to a wide range of creative challenges. There will be a mix of practical tasks, individual and group work, presentations and written work to boost your understanding and awareness of design and support your awareness of the creative industries. This practical learning is supported by competitions and live briefs as well as trips and guest speakers to inspire new creative thinking. All of this will underpin the knowledge gained and contribute to your creative design experiences.

The Graphic Design course aims to provide you with the vital skills and techniques required for a career in the creative industries. You will cover specialist skills such as the creative process, research, analysis, ideas generation, typography, traditional skills (drawing, papercraft, print making, etc), digital skills (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, etc) plus photography, presentation, industry awareness and communication skills.

Supported by dedicated subject specialist teaching staff with industry experience you will be encouraged to develop all-round skills to maximise your own creative potential.
●  You are required to have 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths. (This is set centrally and will be a direct link to our webpage. Additional entry requirements cannot be set here)

●  A previous art and design GCSE at grade 4 or above (or similar and/or a passion and interest in the subject).

●  Successful interview with a Graphics tutor (bring a portfolio of your art and design work).

●  Good verbal and written communication skills.

●  Good drawing skills are a bonus but not essential.
This course is 100% coursework. You will receive creative project briefs that introduce you to a scenario, question or creative problem to solve. This will take you on a journey that could require you to produce sketchbooks, digital portfolios, blogs, sketches, design sheets, 2D, 3D or animated outcomes, artists/designer analysis, experiments, maquettes, presentations and more. All of these requirements will be supported through specialist workshops, skills building tutorials, advice and guidance, feedback and discussion. Staff in this area pride themselves on their ability to work with each individual learner to realise their creative potential.
After completing this course students go on to university, training or employment in specialist areas such as graphic design, illustration, animation, interior design, games art, visual effects, digital marketing, advertising, digital UX and more.

Progression is incorporated into the course and within the tutorial programme. You will be supported in the production of a digital portfolio to assist your applications.

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