Analysis of images, of publicity and of logos
What does «multimedia» mean?
Illustrations
Different techniques and artistic development models
Abstract painting
Representational drawing
Creation & numerical images on the Macintosh
 

Introductory Course in Graphic Design

The aim of this course is to give students a basic knowledge of a wide range of graphic techniquesÝ: introduction to typography, colour, personal creative expression, contemporary art, plastic arts, and multimedia art.

This course gives the students the opportunity to develop a personal creative interest in a project to be decided on in class.

The course also prepares students who wish to continue similar studies in the Graphic Design Department of the Ecole Cantonale des Beaux-Arts of Lausanne.

First trimester - 11 weeks

Introduction
Principal theme : Developing a visual sense.
  • Visits to contemporary art exhibitions, introduction to modern European creative culture.
  • Analysis of images, advertising/publicity, logos, and photographs, personal research, strong points, USP, etc. and discussion of each subject. What do they represent, what do they mean, and why are they done in this wayÝ? Recognition of graphic elements and trends.
  • Development of a personal taste.
  • Discussions designed to develop the idea of a personal image.
  • Development of studentsí interest in involving themselves in creative activities which personally interest them and which correspond to their age.
  • Introduction to various techniques (plastic arts, video, collage and polaroid).
  • Comparison of various advertising/publicity campaigns (what does an advertising/publicity campaign meanÝ?)
  • Layout in an A4 format, choice of fonts, and images according to a theme.
  • Introduction to colourÝ: the chromatic circle, contrast, mixtures.
Individual work
Outside of class, students will collect images which particularly interest them and draw them in free style.

Second trimester - 7 weeks

  • Creation of an artistic composition with letters and different fonts (according to a theme).
  • Colouring of a black and white photograph.
  • Abstract painting 70x50cm (free choice). Examples of subjectsÝ: a view from a window of an intercity train going through a large city at night, lights, ads, headlights, shadows, etc.
  • Assembling an origami bird. Putting it in a broken egg shell. Putting the other half of the shell next to it. Finally positioning everything so that the play of shadow and light become evident. Designing the backgrownd with grey pencil on Bristol board. (light-dark).
  • Development of the theme «ÝMicro-MacroÝ». SubjectsÝ: hair, grass, dust, wool, fur, bowls, etc.
  • Development of a three-dimensional figure according to the above theme.
  • Creating a video of the above, with different points of view such as macro, micro, clear, blurred, large, small, etc. and a musical composition to accompany everything.
  • Visit to a graphic workshop.
  • Visit to a printer. Explanation of various printing techniques.
Individual work
Development of several personal projects. An individual subject will be given to each student to develop into themes.

Third trimester - 10 weeks

  • Computer applicationsÝ: image and text.
  • Changing an existing image (collage or computer).
  • Comic strips. Evaluation of a personal anecdote (sketches, storyboard) which each student will tell with various creative means that she has studied, to add to her portfolio. ExampleÝ: designing a short comic strip with clay figures to tell an everyday and amusing story or a story drawn with a simple line which evolves, or another experimental story.
  • Three-dimensional photographs of the studentsí work.
Individual work
Preparation of a graphic presentation (captions, layout, etc.) of a portfolio for ECAL. Each student will have the opportunity to create her own portfolio in a bookbinding workshop in Cully.
 
 

Length of the course - 28 weeks of 4 hours per week
Fees -  yens - per trimester - Minimum 3 students.

 Surval Mont-Feuri
Academic year
 Summer course
Winter course
Optional courses
Bachelor in Business Administration
Graphic Design course