Bobby Gunthorpe

The Graphic Design Portfolio Course will introduce you to the subject of graphic design from an informed beginners perspective, through the development of professional processes and skills, to the building of an original and effective graphic design portfolio. This is not a computer software course but rather reflects the studio-based and idea generation nature of graphic design. It is highly international and is sympathetic to the needs of international students.

The course assists you in realising your goals through common creative exercises, lectures, workshops, demonstrations, visits and individual tuition. It will make full use of the cultural aspects of London and there may be the opportunity to get involved in 'live' briefs from industry (which will give you a further taste of the BA and MA courses at Central Saint Martins).

"We are always impressed by the level of work achieved by the Graphic Design Portfolio Course students. The range of subjects they have tackled, the free thinking approach and the individual attention from the tutors allows students to create portfolios which are mature, well considered and contain the individuality that HE colleges will demand. Since 1996 this course has been a great springboard into study at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and on to successful and rewarding careers."
Jonathan Barratt
Dean of the School of Graphics and Industrial Design, Central Saint Martins

The course is comprised of two days tuition per week over three terms. The courses are taught on a progressive basis providing the opportunity to study for up to one year. It is possible to take each course separately. The Graphic Design Portfolio Course is an international course and is sympathetic to the needs of overseas students.

Structure
Graphic Design Portfolio Course comprises two days tuition per week in three terms. The courses are taught on a progressive basis providing the opportunity to study for up to one year. It is also possible to take each term separately.

Some students, particularly those who are beginners, take all three terms (Summer Term, Autumn Term and Spring Term).

Some students, such as those with some previous experience, become successful BA applicants after taking two terms (Autumn Term and Spring Term).

Most MA applicants usually take just one term (usually Autumn Term or Spring Term).

Professionals will benefit from any term.

Any and all of the three terms are suitable for all three of the expected groups, however each term has its own unique opportunities and focus:

Summer Term: Back To Basics (April - July)
This term is primarily aimed at students for whom London and/or graphic design is a new experience. It is also geared towards those who feel the need to revisit the basics. The fundamental elements of graphic design are explored and creative processes and approaches are developed. The pace of this term is quite relaxed. Being held during early summer allows the course to get out of the classroom to see more of London, the summer Graphics BA and MA shows, studios and galleries. During this term there are a number of guest lectures and workshops delivered by CSM Graphics alumni and professionals, giving a broad overview of the subject. You will produce a range of work for your portfolio.

Areas of Study

• History of Graphic Design
• Typography Basics
• Basic Creative Thinking Techniques and Processes in Graphic Design
• Narrative Environments (Exterior Space)
• Life Drawing (Colour & Movement)
• Printmaking (Silkscreen)
• Digital Design (Flash: Website Design)
• Photography
• Live Projects
• Specialist creative workshops with London-based designers, college staff and alumni.

Autumn Term: Principles And Processes (October - December)
This term builds on ideas introduced in term 1. Creative exercises lead to projects, projects lead to processes and processes lead to a more professional looking portfolio. More studio-focussed than term 1, the pace increases with a large part of successful BA folios being put together in this term. Projects and workshops focus on broadening the range of work in your portfolio.

Areas of Study

• Creative Thinking Techniques and Processes in Graphic Design
• Wit & Humour in Visual Communications
• Typography (Rules, Grids, Composition and Information Hierarchies)
• Narrative Environments (Interior Space)
• Printmaking (Monoprinting & Lino Cut)
• Life Drawing (Form & Tone)
• Digital Design (Photoshop)
• Photography
• Live Projects.

Spring Term: Professional Preparations (January - March)
The climax to the year, this term builds on ideas introduced in terms 1 and 2. Challenging projects greatly enhance the emerging folio. This term is fast paced and highly focussed on students preparing portfolios for BA and MA applications. There is also a more self-determined course of study for professionals. This term is less suitable for beginners if taken on its own.

Areas of Study

• Folio Review by BA and MA course directors (crucially, this is ONLY available in this term)
• Folio Surgery: intense preparation for BA/MA/Pro review and interviews
• Advertising
• Narrative Environments (Public Space)
• Printmaking (Drypoint)
• Life Drawing (Space and Depth)
• Digital Design (InDesign: Yearbook)
• Photography
• Personal projects and research
• Live Projects.

Based on this curriculum the entry points are as follows:

April 2012: Individuals of varying ability are accepted at this point with the view that they have the potential to begin a BA graphic design course in October 2012, after completing a full year of the course.

October 2012: You are accepted if you appear to have the potential to produce a suitable portfolio of work within six months to present at interview.

January 2013: You are accepted if you have previous experience in the field and have the potential to produce a suitable portfolio of work within three months to present at interview.

Assessment
An assessment of work will take place for those undertaking all three courses and a certificate will be granted to any student who reaches a satisfactory standard.

Course Outcomes
The objective of the Graphic Design Portfolio Course is to introduce students to the subject of graphic design for the first time or to develop established skills. This is not a computer course but rather reflects the studio-based and idea generation nature of graphic design.

The course aims to serve the needs and ambitions of three main student groups:

• Those seeking to build a portfolio for application to BA Graphic Design at Central Saint Martins or elsewhere.
• Those seeking to build a portfolio for application to MA Communication Design at Central Saint Martins or elsewhere.
• Professionals seeking to renew their creativity through personal projects, new processes and produce a fresh portfolio with a creative London edge.

Entry Requirements
In order to benefit fully from this course you should be at least 18 years old and have some form of education or work experience related to art and design. You must be proficient in English, both the spoken and written word, to IELTS level 5 or equivalent. We aim to take individuals with varied levels of experience and from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Bobby Gunthorpe studied at Central Saint Martins. He teaches part-time at Central Saint Martins while working as a designer in his own London studio.

Open Days:

Thursday 22nd March 2012 at 2pm. If you would like to book a place on this Open Day please send your name and telephone number to portfolio@csm.arts.ac.uk

Dates:
Course 1: 04/10/2011 – 15/12/2011
Course 2: 10/01/2012 – 22/03/2012
Course 3: 17/04/2012 – 30/06/2012

Day of the week: Tuesday and Thursday

Time: 09.30-17.30

Duration: 11 weeks

Cost: £3,065 per term

Location: Kings Cross

Download the Full-Time-Portfolio-Preparation-Application-Form  [PDF, 52 KB]