Portfolio Preparation: Design

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No previous knowledge of the subject is assumed.

Special Information

Materials and equipment provided for students as part of the course fee:

• Cutting mats

Materials available to purchase during course:

• One-sided card

• Newsprint

• Cartridge paper

Essential materials and equipment students must provide themselves:

• Sketch book – preferably A4 or larger - needed for the first class

• Camera and if possible the cameras cable and a laptop - needed for the first class

• Note pad

• Variety of paper (sizes A4, A3, A2, colours and weights)

• Collage materials (collected papers, magazines, etc.) - needed for the first class

• Drawing materials (pencils, pens, charcoal, pastels) - needed for the first class

• Model making materials (card, wire, fabric, matchsticks, balsa wood, etc.)

• Cardboard / foamboard

• Glue (pritt stick and pva) - needed for the first class

• Scissors

• Masking tape

• Paint

Optional materials and equipment students may provide:

• A digital camera to document work in the studio

Content of Course

The course will tailor support and advice relevant to the relevant stage of the UCAS application process: In term 1, students will focus on exploring various approaches to researching ideas and developing images, with an emphasis on developing students’ confidence to work independently. The tutor will give advice on UCAS applications and on creating a digital portfolio which reveals students’ strengths and main interests, ready for submission. In term 2, the emphasis will be placed on expanding students’ ideas further, and on enhancing their portfolio of work ready for interview.

Each week students will focus on being introduced to various aspects in relation to the course, exploring a combination of context references and practical exercises and demonstrations, which include:

1. Design process – In groups, students will tackle a design challenge and explore the possibilities in response to a design problem.

2. Lecture on portfolio submission guidelines and examples of work.

3. Life drawing – students will consider the human figure in relation to designed objects and spaces.

4. Redesigning an everyday object, product or image. Students will choose an everyday, familiar item to explore, critic, take apart and design/create a new use, look and meaning for that item.

5. A three-week design project focusing on one either a 3-dimensional design, fashion/textile design or visual communication.

6. Students will have the opportunity to explore their ideas beyond their sketchbook through models, collage and drawing.

7. Students will complete a piece of work that has been developed from their research and exploration of design ideas to consider appropriate materials, construction, function and finish.

8. Branding and presentation. Students will consider the presentation of their work in relation to application interviews.

9. Students will design a logo or business card suitable for their own work.

10. Portfolio review – individual tutorials with students’ work. Advice will be given about selecting and presenting your work.

11. Student will give a five-minute presentation about their work, including their inspirations, contextual influences and aims for their work and the future.

Teaching method(s)

This course will be based and delivered in specialist art and design studios or workshops and will typically include a range of practical exercises, introductions to techniques, processes and concepts. This is supported by practical demonstrations, group discussions, contextual references and one-to-one support.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Develop a range of studies, research interests and art works which reveal their strengths and suitability for application to an undergraduate degree programme in Design.

• Being able to select and edit work for both the digital on-line application submission and to develop a portfolio ready for interview.

• Create a distinctive body of art works which demonstrate contextual awareness of at least one specialist art discipline ready for art college study.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

• Berman, D. B., 2009, Do Good: How designers can change the world, Berkeley, CA: AIGA: New Riders

• Buszek, M. E., ed., 2011, Extra/ordinary: Craft and Contemporary Art, London: Duke University Press

• Collier, G., 1963, Form, Space and Vision: discovering design through drawing, Prentice Hall

• Dormer, P., ed., 1997, The Culture of Craft, Manchester: Manchester University Press

• Hauffe, T., 1998, Design: A concise History London: Laurence King

• Hughes, R., 1991, The Shock of The New: Art and the century of change, London: Thames and Hudson

• Powell, D., 1994, Presentation techniques: a guide to drawing and presenting design ideas, Boston MA: Little, Brown & Co

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.