Portfolio Preparation: Design (Preparing an Application)

Pre-requisites for enrolment

None.

Special Information

Material you will need to bring for the first class:

• Sketchbook – preferably A4 or larger

• Drawing materials (pencils, pens, charcoal, pastels, drawing inks, etc.)

In addition to the course fee, students are expected to provide the following list of indicative tools, materials and equipment:

• Sketchbook – preferably A4 or larger

• Camera and if possible the cameras cable and a laptop 

• Notepad

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

• Collage materials (collected papers, magazines, etc.)

• Drawing materials (pencils, pens, charcoal, pastels)

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

• Cardboard / foam board

• Glue (pritt stick and pva)

• Scissors

• Masking tape

• Paint

• A digital camera to document work in the studio

• Laptop or desk top with Adobe Photoshop software to edit images for digital upload

Content of Course

Students will work on a series of mini-projects which will help them build a portfolio of work. These will 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. Introduce students to different methods of image making such as mono-printing, collage, and mixed media. Students will use these techniques to design a concept board for their chosen personal projects or presenting their contextual findings or inspirations for the purpose of the mini portfolio.

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

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

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 work.

11. Students 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)

Students will be taught as a group (to begin with) introducing them to a series of prescriptive tasks and exercises, through either a themed based project or point of reference subject matter. The students will be introduced to employing a range of methods, processes and techniques for researching, recording and developing ideas, and at each stage the students will be introduced to, and become aware of, contemporary designers, working in similar or associated themes as they develop a body of practical work. Students will also be supported through one-to-one discussions and group critiques at relevant stages of the course.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Create a body of visual research and development, which explores the potential of a range of personal ideas.

• Explore a range of mediums, techniques and approaches relevant to their chosen theme or brief.

• Select and edit work for a digital online application and submission.

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

• Make a confident application to an undergraduate degree programme in Design, including confident preparation for an interview, where relevant.

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. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: 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

Web Sources

https://www.itsnicethat.com

https://www.creativereview.co.uk

http://thegreatdiscontent.com

https://signalvnoise.com/posts/3024-questions-i-ask-when-reviewing-a-design

https://www.johnsonbanks.co.uk/thoughts/an-insiders-guide-to-the-design-presentation

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.