On this five day short course, you will have the opportunity to nurture your creativity and improve essential skills as you explore the foundations of Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.

Throughout the week we will teach you the different uses of each application, and you will learn how each program can be used to help in the development of your creative projects. By the end of the course, you will have a sound understanding of how to use each of these core components of this essential design software.

The course will provide insights into the process of developing ideas, give you an idea of how to solve design problems, and motivate and inspire you towards Higher Education.

Day 1 - Adobe Illustrator

Logos and Icons (create shapes and lines)

The first day covers the creation of vector artwork, and exploring logo and icon design by creating shapes, tracing artwork, colouring and working with type.

Day 2 - Adobe Photoshop

Preparing social media and poster design assets (manipulating images and working with colour)

The second day of the course covers creating image assets for backgrounds. Exploring how to enhance photography, how to create textures, alter colours and resize images.

Day 3 - Adobe InDesign

Designing posters (creating multiple pages and layouts)

The third day covers InDesign essentials such as setting up your file in the correct dimensions and includes layout techniques, and how to use appropriate typography and colour.

Day 4 - Connecting Skills

Working to the brief, you will be able to test out the skills you have learnt and focus on how you can use the tools to be creative. All artwork is then incorporated from the previous days into InDesign to create a set of digital posters appropriate for publishing in social media assets. 

Day 5 - Create an Identity for your Social Media.

On the final day of the course, you will exercise your creative streak and put your graphic design skills to the test as you work on a social media design using the assets you created. You will decide the look and feel of your social media collection and the kind of organisation you would like to attract and approach with your designs.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, you will be confident using an array of Adobe creative software and understand the appropriate uses for each individual software (InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator). You will also have learned how to apply your knowledge practically, as you will have designed a magazine page and a poster. 

Important information

Times

Signing in is from 9.20am and 9.25am each day in the Art Gallery and the summer workshops will start at 9.30. We finish at 15.30pm. You will need to be picked up promptly at 15.30pm, again from the Art Gallery. Parents and carers, if you have any problems and think that you may be late, please let us know by calling 01707 285327.

Where to find us

For directions to the campus site, please follow the link below where you can download a map of the College Lane Campus:

https://www.herts.ac.uk/contact-us/where-to-find-us/college-lane-maps-and-directions

Drop off/collection

The drop-off point is the Art Gallery, and you can find this through our wayfinding app here. We suggest you park in one of the bays around the nearby Lindop Building for drop-off. You can drop off anytime between 9.20am and 9.25am. Collection is promptly at 15.30. nb, there is free parking for 2 hours on campus.

The programme

We have an exciting programme of activities planned. You will find out more about art and design courses and you will be meet practising artists or designers.  Each group will have an assistant art tutor with them for the whole time you are here, and you will meet them on your first morning.  They can help you with any concerns you have while you are here.

Enrolment

Parents/Guardians: When registering, please enrol with your own details. There is a field on the enrolment paperwork where you can enter your son or daughter's name and age.

Emergency contact

We need contact numbers so we can contact parents/carers at any time.  These details need to be confirmed on the form attached to the email. Should you need to contact us please phone the Short Course Office on 01707 285327. It is very important that we know in advance if you cannot for any reason be collected on time at the end of the day.

Clothing

Wear suitable and comfortable clothes as you may get messy and dirty (that is what art is all about!).  An overall, apron or large shirt would be ideal.

Food & drink

You will need to bring your own packed lunch. Water will be available during breaks and lunchtime.

Materials

All materials needed for all the summer schools will be provided by the University.

Medicine

If you need to bring any medication with you, please make sure it is clearly labelled with your child’s name and any instructions. These can be administered by us provided the medical permission form enclosed has been signed by a parent or carer and handed in on arrival on your first day.