This module introduces the fundamental software knowledge and creative skills required for time-based media design. You will learn the core principles of Adobe After Effects, building a foundation in animation to communicate and inform through Motion Graphics. While the course covers essential tools and workflows, you will be encouraged to begin independent research to help your work stand out. These introductory techniques are designed to be versatile, providing you with a functional toolkit that can be adapted to a variety of basic creative projects.
- Teacher: Shady Gaballa
This module introduces students to the approaches and techniques appropriate to the creation of moving graphics. Taught workshops will introduce students to the theory and practice of designing, planning, editing and creating time-based, or 'motion' graphics. You will be introduced to the visual language of time-based media and use a range of industry-standard software in order to communicate your designs and ideas using this language. You will learn how to import and synchronize moving graphics, video, sound, animated elements and visual effects to create work. Demonstrations and tutorials will be used to extend your knowledge and understanding of the technologies, looking at how they fit into the wider creative context of design and communication. Practical assignments will allow you to demonstrate technical ability and also, very importantly, to explore the use and application of these technologies within a creative and conceptual context.
- Teacher: Effie Fasoulioti
The basic techniques and dynamics of visual communication form the basis of the module. The module explores some of the mechanisms, such as semiotics, that assist the student to understand the visual communication processes. A variety of projects and exercises are set in order to develop a visual intelligence and literacy where the methodology and processes are more important than the over-reliance of technical outcome. The relationships of practice and theory and the processes employed as a communication tool are references for project work.
The work in the developing field of graphic communication directs students to a wider range of references where communication and graphic language, the aesthetics of typography and the dynamics of visual form are recognised and explored as well as references to the processes of information design as well as the applications it has in a variety of subject areas such as advertising and graphic design.
The module forms the basis and principles of communication as well as setting a ‘programme tone’ of graphic enquiry, exploration and self reflected study which the student is encouraged to consider throughout the programme.
Students will explore the basis of a visual graphic language through a schedule of exercises and design methodology aimed at encouraging an understanding of the process involved in graphic designing and a criteria on which design decisions and solutions may be made. A personal and independent exploration and evaluation of communication, graphic evaluation, typographic contexts, visual analysis and image generation is encouraged through the development of the module journal in which the student is asked to reflect on the outcomes of their own
- Teacher: Christos Tsoleridis
This module is concerned with developing visual experience and knowledge through a range of visual design methods: including design for print and screen. Students will gain understanding of the underpinning design principles through various workshops, lectures and set projects and through the practice of their subject specific skill requirements. Industry standard digital software, both vector and pixel based, will be taught and projects will provide the opportunity to apply that knowledge. A grounding in the basics of typography will also be delivered. Different approaches to visual communication (advertising, multimedia and graphics) and image making and their relevance to the contemporary design world will be introduced. Students will understand the principles of creative communication and how they can be applied appropriately to their subject specialism. This module provides an opportunity to build a strong foundation for further development.
- Teacher: Kostas Douzis
- Teacher: Christos Tsoleridis