1. VISUALOGY™

What is this module about?

Originally, the Visualogy™ course was developed for professional photographers, designers and visual artists who started out in their professions without studying design theory beforehand. It  proved to be one of our most popular courses, so we decided to make it the starting point of the Graphic Design Masterclass.

What are the requirements for this module?

A stable broadband connection, AnyMeeting with video and audio capabilities, a phone that can take pictures or a camera, and anything capable of running the Microsoft OneDrive app. Otherwise, the whole module is based on conversation, analyses, a constant exchange of opinions and examples, with no software studies or computer techniques involved. Think of it as a personalised theoretical workshop.

Whom is it recommended for?

As the first of the General Studies modules in the Graphic Design Masterclass, it is a prerequisite if you want to study to become a professional digital or print designer, DTP operator, webdesigner, UI & UX designer, or retoucher.

As a standalone module, it is recommended for anyone interested in design theory; and the designers, visual artists, and photographers who want to tidy up what’s in their heads about composition, colour, style, and interpretation.

Introduction1

Setup, warm-up, masterclass thematics, and career-related questions.

Analyses of Design2

The three approaches of design. Analysis of examples. From like/dislike to good/bad. The importance of context.

Symbols and Associations

Symbols of the Christian culture. Colour as a symbol. Modern symbols. One and multiple step associations. Reverse engineering symbols in examples.

Vision and Message I-II.

Analysis of posters and examples of fine art. The similarities of literal, audiovisual and commercial visions. The relationship of vision and message. Some anxiety marketing.

Colour and Light

Basic colour theory. The emotional impact of colour. Black and white: colour vs. contrast. Shadow and occlusion. Specularity and reflection. Transparency and translucency. Refractive distortion. Chromatic aberration. Subsurface scattering.

Projection and Perspective

Orthographic projections. Axonometry. One, two and three point perspective. 2.5D. Foreshortening. The relationship of distortion and size.

Composition I-II.

The golden ratio and the Fibonacci spiral in nature and in art. The rule of thirds. The balance of light and shadow. Geometry and shape. Whitespace and negative space. Analysis of student materials.

The Ethics of Manipulation

Cause and effect of intentional visual manipulation techniques.

Perception, Belief, Reality

The psychological background of visual perception.

Style3

Age and style. Elegance versus business elegance. The good and the bad kind of trash. Mediocrity, or the absence of style. Fashion, extravaganza and art. Analysis of student materials.

The Written World4

The different kinds of typefaces. The basics of ty­po­graphy. Ligatures and decorations. Text as a visual element.

1) This is the first lesson for students of the complete General Studies.

2) This is the first lesson for students who only take the Visualogy™ module.

3) This is the last lesson of this module for students of the complete General Studies, as the next subject is discussed in detail in General Studies 4. Typography and Publishing.

4) This lesson is only for students who only take the Visualogy™ module.

*****

The module ideally takes 12 lessons to finish.

A lesson is 90 minutes long.

It is recommended to take 1 lesson a week.

 

 

FOR INDIVIDUALS:

(paid in 3 installments)

£ 276 ×3 (£ 828)

FOR duos:

(paid in 3 installments)

£ 138 ×3 (£ 414) /student