Communicating Visually

This is an introductory practice-based short course. You will be exploring the fundamental aspects of two-dimensional design. The main emphasis will be on developing an understanding of the visual language of design through digital experimentation. You will learn about the visual elements of design, principles of design and all other compositional theories and laws. Analytical and critical thinking skills will be developed alongside with the application of all the Design Principles and Laws.

Shirley Lim has over 20 years of creative industry experience in the area of conceptualisation, art direction and design. She had worked as an Art Director and a Designer from international advertising agencies, design houses to publishing house.

With a Bachelor of Communication Design and a Master of Art Education, Shirley is currently an Associate Lecturer with Nanyang Technological University (NTU), teaching design and visual communication in School of Art, Design and Media (ADM) and School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE).

At the same time with Singapore University of Social Science (SUSS) supervising graduating cohort and teaching advertising in School of Business.

She has also conducted Professional Design Workshop for adult learners from various industry including HPB, BCA, CAAS, Ipos, MOM, MINDEF, PA, MSF, MHA, CPF, TTSH, WSG … etc.

Identify the construction of a visual composition through understanding the relationships between the elements of design.
Develop strategies and concepts using principles of design and other compositional Laws.
Apply digital skill to produce a work of art
Present and communicate a variety of strategies to evaluate creative problem-solving process.
Evaluate and critique works of art during critique session by using art terminology learnt during the course.

Upon successful completion of the course, learners will be awarded an NTU Certificate of Completion.

Session 1 in-class:

Introduction to Visual Communication
Brief Project
Lecture: Element of Design and Principles of Design

Session 1 Homework:

Conduct Visual Research on Project Brief

Session 2:

Lecture: Gestalt Laws, Golden Rules and White Spaces • Digital Workshop: Adobe Illustrator
Project discussion

Session 2 Homework:

Generate ideation sketches

Session 3:

Lecture: Typography Rules and Colour Theories • Digital Workshop: Adobe Illustrator
Project discussion

Session 3 Homework:

Create digital outcome

Session 4:

Fine tune digital outcome

Session 4 Homework:

Complete Project digital outcome

Session 5:

Prep for Presentation
Group Presentation by Participants
Debrief on the Short Course

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