Digital surface design in 3 days

About this course

Participants develop a textile design project based on a chosen theme, combining hand-made collage with photographs, drawings, paintings, fabric samples and other visual sources. The course introduces scanning, image manipulation, colour management, file management and printing using basic Photoshop functions. Designs are tested on paper and cloth before a final image is transferred onto a neckerchief using a heat press. Teaching combines demonstrations, short lectures, practical exercises, group tutorials, discussion and individual guidance. Handouts, samples and visual references support the technical work, with opportunities for feedback during the project.

What you'll learn

• Develop a range of textile designs suitable for printing onto a neckerchief
• Use scanning and basic Photoshop functions to manipulate images and manage colour
• Record visual research and show the development of design ideas
• Save digital design files for future development
• Print designs on paper and fabric and transfer an image using a heat press

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners exploring digital surface design, while learners with some Photoshop knowledge can work at their own level. Participants should be confident using a computer and able to follow written and spoken instructions, demonstrations and health and safety information. The course includes group discussion and feedback alongside individual project work.

• Suitable for learners at an introductory level
• Requires confidence with basic computer use
• Includes group discussion, feedback and individual guidance
• Learners with some Photoshop knowledge can work at their own level

Before you go

• Bring a USB memory stick with at least 4GB of storage.
• Bring an A4 folder for handouts, notes and design printouts.
• Arrive with images, photographs, drawings, paintings, fabric samples, colours, textures or patterns to use as source material. These can be brought on a USB stick where possible.
• Apple Mac computers and professional equipment and software are available for use during the course.
• Weekly homework tasks are set, with practice on Photoshop and design development encouraged between classes.
• Course materials, presentations and handouts are available through Google Classroom.