Creative Computing

What is Creative Computing?

Digital imaging has taken the art world by storm. You can use Adobe PhotoShop Elements to develop photographs, or to create original artwork and designs. You will learn the basic skills of this software and how to express yourself creatively using it. A design module supports this, where you will explore the key elements that underpin all artwork. You can work from a theme or themes of your own choice, though guidance will be given. It will also look at how your artwork could be used as a springboard for designs for another craft area in which you are already competent. Many of my students are textile artists and this will certainly be discussed. The course is broad in nature to introduce you to a range of skills and ideas and allow you to use it in ways that work for you.

Who is the course for?

I have often been asked by professional makers for a design course; and here it is. This is an ideal course for someone who is highly skilled in his or her own craft area but has little design knowledge. The combination of working in a sketchbook and on the computer will generate an exciting folio of work. The artwork could also be used as ideas for developing your craft area of choice.

You may wish to study digital imaging as an art field of its own and this course is for anyone who wishes to study Creative Computing in depth. There are a growing number of agencies that will print your designs as wallpaper, floor coverings, onto fabric, as well as onto paper for prints and cards. This would allow you to create a home business.

You do not need to have any knowledge of imaging software but you should have a good working knowledge of a computer and how to work within a windows or OS environment. This will allow you to study a professional course, integrating design alongside good creative skills to develop yourself as a maker.

How is the course organised?

The course leads to a City & Guilds 7716 – L2 - 34 in Creative Computing. This is a one-year course that has 3 aspects to it.

  1. Design
  2. You will cover the design elements: colour, shape, line, texture and form.
  3. We will work formal exercises to introduce theory in an A4 working notebook.
  4. We will work in a concertina sketchbook to create exciting artwork on a theme or themes of your own choice.
  1. Samples
  2. You will be introduced to a wide range of tools in PhotoShop.
  3. You will be given good practice for organising and saving your work in progress and upon completion.
  4. You will work many samples developing your skills and seeing how your design work can be integrated into your digital imaging.
  5. We will look at the work of a wide range of artists and makers.
  6. Making
  7. There are 3 projects in which you will develop and make digital images.
  8. Make a computer-generated drawing incorporating a range of tools and functions.
  9. Create a composite image based on scanned material.
  10. Make an art/craft specific design.

The course is designed to integrate these 3 aspects seamlessly. We will allow some reflective and making time each weekend to develop ideas within your own personal work.

Course Delivery

  • You attend at The ArtyBird Centre in Carnforth.
  • You will start in September and meet for a weekend a month, for eleven months.
  • You would be expected to put in around a day a week of study to complete the course.
  • You are responsible for providing materials and equipment for your course, including a laptop with a current version of either Photoshop or Photoshop Elements on it; please call for guidance on this if you wish. There is a studio fee that gives you access to a wide range of art material, tools and dyes.
  • The cost for the course will be £750 per year, plus £90 City & Guilds registration and administration fees per year, plus £25 studio fee. Students can pay by 10x£80 monthly installments each year, plus the registration fee of £90and the studio fee of £25 up front. Fees are reviewed every year.

Meet your Tutor

Kate Horner is a practicing artist with a B.Sc. (Hons) Textile Design (Woven Structures) and a M.A. in Design Studies (Textiles). Kate has taught in Secondary School and Further Education for many years and is a thoughtful educationalist. This has been recognized by City & Guilds who have awarded her a Medal For Excellence. Her artwork explores many forms of textiles, centred on felt making. Her sketchbooks are vital to the work she makes and these are extended and explored through the computer. Her themes are about herself and her relationship with people and places. This focuses on her family and friends, and their environmental and peace work. She has exhibited nationally and internationally.

For more details visit our website or call us on 01524 874306.

Dates for 2015-2016
9th & 23rdSeptember / 13th & 27thJanuary / 11th & 25thMay
7th & 21stOctober / 10th & 24thFebruary / 15th & 29th June
4th & 18thNovember / 9th & 23rdMarch / 13th & 27thJuly
2nd & 16thDecember / 13th & 27thApril

Kate Horner 2015