Graphic DESIGN COURSES
1, 2 & 3 YEARS in florence, italy
Overview
For entry-level students, there are three options, a one-year Diploma course, two-year Advanced Diploma and a three-year Bachelor's Degree. The bachelor's degree is issued by Goldsmiths, University of London. FIDI's Graphic Design courses are based on intensive, studio-based learning, with studio groups averaging 10 students and a high level of individual teacher contact. Students develop their own design projects through desk critiques, presentations and technical instruction, progressing from concept development to individual outcomes. Students are encouraged to develop their own design identity rather than following a set visual or stylistic approach. The one-year Diploma is an intensive two-term course ideal for students new to the field of Graphic Design. The course addresses all of the fundamentals of Graphic Design color and composition, design, typography, and drawing. Diploma students can extend their study into the second year to complete an Advanced Diploma, where the curriculum expands into digital media and more advanced areas of graphic design. Students continuing through the second and third years develop experience in areas such as interactive media, digital illustration, photography, video, motion graphics and multimedia. Visit our Gallery for examples of student work. Students who already hold a Bachelor degree in design may qualify for our Master.
We are offering a 3-year Bachelor of Arts Degree, BA (hons) Graphic Design issued in collaboration with Goldsmiths, University of London. See the Bachelor page for requirements.
Graphic designers are creative, imaginative and skilled in developing visual communication across both traditional and digital media. Graphic design is essentially visual problem solving using typography, imagery, illustration and digital media. Graphic designers work across some of today's most dynamic fields, such as advertising, publishing, branding, digital media, interactive design and visual communications. They develop visual identities and communication for print and digital applications, including websites, digital content, publications, packaging, motion graphics, advertising and brand communication.
Graphic design - 1ST TERM
1 YEAR (30 WEEKS)
Graphic Design Studio 1A In this course you are introduced to the basics of graphic design practice through a balance of functional and conceptual assignments. Graphic design is central to visual communication and as such, bridges the gaps inherent in verbal and literal expressions. It serves as a cultural commentary, both reflecting and shaping societal values and opinions throughout history; advertising, web, guerilla marketing, protest, infographics or brand/product identity have all had a role to play in the development of modern society.
Graphic Design Principles and Processes 1A - The course will include guidance on the fundamental principles and processes of creative thinking and will enable you to build skills and techniques you can use in response to set design assignment briefs. Knowledge and skills developed within this course will provide a foundation for all successive studies in visual communication.
Typography 1A - This course introduces you to the knowledge and skills required for the design and development of typeface concepts. You will critically explore a range of working methods that use type as an effective communication methodology, the origins of typography, and the development of the numerous typefaces that have been designed and created throughout history. Beginning with the fundamentals of typography, you will explore printmaking, investigate the origins of movable type and the impact this had on learning in Europe.
Analytical Drawing 1A - The course provides a comprehensive introduction to hand drawing using pencil, ink and charcoal, with the objective of developing skills in shading, contour, gesture and perspective. The coursework follows a series of studies that introduce basic drawing techniques, media, and composition through examination and study of ordinary forms.
Art and Design Theory - This course provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the historical and theoretical underpinnings that have shaped the evolution of Italian art and design practices. Through in-depth analysis, critical discussions, and practical applications, you will gain an understanding of traditional art and design theory with its significance in contemporary artistic contexts. Key principles of design theory will be researched, including aesthetics, form, function and visual communication to comprehend the fundamental concepts driving design practices.
Italian Language 1A -The course will focus mainly on spoken conversational Italian, with themes relating to common life, travel and business travel situations including greetings, days of the week, asking for directions, food, making plans, telling time, purchases and dealing with money and numbers.
Graphic design - 2nd term
Graphic Design Studio 1B -
An investigation of more advanced graphic design. Projects assigned during the second term involve comprehensive problem solving from concept development through to the final presentation stage.
Graphic Design Principles and Processes 1B - During the second part of the course, you will learn to be able to identify and disassemble existing design projects exploring colour theory, proportion, geometrical and organic shapes, perspective, alignment, scale and texture. You will be able to describe the aesthetic, technical and critical context of design and the relevant approaches utilised in contemporary graphic design
Typography 1B - This second part of the course you will continue to explore communication methodologies and the development of the numerous typefaces that have been designed and created throughout history.You will develop effective research skills, specific to typography, such as conducting research on historical typographic styles, influential typographers, and cultural contexts. You will learn to analyse and interpret typographic trends and apply research findings to your own design projects.
Analytical Drawing 1B - The course provides a complete exploration of the art of hand drawing utilizing pencil, ink, and charcoal with the objective of mastering shading, contour, gesture, and perspective techniques. The coursework follows a series of studies that introduce basic drawing techniques, media, and composition through examination and study of ordinary forms.
Italian Language 1B
The courses will continue to focus mainly on spoken conversational Italian. This more advanced level class will start to deal with general work and business discussions.
* Program may be subject to change
Graphic design- 2nd year
The second year provides a more advanced exploration of graphic design concepts while expanding the programme into digital media. Larger projects are developed using more detailed client briefs, complete branding strategies, mixed media and imagery. Students also develop skills in interactive media, moving image, video and digital photography, extending their graphic design practice across both traditional and digital forms of visual communication.
Diploma students can extend their study into the second year to complete an Advanced Diploma, where the curriculum expands into digital media and more advanced areas of graphic design. Students continuing through the second and third years develop experience in areas such as interactive media, digital illustration, photography, video, motion graphics and multimedia.
Graphic Design Studio – In this studio course you will tackle more complex design challenges and develop independent ways of working. In the second year, you will investigate graphic design as a methodology for communication to client and audience. The work undertaken during this course will expand and develop the theories of graphic communication and semiotic signs and symbols studied at level 4. The incorporation of skills from the Interactive media, Moving images, and Design theory courses foster the development of critical thinking, research, and analytical skills within a practical context.
Interactive Media Design – This course provides an introductory approach to the world of interactive communications; offering a comprehensive overview of the creation of media elements, combining interactivity and design. You will explore advanced methodologies for incorporating media in web pages; critically review/select design elements and components for use in multi-media outcomes. You will be able to explore a range of technologies required to produce successful transfer of information via differing formats and evaluate and choose the appropriate technologies required for blended media processes. With emphasis on the user experience, this course focuses on planning a final project with the needs and expectations of users in mind.
Video/Moving Images – This course introduces you to the hardware and software required to produce moving images. You will be able to explore a range of motion media and processes including; studio lighting, sound, composition, music, atmosphere and mood. Investigation into the underpinning theoretical and technical issues will enable you to develop your own working vocabulary through the use of narrative, storyboarding and the utilisation of video in the context of a communicated design artefact.
Art and Design Theory 2 – This course extends the investigation undertakenin year 1 art and design theory. You will engage in more specialised and focused research on design theory topics, critically analysing design principles, methodologies, and philosophies to understand their impact on design practice and aesthetics. Through the exploration of art, architecture and object design theories, you will cultivate your own design philosophy, integrating historical knowledge and contemporary perspectives into the creative processes.
Digital Photography – This course explores lens based digital imaging for use within the fields of graphic and interior design. You will examine space, light, and vantage point when capturing images to be applied to your relevant field of study. There will be specific emphasis on the creation and production of oversized large-scale work suitable for public display and exhibition systems. You will create a body of photographic work that will be incorporated into your design work.
Italian Language 2A & 2B - The course will focus mainly on spoken conversational Italian, with themes relating to common life, travel and business travel situations including greetings, days of the week, asking for directions, food, making plans, telling time, purchases and dealing with money and numbers.
Graphic design - 3rd year
The third year is reserved for students enrolled in the three-year, BA (hons) Graphic Design issued in collaboration with Goldsmiths, University of London . The final year builds on the graphic design and digital media skills developed during the first two years, with greater emphasis on advanced design development, independent research and professional practice. Digital Illustration and Multimedia further develop students' ability to work across contemporary forms of visual and digital communication.
Students undertake a major Design Research Project (Thesis Project), developing an individual graphic design project from initial research and concept development through to a fully resolved visual identity, branding manual and final presentation.
Examples of FIDI thesis projects can be viewed on our social media channels and through student projects published on Dezeen.com
Graphic Design - Year 3
Design Research Project for Graphic Design - In this course, during the final year, you will refine both creative and analytical aspects of your practice and work on self-initiated design projects. The incorporation of skills from Multimedia, Professional Practice and Digital Illustration courses foster the development of critical thinking, research, and analytical skills within a practical context. This course requires you to undertake a complex graphic design project where you will be working autonomously with minimum supervision. The choice of subject matter will be made by you in discussion with your teachers to verify suitability and complexity.
Digital Illustration -This digital illustration course is considered in a broad and wide-ranging framework. You will be given the opportunity to develop greater levels of autonomy in relation to your approach when investigating and producing illustrative outcomes. The work that you produce will be indicative of your future career pathways. You will be encouraged to investigate and research a wide range of illustrative responses, both historical and contemporary, enabling you to define, refine and position yourself in context within your own practice as a digital illustrator.
Multimedia - This course will build upon the previous knowledge and skills developed during Interactive Media at Level 5. The course builds design awareness, allowing you to explore the use of image, sound and animation to convey ideas and facilitate interaction with digital media.
Professional Practice - This course serves as an exploration into the skills of professional practice, equipping you with fundamental knowledge necessary for effective engagement with your respective design field.
Experiential Learning – Throughout this course, the notion of studio practice or a compatible activity will be promoted in a diverse range of relevant workplaces.
Italian Language 3A & 3B The course will focus mainly on spoken conversational Italian.