Graphic Designer Development Course

Career-focused training in the creative industries. London Fields Design School supports you into gaining your dream career, offering personal mentoring, bespoke briefs, a professional portfolio and work experience.

Taught by industry professionals, you will master the most in-demand design software, build a professional portfolio and gain work experience and employment through our professional partners in London.

On completing the programme, you will have earned 13 separate design software certifications as well as an overall Graphic Designer Development Certificate. We use our local links in the creative hub of East London and give you the support and network to embark on a new creative career or start your own business.

• GDDC Student Prospectus - download

Course Units and Structure

• Pick your start date
• 6-month to 2-year programme
• Fit your studies around work
• Learn design software to a professional industry standard
• Taught by designers, architects and software pros
• Bespoke, self-directed design briefs tailored to your career pathways
• 13 Design software certifications
• Graphic Designer Development Certificate

Design your own flexible course by using the course calendar on our website. Create your own calendar and plan your units in advance or month by month. Design software units can be studied in any order. Self-directed study days below are our recommended allocation.

Each daytime course runs between 9:45am - 4:00pm and evening courses take place from 6:45pm - 9:30pm (online or at our studio).

Design Briefs, Synthesising Research & Sketchbook Development
Covered in mentoring and group tutorials

SketchUp Introduction to Intermediate
3 days or 5 evening sessions classroom/live online study
6 days self-directed project and portfolio study

Sketchup Intermediate to Advanced
3 days or 5 evening sessions classroom/live online study
6 days self-directed project and portfolio study

3D Printing Introduction
2 days or 4 evening sessions classroom/live online study
4 days self-directed project and portfolio study

3D Printing Intermediate
2 days or 4 evening sessions classroom/live online study
4 days self-directed project and portfolio study

Photoshop Introduction
2 days or 4 evening sessions classroom/live online study
4 days self-directed project and portfolio study

Photoshop Intermediate
2 days or 4 evening sessions classroom/live online study
4 days self-directed project and portfolio study

InDesign Introduction
2 days or 4 evening sessions classroom/live online study
4 days self-directed project and portfolio study

InDesign Intermediate
2 days or 4 evening sessions classroom/live online study
4 days self-directed project and portfolio study

Illustrator Introduction
2 days or 4 evening sessions classroom/live online study
4 days self-directed project and portfolio study

Illustrator Intermediate
2 days or 4 evening sessions classroom/live online study
4 days self-directed project and portfolio study

After Effects Introduction
2 days or 4 evening sessions classroom/live online study
4 days self-directed project and portfolio study

After Effects Intermediate
2 days or 4 evening sessions classroom/live online study
4 days self-directed project and portfolio study

Cinema 4D Introduction to Intermediate
3 days or 5 evening sessions classroom/live online study
6 days self-directed project and portfolio study

Business Development and Freelancing
Covered in mentoring and group tutorials

Personal Branding and Website Design
Covered in mentoring and group tutorials

Studio Visits and Designer Interviews
Covered in mentoring and group tutorials

Self-Directed Practice & Portfolio Development
Covered in mentoring and group tutorials

Internships and Professional Practice
Covered in mentoring and group tutorials

1-2-1 Mentorship Tutorials
Monthly meetings
Telephone and email support

Group Tutorials
Supportive cohort meetings throughout the course

Please note that course delivery is available either in-class/live online blended learning (£6,000) or live online only (£5,500).

What students say about the Graphic Designer Development Course atLondon Fields Design School:

"I've spent the last 15 years as a musician, songwriter, chef and barista. In the last two years, I've been making my way into graphic design. I stumbled upon LFDS when researching courses I could take to extend my arsenal and to be able to say 'yes' to more with the confidence that I can see it through. LFDS stood out not just because of the directly practical approach to design, but also because of the way one can navigate through the course. Life is a mad, hectic stressful thing much of the time, so having the freedom to coordinate the course around my world has made the whole experience much easier to take on.

When I think about what I want from life, it seems 'to create' is at the heart of it all. The design world offers me the opportunity to do just that, while also problem-solving, working alongside others and stimulating my brain. LFDS has certainly played a part in helping me obtain the confidence I've needed to step into a new world." - Joe

"I am a creative working as a social media and content creator in the climate sector. I am developing a passion for illustration and am exploring my own personal projects in sustainable fashion at LDFS. I am really enjoying building on my graphic design skills and using them to bring awareness and interest to issues like climate change and human rights. I love that LDFS gives me the space, support and confidence to explore these interests.

I originally chose LDFS because I had heard really good things and due to its flexibility to study around a full time job but it has become an integral part of my life and I look forward to my modules every week. I'd love to eventually be a freelance graphic designer/illustrator working with a number of charities in the climate or human rights sector. And maybe when I get much older, be an illustrator for books!” - Sally

CAREER CHANGERS

Learn the most in-demand skills to start a new creative career.

Are you looking for a more fulfilling career? On our course, you will be taught by practicing designers. You will learn the most in-demand skills and gain valuable insights into the industry.

You will complete the course with 13 software certifications, a portfolio and career advice, as well as becoming part of our creative community.

CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS

Get the support to go freelance or set up your own business.

As well as helping people to find jobs in the creative industries we can provide you with the skills and support to set up your own creative businesses.

With the design software skills you have learnt you will be able to produce your own branding and marketing materials. We will help you to build a professional website and help you create a network of industry connections.

FUTURE DESIGN TECHNICIANS

You don't need a degree to work in design.

If you want a career in the creative industries, but don't want the debt, you can learn the vocational skills you will need to go into a technical role. For less money and time than a university degree, we can give you a head start in your career.

Our training will give you the essential software skills to make new ideas into reality. Then work your way up on the job.

FOUNDATION

Make the most of your university education.

The theory and intellectual rigour of a university education will be a great experience and will add valuable depth to your ideas.

However, you will need to balance this with practical skills. Our programme can provide a great foundation and give you the skills to make the most of your university experience. We have trained lecturers and course leaders from across the country. We may have even been responsible for teaching your teachers.

GRADUATES

Complete your C.V. with industry-relevant skills.

Graduation is the first step in your creative career. Design software skills are essential for the work you will be doing.

Our courses are taught by industry professionals and will equip you with the most up-to-date skills and best practices. We will also give you career advice, help with creating your portfolio and connections from our community of creative professionals.

• We ask that you are computer literate (able to send an email and navigate a mouse and keyboard)
• No previous design or design software experience is necessary; however, this is beneficial.

Graphic Designer
Illustrator
Motion Designer
Digital Designer
3D Printing Specialist
Image Retoucher
Interior Spatial Designer