International School of Colour + Design

Do you have an uncontrollable desire to embellish every dull boring surface you see with fabulously unique designs and colours? If so, then the Surface Design Diploma is for you.

The Surface Design Diploma is a specialised course concentrating on the creative application of colour and design for decorating homewares, textiles, paper products and fabrics. A portfolio of work is developed, illustrating the variety of techniques and media that are explored with an emphasis on individual creative solutions to commercial briefings from industry. Computer skills are incorporated to give students exposure to industry requirements. Style and trend interpretation, application and an understanding of the design profession through professional practice results in a very enjoyable program.

There is a focus on the commercial application of skills and an emphasis is on the graduate's ability to liaise with clients, provide a professional service, and be aware of contemporary trends and present innovative solutions to specific commercial briefs. Professional standards for presentation of concepts are explained and practised, resulting in quality portfolios of work and confident graduates who are well-equipped to commence their new career.

Graduates of the Surface Design Specialist Diploma are able to enter the industry as a surface designer working on a variety of commercial projects. They may also work in a freelance capacity in their own small business or as a consultant to homeware manufacturers.

Joining this Diploma is the perfect way to apply your talents in colour and design to a commercial outcome.

Subjects Areas

The Surface Design Diploma teaches you:

The role of the surface/textile designer

• Understanding a client's briefings and needs
• Developing an artistic and practical perspective
• Development of a design story to a commercial brief
• Researching the industry, knowing the market and textile studios.

Technical and skill development

• Mixed media exploration, resist and printing techniques
• Mono printing, collage and textural effects; introduction to acrylic painting skills, pencil and crayon
• Advanced colour theory and design development
• Advanced drawing skills: materials, techniques, theme, composition, line, shape.

Fabric design for fashion and decorating

• Swimwear design: understanding fashion, developing a story and range
• Bed linen design: homeware development, co-ordinates and colour ways
• Repeat patterns and textural effects, understanding printing requirements.

Homeware design

• Design styles and techniques, designing for specific shapes, uses and spaces
• Themed café design: holistic approach to designing a range of products
• Commercial application: umbrellas, tableware, placemats, coasters.

Computer skills for surface designers

• Translating original hand-made designs into computer images
• Developing computer generated workable designs
• Reproducing colourways and patterns
• Scanning and designing presentations.

Colour, styles and trends

• Overview of colour associations and forecasters
• Introduction to design styling and trends
• Historical/cultural background to styles

The journey into business

• Planning and profiling your business
• Marketing and managing your creative business
• Professional and personal development.
• Business and presentation skills.

Professional Presentation

• Industry professionals offer insight into contemporary methods and provide practical advice including presentation skills and professional practice.

Professional Outcomes

The Surface Design Diploma will enable you to:

• Become a professional Surface Designer
• Establish your own Surface Design business
• Established connections with the Design Industry
• Gain the confidence to communicate effectively with clients

Personal Outcomes

The Interior Styling Diploma is a rewarding personal experience that will:

• Inspire you to work in the industry
• Enable you to create long lasting friendships and connections with like-minded students
• Give you great pleasure and a sense of personal satisfaction in producing a portfolio for exhibition
• Allow you to develop yourself creatively

Industry briefs delivered by

Porters Original Paints Wallpaper Design Award
Lilly & Lolly Bed linen Textile Range Awards
Mokum Textiles Design Award

Industry Award

Longina Phillips Award for Excellence

Inclusions

A complete textbook is supplied that covers all content of this course.

Many excursions and incursions to key industry players for on-campus students and speciality notes on these for distance education students.

Duration

On campus - 15 lessons of 6 hours (6 months) or 30 lessons of 3 hours (12 months).  Courses commence February and July .

Entry Requirements

The iscd Foundation Course - Certificate IV in Design, is the prerequisite for the Surface Design Diploma.

We offer 'Recognition of Prior Learning' for those students already practiced in design techniques or with extensive experience in the design industry.