Surface Pattern and Textile Design

Colour In Design

Module code: SUPA40202

Visual Studies

You will be introduced to different approaches to drawing, including the importance and relevance of visual research to the designer. Various drawing methods and mark making techniques will be explored, with attention being paid to scale, colour and composition. You will use both observational and analytical methods of working as a means to express and interpret visual information.

Module code: SUPA40206

Materials Innovation

Through painting and drawing with colour, this module focuses on methods of application of colour to a variety of surfaces and captures a return to a preference for the unique and the handmade.¿ The new artisan uses craft techniques rather than mass-production methods, and through further workshop skills acquisition, you will have the opportunity to explore and manipulate surface decoration. In small groups, you will be encouraged to take risks, to venture into areas of uncertainty and discover new opportunities. Transfer printing techniques onto fabric, hard surfaces and ceramics will be introduced and explored and you will have hands-on experience of laser cutting and an introduction to Adobe Illustrator. Underpinning your practice, you will be expected to contextualise your work by recording your design journey.

Module code: SUPA40204

Producing Research

This module gives you the skills to utilise contextual research to further your understanding of your chosen discipline and as an important part of developing your practical work. Starting from key texts you will develop your own specific area of interest, research and write an academic essay, as well as develop three research mood boards that put your research into a visual context. These outcomes, which make up your portfolio for this module, will then be put together with other students work to produce special issues of your own research journal.¿ This module introduces you to the skills needed to research, evaluate and present information skills on which the professional practice of art and design now depend. You will learn the conventions employed to organise information and explore some of the techniques (and technologies) now used to present information in written, verbal and visual forms.

Module code: SUPA40205

Course Introduction

Working both individually and as part of a team, you will be introduced to the background, role and activities of the surface pattern designer, together with the surface pattern design process, from initial research through to design development and realisation. An awareness of the breadth of application, the context and use of surface pattern will be addressed and underpinned by technical demonstrations. You will experience essential practical workshop experience including general Surface Pattern studio and Surface Decoration workshop Health and Safety training and sewing machine competence training. You will be introduced to a variety of print processes and apply these to a range of different surfaces.

Module code: SUPA40203

Industry Practice

You are required to create a range of designs in response to a commercial project brief and whilst further developing your practical design skills, you will employ an increasing appreciation and application of colour and material manipulation. You will become more aware of industrial constraints, requirements and design production methods and you will raise your awareness of market trends and forecasts and be expected to take these into consideration when creating your design collection. There will be the opportunity for you to utilize existing workshop skills and exploit the potential of these. Underpinning your practical work will be a contextual design report, reflecting on your own practice through use of a journal and market research.

Module code: SUPA50106

Printed Textiles

Building on the acquisition of workshop skills gained at Level Four, and generating imagery through drawing, mark-making, and CAD generation, you will be introduced to a more specific technical print programme, including workshop Health and Safety training, and focusing on the printing and dyeing of fabric. Technical competence will be developed, and you will gain an increased understanding of design interpretation and preparation for screen and digital printing. This will include large-scale repeats, mixing inks and dyes, and exploring composition and arrangement. An emphasis on team-working and good workshop practice is paramount, together with good time management and organisational skills.¿ You will achieve sufficient technical proficiency to be able to appreciate the opportunities and constraints of the CAD software and to be able to integrate this into all aspects of your course work.¿ You will be expected to explore and manipulate various digital approaches relevant to surface design and be able to prepare artwork suitable for digital printing and create visuals of your final print.

Module code: SUPA50108

The Stitched Surface

You will be introduced to the way in which practicing textile designers operate. You will learn and experience skills in relation to the embellishment and decoration of surfaces, and through a process of selection and rejection of ideas, arrive at an appropriate design solution. The focus will be on fabric and materials manipulation and stitch exploration.

Module code: SUPA50109

Personal Investigation

In line with your personal development planning and Staffordshire Graduate attributes, you will have the opportunity to reflect on your work, and to propose and write your own personal programme of study in negotiation with a member of staff. More in-depth exploration is encouraged in "personalising" this project Ie. Exploring an aspect of Surface Pattern or Textile Surfaces of particular interest to you, as you take on an increasing responsibility for your own development and learning programme. You will be expected to further develop a strong personal style and identity to your work, investigating ideas and consolidating skills, which may provide a focus and potential direction for your level six individual negotiated programme of study.¿ Through analysis and evaluation, selecting and rejecting concepts and ideas and creating a personal 'handwriting' you will identify your strengths and areas for continued exploration, and consider possibilities and opportunities for developing your creative and professional future.

Module code: SUPA50107

Advanced Study

Module code: SUPA60111

Design Futures

Module code: SUPA60112

Individual Program Of Study

Module code: SUPA60113

Research, Analysis And Communication Assignment

Module code: COST60246