5 Courses in Edinburgh

From propaganda to advertising, posters are a ubiquitous, powerful vehicle to take a message to the masses. Over four weeks, learn how to approach poster design in a creative and practical way. Although some computer work will be introduced, it will only be used as another production tool, participants will be encouraged to experiment with analogue techniques such as collage and hand-generated type. You will learn about the history of poster design; learn to use aspects of Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop; develop approaches to letterform and layout. The emphasis of this course is on the development of a set of posters from research and design through to output. Week 1: History History of Poster Design: Looking at significant and famous posters from around the globe and their impact on society. Practical activity: After a quick introduction to InDesign we will recreate one of these posters, studying the component parts and their relationships to one another. Homework: Think of a concept for your design. What is it for? Who is your target audience? Where and how will it be displayed? Select a favourite poster to bring in or discuss with the group in week 2. Week 2: Image We will begin by discussing participant posters they have brought in to share and look at positives and potential negatives within the designs. Image selection can be a key factor to the success of your poster campaign. We will think about the choices between photography and illustration looking at examples of how this is done successfully. Think about the different ways we can generate and use images. Practical activity: Consider what medium the image might be and how it can be created. Learn about flatbed/film scanner for potential use in image creation. Week 3: Fonts We will look at how typography impacts designs and the messages that it can convey by itself. Consider various approaches to how we can generate type. How typographic selections work alongside selected images. Practical activity: Work through a few typographic workshops thinking about how typographic choices will alter the message you are trying to convey. We will consider various ways and techniques of creating type for our poster. Homework: Developing your typographic solution further, if required. Work through variations of layout. Week 4: Output Continue working on our posters making final tweaks and selecting the poster that is our most successful design for output. We will look at the various formats for output and how we prepare our posters for print. Look at usage of different poster sizes – why use one over the other?? Practical activity: Size your final poster and get it ready for output (if working analogue, scan final poster and upscale).   Courses are subject to minimum enrolment. Please register early, within five days of the start date, to reduce the likelihood of course cancellation. Please read our cancellation policy before booking. Students, anyone over the age of 65, and those in receipt of any form of benefits can claim the concessionary price, offering a 10% discount on the full course price. Valid proof of eligibility must be produced on the first day of the course. Please use the code CONCESSION when prompted at checkout.

Join a Biodiversity collage workshop to learn about the biodiversity crisis and how to tackle it.

Free mixed media and collage workshop demo at The Arienas Collective Festive Open Day in Edinburgh City Centre

Introducing the Art Therapy and Expressive Therapies Package: Unleash Your Creativity, Heal, and Flourish Are you seeking a unique and powerful way to express your emotions, process experiences, and find healing? Miss Date Doctor’s Art Therapy and Expressive Therapies Package offers you a creative and transformative journey to explore your inner world, tap into your creativity, and promote emotional well-being. Art therapy and expressive therapies provide a non-verbal and imaginative outlet for processing emotions and experiences. Through various creative mediums, you’ll discover new insights, release emotional tension, and cultivate a deeper connection with yourself. Here’s how the Art Therapy and Expressive Therapies Package can benefit you: Creative Expression: Engage in various expressive art forms, such as drawing, painting, sculpting, and collage-making. These creative expressions allow you to communicate thoughts and feelings that might be challenging to put into words. Emotional Release: Through art, you can release emotions that may have been suppressed or difficult to express verbally. The creative process can be cathartic, enabling you to process complex feelings and experiences. Self-Exploration: Art therapy encourages self-reflection and introspection. As you create art, you’ll gain insights into your thoughts, emotions, and subconscious mind, fostering greater self-awareness. Empowerment and Agency: Art therapy emphasizes the process rather than the end result, empowering you to embrace imperfection and experiment without judgment. This approach can extend to other aspects of life, promoting a sense of agency and resilience. Stress Reduction: Engaging in creative activities can reduce stress and promote relaxation. The meditative aspects of art therapy can provide a welcome escape from daily pressures and anxieties. Healing Trauma: For individuals who have experienced trauma, art therapy can be a gentle and effective way to explore and heal from emotional wounds. The creative process can foster a sense of safety and control in processing traumatic memories. Enhancing Communication: For those who find it challenging to express themselves verbally, art therapy offers an alternative means of communication. It can improve verbal expression and interpersonal skills. Building Confidence: Creating art allows you to tap into your inherent creativity, fostering a sense of accomplishment and boosting self-confidence. As you witness the fruits of your artistic expression, you’ll gain greater confidence in your abilities. Participating in art therapy and expressive therapies at Miss Date Doctor is a journey of self-discovery and growth. Our skilled therapists will guide you in exploring various artistic mediums and techniques, tailoring the experience to suit your unique needs and preferences. Experience the transformative power of creativity, heal from emotional wounds, and flourish in the Art Therapy and Expressive Therapies Package. Embrace art as a powerful tool for self-expression and personal growth. Unleash your creativity and find healing in the beautiful world of art therapy. 3 X 1 hour sessions https://relationshipsmdd.com/product/art-therapy-and-expressive-therapies-package/

The Arienas Collective creative workshop space Open Day in Edinburgh's city centre featuring local artists and makers, workshop demos and festive pop-up shop