Introduction to Graphic Design

What you’ll learn

You’ll build a strong foundation in graphic design by exploring illustration, typography, color, and visual storytelling. Through hands-on experiments, fieldwork, and conceptual exercises, you’ll learn how to observe, interpret, and transform your surroundings into meaningful design work. You’ll develop a personal visual language, understand how support–tool–writing interact in communication, conduct research that informs your creative choices, and articulate your design intentions with clarity and confidence.

Places You May Explore

Paris becomes your open-air studio, inspiring every project. From ancient arenas and lush gardens to elevated walkways and surreal landscapes, each location invites you to collect shapes, colors, textures, and stories. As you navigate lesser-known corners of the city, you’ll sketch, photograph, write, and observe, transforming these discoveries into the building blocks of your graphic experiments.

Supplies

While PCA provides the essential tools for the class to run, students provide their own supplies. A list of required materials will be shared on the summer student portal before the start of the program. Expenses for supplies are estimated at between €30 to €150.

Course highlight

• Field trips that fuel hands-on graphic experiments.

• A mix of analog and digital techniques: modular alphabets, cut-paper collages, patterns, and photomontage.

• Daily workshops supported by guided research and studio critiques.

• A final printed publication compiling the group’s work into an alternative visual guide to Paris.

Prerequisites

No prior experience in graphic design is required. You simply need curiosity, motivation, and a willingness to explore Paris with an open eye. A laptop with Adobe CC, basic English comprehension, and the ability to work both in class and independently will allow you to fully engage with the course.

When

Session 2 (June 29 – July 10), Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm

Tuition Cost

Early Bird Rate (before January 31): 3 Credit: €2,500 | Audit: €1,700
Standard Rate (after January 31): 3 Credit: €2,900 | Audit: €1,950

Bundles

2 classes = 5% off tuition fees
3 classes = 10% off tuition fees