Design Studio (Pre-College)

Course Description

If you are interested in learning more about the world of design or are planning to apply to an art and design school, Design Studio is for you. This course explores the intersection of art and design, providing a foundation for creative thinking and making for students to explore and share their evolving design identity. For students planning to apply to art and design schools, the criteria for admission to many of today’s most competitive schools have changed. Portfolio submissions often require the presentation of work with careful documentation of the entire design process. It is no longer enough to present a compelling finished work of art; students must demonstrate how they formulate ideas, make decisions, and solve problems. Design Studio introduces students to Parsons’ design methodology, including design research, concept development, ideation, drawing and imaging, prototyping, written reflection, and presentation design skills. Students apply this process to projects where they explore various design disciplines like graphic design, product design, and fashion design. Students are encouraged to experiment with traditional and non-traditional analog and digital visual representation techniques and traditional and non-traditional 3D-making materials and processes. Digital tools, including the Adobe Creative Cloud, are introduced. The learning experience includes lectures, critiques, field trips, and industry guest speakers.

NOTE: This course requires students to bring a modern computer laptop to class to complete course assignments. The New School provides all degree and credit-seeking students (enrolled in the current term) with subscriptions for the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite of applications.

Learner Outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of the hands-on studio environment and practice by participating in activities including lectures, demos, and discussions; individual and collaborative exercises and projects; and self and peer critiques
• Gain a deeper understanding of the practice and application of primary and secondary research and its impact on creative and technical processes, including themes derived from observing and interpreting world events, social issues, and personal experiences
• Demonstrate an understanding of documenting the creative process by maintaining analog and/or digital creative process journals/sketchbooks documenting research, ideation studies, resolved design, commentary, and self-reflection
• Demonstrate an understanding of the iterative design process from conception to completion, including research and documentation, idea generation and sketching,  materials exploration, rapid prototyping, and presentation of resolved designs across multiple art and design mediums
• Demonstrate an understanding of perceptual, figurative, and analytical drawing methods using traditional materials and digital tools
• Demonstrate an understanding of two-dimensional design principles, including value, color, composition, and gestalt principles, using traditional and digital media
• Demonstrate an understanding of three-dimensional design principles, including texture, volume, and mass, by exploring materials, construction methods, and the relationship between ergonomics and form
• Acquire the skills to create and curate a cohesive body of design work, including exploratory studies and finished products that communicate a creative point of view and establish an individual and evolving design identity

Additional Information

This course is one offering from our Parsons Summer Intensive Studies program. For more information on schedule, registration, and refund policies, see program details.