Creating Your Professional Identity (Module 2)


Start now and become a professional designer!

WITH ACCESS TO DECEMBER 2021!

‘Creating your professional identity’ (Module 2) is a flexible, self-paced* online course where you will learn how to develop your brand image, design advanced technical repeats in Photoshop and Illustrator, put a collection together and start your own label. You will also learn how to understand and predict trends, how to get noticed and get press, and how to protect your work.

We have welcomed over 15,000 students onto our courses from over 100 countries around the world, and our classrooms are accessible on-line 24/7, so you can join us from any time zone and fit the course into your busy life.

Check out our latest research to see how our alumni rate the course, what they got out of it and why you should join us too! If you’re interested in becoming a professional surface pattern designer, this module will provide the solid foundation you need for a successful design career.

*Self paced = Start now with instant access to the course and complete in your own time with a minimum of 6 months access.


Creating Your Professional Identity Includes:

  • 10 in-depth technical videos by Course Leader Rachael Taylor
  • How to build your brand image and get people talking about you the way you want them to
  • How to start your own design label – you will do this by actually creating a sample collection, mini brand look book, press release, and market research report
  • How to develop your signature design identity
  • How to understand and predict trends (and how to layout a professional trend report in Adobe Illustrator)
  • How to put a design collection together
  • How to get noticed and get in the press
  • How to market yourself and build your online presence
  • How to protect your intellectual property and copyright
  • BONUS industry insider tips
  • Specifications for product printing and manufacturing

PLUS a series of bonus PDFs:

  • Product templates
  • How to set up and work with layered files
  • Separating layers support notes
  • Hints and tips for saving your files
  • Top tips for trend reports
  • Hints and tips for manufacturing

PLUS…

BONUS TECHNICAL WORKSHOP VIDEOS giving you a step-by-step guides to design using Photoshop and Illustrator. Find out more below or on our Technical Workshops page.

Want to know more? Check out our 50 reasons why this course is AWESOME!


Bonus technical workshops included in Creating Your Professional Brand Indentity:

In our technical videos Course Leader Rachael introduces you to the fundamental elements for creating professional patterns, design presentations, products and branding elements and includes 10 in-depth videos:

  1. Creating a room set mock-up in Adobe Photoshop – learn how to apply your design work to room set photography. Through our professional editing tips you will understand how to create eye-catching mock-ups that will entice buyers and expand your portfolio.
  2. Working with a product template in Adobe Illustrator – how to work with industry standard product templates and understand how to set up your design files for manufacturing.
  3. Working with tints and creating spot colours in Adobe Illustrator – understand how to work with Pantone colours, standard swatches, how to create tints and set up spot colours.
  4. Creating a professional trend report in Adobe Illustrator – learn how to work with layout, typography, effects and composition and discover the tricks of the trade for professional presentation.
  5. Creating a pattern swatch in Adobe Illustrator – understand how to use the geometric tool, explore pattern swatch creation and apply a pattern to hand drawn shapes.
  6. Adding a watermark and file information in Adobe Photoshop – understand smart objects, learn how to work with text and adding a watermark and design logo to your files. Plus learn how to save important copyright information when creating web safe images.
  7. Creating a basic technical repeat tile in Adobe Photoshop – learn how duplicate and copy an object, how to use the transform tool, understand how to save a layered file and how to set up a technical repeat tile to industry standards.
  8. Defining patterns and filling shapes in Adobe Photoshop – learn how to define a pattern and save a pattern swatch, how to add a drop shadow, work with the type tool and use a geometric shape.
  9. Creating an industry standard wallpaper repeat in Adobe Illustrator – explore adapting an existing non-repeating design and converting it to a technical repeat tile within a restricted size. You will learn how to gain confidence when experimenting with composition and the layout of a layered pattern tile.
  10. Creating static and rotating adverts in Adobe Photoshop – how to create a simplistic static advert and a rotating advert. Explore smart objects, the animation tool and how to save a gif file.

This is for you if:

  • You have completed Designing Your Way (although this is not a prerequisite) and have a basic working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator
  • You have a basic understanding of surface pattern design and now want to start getting your work noticed
  • You want to learn how to create more complex repeat patterns and build them into a sellable collection
  • You want to set up your own design label or brand
  • You want to put the foundations in place to pave the way for licensing and other ways of selling your work
  • You want to connect with others with similar passions to you
  • You are excited about the thought of making a name for yourself

Please note this course is not assessed and does not include individual critique of your work. You will need at least basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to get the most out of this module. Please note we do not offer technical guidance for any other software programmes (including free software).


Testimonials and successes:

Here are a handful of words used by previous students to describe this module: 

“life-changing”

“invaluable to your career”

“oozing with creativity”

“inspiring and motivating”

“incredibly empowering”

“a fantastic way to learn”

“overflowing with information and exciting ideas”

“Loved it!”

“a real leap into the world of surface design”

Course alumni have gone on launch their own design studios, win national awards, be featured in design books and on leading blogs and more. Many of our graduates have been signed for exciting licensing deals – such as Wendy Kendall with Deny Designs, Elizabeth Olwen with TeNeues, Anneline Sophia with Artscase.

Read a handful of our class testimonials, check out our alumni successes and see what our students are getting up to!


Experience, software, materials and device requirements:

Experience requirements:

This course is aimed at intermediate level designers but is also beneficial for those with more advanced skills. You will be in safe hands with Rachael as she makes her tutorials and content very easy to follow. You do not need to have taken any of our other courses in order to take part but this is a natural follow on course from Designing Your Way (Module 1).

Software:

In the course Rachael Taylor will be teaching her video workshops in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. If you wish to follow the technical workshops then you will need to have these programmes available to you and have some experience using them. Please note that the software is not included in class and it will need to be purchased separately from Adobe. We advise getting in touch with them directly for the best deals. Adobe programmes are widely used in the design industry and are an essential investment if you are serious about a creative career or learning to apply the skills you will learn. However, we always advise our students to take the courses at their own pace so if you wish to save the technical sections of the course for later when you feel you are more ready we would encourage this.

Devices:

We do not have a set device requirement other than if you wish to follow the technical section of the course then your device will need to be able to run Adobe programmes sufficiently. The team works on Apple devices but we have had students also work on PC’s. If you have a scanner for uploading your drawings then this is great, but you can upload photography of your drawings to work on too.


How to register:

Check out our Terms & Conditions. We strongly encourage you to read these before registering, as registering for one or more Modules acknowledges acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.

Book your place in our shop.

 



Start now and become a professional designer!

WITH ACCESS TO DECEMBER 2021!

‘Creating your professional identity’ (Module 2) is a flexible, self-paced* online course where you will learn how to develop your brand image, design advanced technical repeats in Photoshop and Illustrator, put a collection together and start your own label. You will also learn how to understand and predict trends, how to get noticed and get press, and how to protect your work.

We have welcomed over 15,000 students onto our courses from over 100 countries around the world, and our classrooms are accessible on-line 24/7, so you can join us from any time zone and fit the course into your busy life.

Check out our latest research to see how our alumni rate the course, what they got out of it and why you should join us too! If you’re interested in becoming a professional surface pattern designer, this module will provide the solid foundation you need for a successful design career.

*Self paced = Start now with instant access to the course and complete in your own time with a minimum of 6 months access.

MIID REGISTER NOW 1700PX HR Creating Your Professional Identity (Module 2)


Creating Your Professional Identity Includes:

  • 10 in-depth technical videos by Course Leader Rachael Taylor
  • How to build your brand image and get people talking about you the way you want them to
  • How to start your own design label – you will do this by actually creating a sample collection, mini brand look book, press release, and market research report
  • How to develop your signature design identity
  • How to understand and predict trends (and how to layout a professional trend report in Adobe Illustrator)
  • How to put a design collection together
  • How to get noticed and get in the press
  • How to market yourself and build your online presence
  • How to protect your intellectual property and copyright
  • BONUS industry insider tips
  • Specifications for product printing and manufacturing

PLUS a series of bonus PDFs:

  • Product templates
  • How to set up and work with layered files
  • Separating layers support notes
  • Hints and tips for saving your files
  • Top tips for trend reports
  • Hints and tips for manufacturing

PLUS…

BONUS TECHNICAL WORKSHOP VIDEOS giving you a step-by-step guides to design using Photoshop and Illustrator. Find out more below or on our Technical Workshops page.

Want to know more? Check out our 50 reasons why this course is AWESOME!


Bonus technical workshops included in Creating Your Professional Brand Indentity:

In our technical videos Course Leader Rachael introduces you to the fundamental elements for creating professional patterns, design presentations, products and branding elements and includes 10 in-depth videos:

  1. Creating a room set mock-up in Adobe Photoshop – learn how to apply your design work to room set photography. Through our professional editing tips you will understand how to create eye-catching mock-ups that will entice buyers and expand your portfolio.
  2. Working with a product template in Adobe Illustrator – how to work with industry standard product templates and understand how to set up your design files for manufacturing.
  3. Working with tints and creating spot colours in Adobe Illustrator – understand how to work with Pantone colours, standard swatches, how to create tints and set up spot colours.
  4. Creating a professional trend report in Adobe Illustrator – learn how to work with layout, typography, effects and composition and discover the tricks of the trade for professional presentation.
  5. Creating a pattern swatch in Adobe Illustrator – understand how to use the geometric tool, explore pattern swatch creation and apply a pattern to hand drawn shapes.
  6. Adding a watermark and file information in Adobe Photoshop – understand smart objects, learn how to work with text and adding a watermark and design logo to your files. Plus learn how to save important copyright information when creating web safe images.
  7. Creating a basic technical repeat tile in Adobe Photoshop – learn how duplicate and copy an object, how to use the transform tool, understand how to save a layered file and how to set up a technical repeat tile to industry standards.
  8. Defining patterns and filling shapes in Adobe Photoshop – learn how to define a pattern and save a pattern swatch, how to add a drop shadow, work with the type tool and use a geometric shape.
  9. Creating an industry standard wallpaper repeat in Adobe Illustrator – explore adapting an existing non-repeating design and converting it to a technical repeat tile within a restricted size. You will learn how to gain confidence when experimenting with composition and the layout of a layered pattern tile.
  10. Creating static and rotating adverts in Adobe Photoshop – how to create a simplistic static advert and a rotating advert. Explore smart objects, the animation tool and how to save a gif file.

This is for you if:

  • You have completed Designing Your Way (although this is not a prerequisite) and have a basic working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator
  • You have a basic understanding of surface pattern design and now want to start getting your work noticed
  • You want to learn how to create more complex repeat patterns and build them into a sellable collection
  • You want to set up your own design label or brand
  • You want to put the foundations in place to pave the way for licensing and other ways of selling your work
  • You want to connect with others with similar passions to you
  • You are excited about the thought of making a name for yourself

Please note this course is not assessed and does not include individual critique of your work. You will need at least basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to get the most out of this module. Please note we do not offer technical guidance for any other software programmes (including free software).


Testimonials and successes:

Here are a handful of words used by previous students to describe this module: 

“life-changing”

“invaluable to your career”

“oozing with creativity”

“inspiring and motivating”

“incredibly empowering”

“a fantastic way to learn”

“overflowing with information and exciting ideas”

“Loved it!”

“a real leap into the world of surface design”

Course alumni have gone on launch their own design studios, win national awards, be featured in design books and on leading blogs and more. Many of our graduates have been signed for exciting licensing deals – such as Wendy Kendall with Deny Designs, Elizabeth Olwen with TeNeues, Anneline Sophia with Artscase.

Read a handful of our class testimonials, check out our alumni successes and see what our students are getting up to!


Experience, software, materials and device requirements:

Experience requirements:

This course is aimed at intermediate level designers but is also beneficial for those with more advanced skills. You will be in safe hands with Rachael as she makes her tutorials and content very easy to follow. You do not need to have taken any of our other courses in order to take part but this is a natural follow on course from Designing Your Way (Module 1).

Software:

In the course Rachael Taylor will be teaching her video workshops in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. If you wish to follow the technical workshops then you will need to have these programmes available to you and have some experience using them. Please note that the software is not included in class and it will need to be purchased separately from Adobe. We advise getting in touch with them directly for the best deals. Adobe programmes are widely used in the design industry and are an essential investment if you are serious about a creative career or learning to apply the skills you will learn. However, we always advise our students to take the courses at their own pace so if you wish to save the technical sections of the course for later when you feel you are more ready we would encourage this.

Devices:

We do not have a set device requirement other than if you wish to follow the technical section of the course then your device will need to be able to run Adobe programmes sufficiently. The team works on Apple devices but we have had students also work on PC’s. If you have a scanner for uploading your drawings then this is great, but you can upload photography of your drawings to work on too.


How to register:

Check out our Terms & Conditions. We strongly encourage you to read these before registering, as registering for one or more Modules acknowledges acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.

Book your place in our shop.

 

MIID REGISTER NOW 1700PX HR Creating Your Professional Identity (Module 2)