Your Guide to Summer School 2021!

Designs by Summer School 2021 participants: @annatjan, @rashmiraodesigns and @fionataniredjoillustration

JOIN IN THE FUN WITH SUMMER SCHOOL 2021!

WOW – we are so excited about the buzz around in Summer School 2021! Loads of you have already started sharing your GORGEOUS work and we can’t wait to reveal the second lot of trend briefs based on the hottest Spring/ Summer trends in just five days! We know that this is going to be such a huge boost to your portfolios, and we can’t wait to see the incredible design work that comes out of class! Summer School is now in its second week BUT there’s still time to sign up! With less than a week to go until registration closes, we wanted to answer your burning questions and tell you everything you need to know about this fabulous global online design event.

HURRY! – registration closes Monday August 9th!

SO – WHAT IS SUMMER SCHOOL? IS IT A TAUGHT CLASS?

Summer School is an inspiring, motivating and super fun online design challenge where you will be designing to the hottest trend briefs and get to fill your portfolio with on-trend design work. We provide guidelines in class about preparing your images for submission, but it’s not a taught in-depth class. If you’re looking for that then be sure to check out our raved-about online design school! However, if you want to make it as a professional designer, it’s essential that you have experience of working to industry standard briefs, so each track/brief you take on is another addition to your portfolio and is great practice! You’ll also get the opportunity to connect with other like-minded creatives all over the world in our supportive private Facebook group, take part in exclusive competitions, get your work published and so much more!

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Over four weeks, you receive two exclusively curated, professional trend based design briefs along with two fun creative exercises per track (beginner, intermediate and advanced). Submission is optional (and the deadline isn’t until September 6th), but each exercise is put together to help you build your portfolio so we’d encourage you to complete them all to make the most of it! Everything takes place online in our gorgeous 24/7 open Summer School classrooms, so you can work around your other commitments. You’ll also get access to our dedicated Facebook group where you’ll be able to chat, share advice and get feedback on work in progress from other students taking part.

WHAT WILL I GET OUT OF IT?

The valuable experience of working with professional briefs that is vital for your design career. You will also get access to exclusive trends that will help you to create some beautiful market-savvy design work that clients will be thrilled to see. There are also many opportunities to get your work published on our global platforms. PLUS the chance to win prizes including places on our raved-about online design school modules and having your designs brought to life on gift wrap and fabric thanks to our friends at Fashion Formula.

DO I NEED TO BE AN EXPERT TO TAKE PART? HOW DO I KNOW WHICH TRACK IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Everyone is welcome, from complete beginners through to advanced designers – it’s all about how you respond to the trend. Whatever level you’re at, you’re sure to find others in the same boat amongst our large and welcoming online community – plus it’s an amazing learning experience to see how other designers work to the same brief. We offer three different tracks aimed at different skill levels, so there’s sure to be something to suit you:
• the Beginner track is aimed at all skill levels and all mediums are welcomed
• the Intermediate track is aimed at design software users and we encourage digital pattern making
• the Advanced track is aimed at design software users and we encourage digital pattern making and design mock-ups
Having said that, all briefs are open to interpretation, so if you do see a trend that you want to try on a track outside of your skill level, feel free to sign up and complete the brief in a way that suits you. Don’t forget that it’s just £38 for two tracks, or an amazing value £49 for all three!

DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE ALL BRIEFS AND EXERCISES?

Nope! We hope that you find all of the briefs and exercises inspiring and enjoyable, but we appreciate that sometimes life gets in the way. You are free to download any of the briefs or exercises to complete (or repeat) at a later date. PLUS you have access to the classroom until October 31, 2022! However, do bear in mind that if you want your design work to be showcased, you’ll need to submit it before the submission deadline (September 6th).

DO I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO MAKE PATTERNS?

No – lots of our students create placement prints, illustrations, concepts and abstract pieces as well as patterns! It’s also a fun way to push yourself and stretch your portfolio.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO DO MORE THAN ONE TRACK?

Absolutely! Every year, we get lots of students taking all three tracks, plus we offer a great discount on multiple tracks: £38 for two or just £49 for all three. Registration closes August 9th, so grab your spot quick!