Q Who is the course aimed at?
The course has been written for anyone who wants to gain confidence in creating original design work either as an end in its own right, or to support and assist the creation of unique designs for a chosen craft. Although tutors work in the field of textiles, the course has not been devised with only textile artists in mind and we feel that it would be beneficial and challenging to any creative person in any sphere.

Q What will I gain from the course?
If you are a complete beginner to computer design you will learn many new techniques and gain confidence in creating original work from a variety of inspirational sources either for art work or design for craft. You will learn to identify what makes a 'good' source of inspiration and how to observe, record and develop ideas from the source in a visually dynamic way. Working with guidance from your tutor you will follow a carefully structured course framework where you will create a portfolio of samples and design and produce 3 assessment items. There will be continuous evaluation and assessment of all your samples of techniques and advice and guidance about final assessment pieces. Maybe you already have knowledge and experience of working with computers but have not had the opportunity to discover their creative potential as a design tool. This course will introduce you to just that.

Q Why am I only given access to one Module at a time?
Just like at a conventional college based course, the program is designed to build on the knowledge and skills gained from a structured sequence of activities. Access to subsequent Modules is opened as the previous one is completed to a satisfactory standard.

Q What specific software do I need to take the course?
A The course is written to be worked through using Paint Shop Pro version 9.

Q I have got Paint Shop Pro 8 or X, does this mean I have to buy version 9 to do the course?
Although written specifically for Paint Shop Pro 9 the course can be followed using versions 8 or X. There are some superficial differences in the way the screens look but where this is the case your tutor will indicate it and provide a link page to a help page that will give added guidance.

Q I don't have any Paint Shop Pro software, which should I buy?
As the course is written specifically with Paint Shop Pro 9 in mind it would be easier to use identical software. Therefore while version 9 is still available it might be best. Paint Shop Pro 8 is probably no longer available for purchase but it shares most features with version 9 so is an option. The choice when purchasing new software is probably between Paint Shop Pro 9 and Paint Shop Pro X; whilst there are some interesting developments in X there is little that will affect the creative designer in terms of this course. There are some changes to the interface in X but these will be addressed during the course.

Q What are the system requirements for using Paint Shop Pro on my computer?
Windows 98 SE/2000 (SP4)/ME/XP
300 MHz processor or faster
256 or more MB RAM
at least 500 MB free disk space
at least 16 bit display adapter at 800 x 600 resolution
Microsoft Internet Explorer

Q Do I need specialist computing knowledge to take the course?
No, if you know enough to find your way around this website then you have enough knowledge to take the course!

Q Do I need specialist printers and scanners?
No, basic models are fine - printers and scanners are now so efficient that most of the ones available on the ordinary market are more than adequate.

Q What is involved in each of the 10 modules?
Just to give an idea of what's in store, see the following brief description;

Module 1 - Introduction to the elements of design. What they are and how and where to find them. Focus on line, both in creative computer design and in terms of simple art techniques.
Module 2 - Exploring use of colour on the computer and with art materials and effective ways of using them both individually and combined. Focus on colour, colour theory and beginning to work creatively with use of colour.
Module 3 - What makes a good source of design inspiration and how do you begin to record what you see? More digital techniques using colour explored.
Module 4 - Creative ways with selection and collage. The basics of digital printing.
Module 5 - Recording and creating texture, both tactile and visual.
Module 6 - Exploiting the computer to create pattern.
Module 7 - Using text as a creative design tool and exploring the possibilities of form.
Module 8 - Creating an assessment piece involving the tools and functions of the computer.
Module 9 - Creating a complex image assessment item involving scanned material.
Module 10 - Creating designs for a craft item. The designs for this assessment item can be directed towards any craft in which the student has sufficient knowledge.

Throughout the course you will be encouraged to analyse and evaluate the outcomes and achievements of your work and guidance will be given on the potential of technique and future self development.

Q What equipment and materials besides my computer will I need during the course?
We aim to keep the requirements as simple as possible. This not only keeps costs to a minimum but also makes for greater creativity with basic materials. The requirements list shows the basic items you will need to take the course. These are guidelines only as the range and variety of art materials available worldwide is huge and students may wish to experiment with other comparable media or utilize some of the products they already own. Over and above the syllabus requirements, students choose for themselves how much of something they do and sometimes how large the pieces will be and so it isn't possible to give exact quantities of any item. Please bear in mind that you can begin the course with basic items and make additional purchases as they become necessary. This would help to spread the costs involved over a longer period. Anyone who has already done any art and design will probably have some of the items already to hand.
Basic art and design materials will include:
Sketchbook or drawing paper
Watercolour paper
A selection of other papers including brown parcel paper, tissue paper, tracing paper, textured wallpaper, manila envelopes, handmade paper, etc.
Heavy card or mount board
Graphite pencils
Eraser
Black fine liner pen
Gluestick such as Pritt
Hi tack white PVA glue in a bottle with a nozzle (Berol Marvin Medium or similar)
Masking tape
Double sided tape
Scissors for cutting paper
Wax crayons or oil pastels in a basic range of colours
Soft pastels in a basic range of colours
Charcoal
Artists fixing spray or hairspray
Pair of compasses for drawing circles and arcs
Paintbrushes to include one at least 1" wide
Sponge wedge brushes
Acrylic paint - student quality is fine - red, blue, yellow, white and black
Acrylic paint - gold metallic
Craft knife and cutting mat
Water colour paints in red, blue, yellow and black
Plastic ring binder file for storing all kinds of useful information (notebook)
A rule