So You Want to Study Art, Design or Film in
Switzerland? – Better Have a Great Portfolio Ready! By Amanda J. west
Before applying to any of the Art, Design
or Film degrees in Switzerland or for that matter internationally, you will
need a really top notch portfolio. A “Foundation Design Course” or “Gestalterische
Vorkurs” is offered in many Cantons in Switzerland. It is a high quality year
long program, during which an extensive portfolio is produced. The course is
divided into four sections- Basics, Orientation, Focusing, and Extension.
Basics include drawing and painting lessons. Students are taught the
different ways of working with plastic and sculptural materials and ways to deal
with the perception of form and space. In the drawing and painting lessons, artistic-creative methodology is tested, and personal style is developed.
Working with a sketchbook and logbook is an important part of the training from
the start. This part of the course includes: Digital Media, 3D objects in
Space, using metal, wood, clay, plaster. Animation. Drawing, Painting,
Documentation and Presentation. Art
History, Screen Printing, Photography and Bookbinding.
In the Orientation
courses students gain insights into the creative fields that deal with
writing and typeface design in various optional courses that include: Product
Design, Textile Design, Video, Illustration and Scientific Illustration,
Graphics, Ceramics, Fashion Design, Photography, Interior Design, Digital Media,
Jewellery Design, Typeface, Computer Documentation and Presentation, as well as
technical theory.
In the Focus
section students decide on their specialization. The choices include Animation,
Video, Camera Arts, Digital Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Art and
Media, Sculpture and design of objects, Textile Design, Jewellery design or
Interior Design. The students research, design and work on independent projects
in the chosen field. This strengthens ability and depth of knowledge before
applying for a bachelor’s degree.
Extension is the last module where a deepening of insights is acquired through
the production of an extended 3D project. The students are also assisted in the
admission procedures for their desired University Study. To conclude the course
an annual exhibition takes place.
Aargau offers the Foundation Course at the
“Schule für Gestaltung Aargau” in Aarau, and residents of Aargau get a reduced
price of the tuition fees.
The “Zürcher Hochschule der Künste” offers
a “Gestalterisches Propädeutikum”- also partly funded for those living in
Canton Zürich.
A popular choice for the Foundation Course
is at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. More expensive for
out of Canton Students, but the school of Art and Design has an excellent
reputation.
All the schools offer open days during the
year, and it is well worth it to go and have a look to see which environment
you feel most at home in.
For most applications you will need to
submit a portfolio in the January of the year of study. You will also have to
do a drawing exam at the school once your portfolio has been accepted.
You can see what students think about the
Foundation Course at Lucerne in this video:-
Once you have spent that year producing an
amazing portfolio showcasing your talent- you can use it to apply not only to
Swiss Universities, but to get into Art and Design courses all over the globe.
No comments:
Post a Comment