TI VER EA

Visual Skills School (Pty) Ltd 2011/005518/07186 Jack Hindon Str, Pretoria NorthTel: 012 565 5204 Fax: 086 611 9252

Website: www. vsscreative.com

Email: info@vsscreative.com

Welcome to VSS Creative College – the centre for visual arts education and training in the north of Pretoria.

Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions you will have to make, because it will affect you and your career opportunities for the rest of your life.

You will have to assess your needs for further education and decide, first of all, what type of education you would need for future career purposes and, secondly, which institutions you qualify for: tertiary (university) education, or vocational (career-focused) education and training.

• VSS follows a multi-disciplinary approach to visual arts education;

• Admission requirements are less stringent than for university admission;

• VSS is a small college with limited students numbers to ensure personal attention to all;

• Its small size creates an informal, close-knit, friendly and supportive environment that encourages hard work, academic achievement and friendships;

• VSS combines a central location, situated at the foot of the Magaliesburg in a quiet neighbourhood, with spacious gardens which is conducive to learning;

• VSS offers well-equipped facilities which are constantly upgraded in line with technological advances;

• In addition to full time residential programmes, VSS also offers distance education;

• VSS programmes combine theory, practical work and educational excursions in the form of very enjoyable Field Trips.

Also, VSS is the only accredited provider for a vocational national qualification in photography in South Africa over and above being accredited for a national qualification in Visual Arts and Design Foundation with a national qualification in Interactive Media following in 2016.

So how will you choose a college?

VSS Creative College is a vocational education and training college for visual arts: photography, graphic design and fine arts, and what sets us apart from other similar colleges is:

AT VSS we don’t rehearse life - We live it!

Programmes offered at VSS Creative College

VSS Diploma: Visual Arts - 3 yearsStudents receive a qualification after successful completion of each year as follows:National Certificate: Photography - after first year of studyNational Certificate: Visual Arts - after second year of studyNational Certificate: Interactive Media - after third year of study

National Qualifications are formal qualifications registered on the national qualifications framework (NQF), which is a centralised register of all Nationally-recognised qualifications in South Africa. VSS Programmes are quality assured and certified by VSS itself and are not registered on the NQF, However, the IARC, acronym for the International Accreditation and Recognition Council, ensures quality and consistency of courses and services provided by member institutions.

Part time Skills Programmes / Short Courses are open to everybody and are conducted throughout the year.Skills Programmes are NQF registered, credit-bearing programmes.Short Courses are not registered on the NQF and do not carry any credits. At VSS these are mainly up-skilling courses.

Distance Learning: The VSS Diploma, both national qualifications as well as certain skills programmes can be done through distance learning. Distance Learning offers an affordable and accessible option, where students study in their own time and at their own pace.

Masterclasses are arranged in different locations in South Africa and are conducted by Hein Waschefort, well-known expert photographer and recipient of numerous medals and awards nationally and internationally.

School Camps are arranged during school holidays to offer Grade Eleven and Twelve learners the opportunity to explore visual arts as a future career. Daily instruction is combined with practical experiments focusing on creativity and fun. There is constant supervision to ensure everyone’s safety.

1.

Welcome to VSS

About VSS

Career in industry

Qualifications

Multi-disciplinary approach

Admission & registration

Fees

Equipment

Field trips

Skills Programmes

- Photography

- Digital Graphic Des

Masterclasses

VSS in pictures

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

7

8

9

10

12

14

15

A leader in vocational education and training

Industry PartnersVSS is affiliated to the following associations:?Visual Arts Network of South Africa

(VANSA)?South African National Association for the VSS is an accredited private visual arts

Visual Arts (SANAVA)education and training provider where ?The Photographic Society of South Africa outcomes-based education and training

(PSSA)focus on boosting creativity in a vibrant environment. Vocational education prepares students for jobs or careers at various levels.VSS is the first accredited private education and training provider for a vocational national qualification in photography in South Africa.VSS follows a multi-disciplinary approach to outcomes-based visual arts education and training and focuses on photography, graphic design, visual communication, interactive media and related subjects. The rationale for this approach is that the largest demand in the medium and small business sector is for multi-skilled persons that can fulfil more than one function, instead of having to employ more than one person for those related functions, for example, photography and graphic design. Furthermore, employees in the public relations, sales and skills development departments of large businesses, as well as managers are often

Contact Details:required to write reports and do audio-visual Tel: 012 565 5204 - Fax: 086 611 9252presentations for their companies and Email: info@vsscreative.comrequire skills to execute this function.www.vsscreative.com

Legal statusVisual Skills School (Pty) Ltd Registration number: 2011/005518/07

Accreditation

ManagementVSS is led by Hein and Christine Waschefort. Hein Waschefort brings expertise, a wealth of experience and a proven record in the creative media industry as photographer, conceptual artist, creative director and lecturer since 1982. He is also the author of a number of books on photography and the history of art and photography. Christine Waschefort has a diverse academic background and has extensive experience in client relations, communication, the media, conflict resolution, as well as copywriting, report writing and script writing. She has also authored books on communication, professional practice and audio visual presentation, and is an admitted Advocate to the High Court of SA.

P.O. Box 17863Pretoria North 0116

186 Jack Hindon Street - Pretoria North

Coordinates: 25°40'48" S 28°10'02" E

Postal Address

Physical Address

2.

VSS recognises the tremendous power of visual communication in advertising, the media and education. VSS therefore strives to teach students how to learn not only the theory and techniques of visual arts, but also develop the ability to use visual communication and presentation skills to give effect to the reasons for creating visual images such as those used by the visual media industry.

MissionVSS's mission is to provide students with the theoretical and practical knowledge that will lead to the successful launch of a career in the dynamic visual media industry. To accomplish this, VSS is dedicated to the achievement of the following objectives:- To develop a strong esprit de corps in pursuance of a common

goal;- To pursue a high quality, market-driven and competency-based

educational experience through excellence, value and accessibility of academic programs;

- To stimulate and enhance creative thinking and innovative task-completion through continuous personal and professional development of staff and students;

- To embrace the dynamic nature of the visual media industry by engaging in thorough and continuous research in all relevant fields;

- To provide a safe environment which is conducive to creative learning;

- To prepare students for the dynamic demands of the visual media industry and to lead lives of personal integrity and civic responsibility in a global society.

Vision VSS strives to enhance, uplift and continuously improve the quality of its Education and Training products and services and is committed to make quality, career-focused visual arts education and training affordable and accessible to all learners in South Africa. Furthermore VSS is committed to transcend cultural and language barriers and promote understanding among diverse and multi-cultured people of South Africa, by building visual communication bridges.

3.

Parents often advise their children against a career in the creative industry as they have the perception that there is “no work and no money” Visual marketing is a key component of in this industry. modern marketing and consumerism - These are but a few of the myths about the preoccupation of society with the being an artist or “artistic”. acquisition of consumer goods.

What are the facts? Visual marketing includes all visual cues like logo, signage, sales tools,

The creative industry has undergone v e h i c l e b r a n d i n g , u n i f o r m s , significant growth during the past three advertisements (print, internet, TV), decades since the advent of the internet brochures, information DVDs, websites, and World Wide Web, which in turn gave billboards. The significant increase in rise to the birth of Visual Culture which is the number SMMEs also opened doors embedded in social institutions. for freelance photographers and

graphic designers to fulfill the need of Visual Cul ture recognises the visual marketing at a lower cost.predominance of visual forms of media, communication and information in the A creative mapping study was postmodern world. Globalisation of undertaken as a collaborative effort markets relies heavily on visual culture between the Department of Arts and to increase the exchange of knowledge, Culture, the British Council and the trade and capital around the world, provincial governments of the Western driven by technological innovation like Cape and Gauteng. The result was a the internet. report, “Gauteng's Creative Industries:

An analysis”, published in 2008.Visual Culture embodies culturally meaningful visual content that appears According to this report, “the total direct in multiple forms, and visual content and indirect contribution of the 11,320 migrate from one form to the other: print firms and organizations comprising the images and graphic design; TV and creative economy is R33,3 billion per cable TV; film and video; computer a n n u m i n t u r n o v e r, c r e a t i n g interfaces and software design, employment for over 182,000 people. internet/web as a visual platform; digital The audio-visual and the music sectors multimedia; advertising in all media (a produce the most revenue per person true cross-media institution); fine art employed.” And this is in Gauteng and photography; fashion; and alone.architecture, design and urban design.

To be successful in this industry, a Modern businesses are strongly person needs knowledge, commitment affected by competition as there are so as well as a dynamic portfolio – and this many businesses selling the same is what Visual Skills School encourages products or offering the same services. students to pursue and accomplish.

The Arts build relationships across language and cultural barriers.

The Arts show us that the limits of language do not define our processes of perception, knowing, learning and understanding things.

The Arts entertain multiple and diverse perspectives.The Arts teach us that problems have many

solutions and that all questions have more than one answer.

The Arts teach us that we have to recognise circumstances and opportunities to solve problems.

The Arts teach us to develop reasoning skills based on visual evidence.

The Arts enable us to experience and discover the range and variety of what we are capable of feeling.

Through the Arts we learn how to “say” what cannot be said.

Photography is an element of the Arts and shares all the attributes of the Arts.

Photography enables us to “see the world” without traveling.

Photography does not require one to be an artist to become a good photographer.

Photography is a skill that can be learnt.Photography gives us a voice and enables us to

document, record and comment on life and society.

Photography is the most important element of advertising.

Photography is an expressive art form. A photograph is worth more than a thousand words.

Photography is within the means of everybody - just think of cell phones.

You don’t make a photograph with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.

Ansel Adams

4.

programme

The is an intensive multi-disciplinary three year programme.

This programme provides students with visual communication, theoretical knowledge and technical skills in traditional print media, fine arts, digital and interactive media, as well as photography. The aim is to develop holistic multimedia practitioners who have the capacity to apply their knowledge over a wide and multi-disciplined field in the creative media industry, including photography, graphic design, web design, motion graphics, fine arts, signage, etc.

Supporting subjects include communication (verbal and written), professional practice and introductory business subjects.

1st Year:Theory of Photography IApplied Photography IVisual Communication IHistory: Art & PhotographyDigital Graphic Design ICommunication IProfessional Practice I

VSS Visual Arts Diploma

Curriculum:

Certificate: Photography SAQA ID: 73298

2nd Year:Visual Communication IIHistory: Art & Photography IIPhotography II2D & 3D DesignFine Arts (Drawing, painting, sculpture, screenprinting)Digital Graphic Design IICommunication IIProfessional Practice IICertificate: Visual Arts SAQA ID: 78003

3rd Year:Visual Communication IIIHistory: Art & Photography IIIDigital Graphic Design IIIApplied Photography IIIProfessional Practice IIIWeb Design2D AnimationInteractive Media Production & SoundCertificate: Interactive Media SAQA ID: 49121

Students receive a national certificate after each successful year of study and additionally receive the internationally accredited VSS Diploma: Visual Arts on successful completion of the third year.

PHOTOGRAPHY - Photo SciencePhoto TechniqueConceptualise & pre-visualise imagesPlan & organize logistical requirementsUse camera to capture photographic imagesSelect and present imagesPost-processing

INTERACTIVE MEDIA:Design interactive media content by applying a range of techniques and mediaEdit interactive media contentEdit soundWeb page design2D Animation

GRAPHIC DESIGN - Manage work flow & timeAccess approaches to drawingConceptualise and plan a designRealize and review designUse principles of 2D and 3D designUse visual communication techniques to represent a concept

HISTORY: ART & PHOTOGRAPHYAND VISUAL COMMUNICATION - Integrated in other creditsArt AppreciationPhoto AppreciationMovie film AppreciationArt critiqueArt critical writing

COMMUNICATION - Com fundamentalsKey com skillsCross-cultural comInformation seeking strategiesWrite/present/sign for a wide range of contextsAudience and context needs in communication

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE - Client relationsPublic relationsMarketing conceptsBusiness structures and functionsEntrepreneurshipBest practice TeamworkBusiness EthicsPricing structures

FINE ARTS - 2D art - develop hand eye coordination and artistic skills

Presentation and interpretation of an installationPreparing final portfolio and exhibit

3D art - Sculpture - concepts and solutions including land art

The Creative Industry is a rapidly evolving industry, because it overlaps with so many other industries, especially the Interactive Media Industry. Just think of the enormous amount and wide variety of multimedia content created every day for the internet, mobile phones, DVDs, digital television, advertising. . .

Qualifications offered by VSS provide graduates with multi-disciplinary knowledge and skills that facilitates entry into a number of career paths in the industry.

By offering various courses as distance learning, VSS makes visual arts education accessible and affordable to all creative students in South Africa. VSS’s Distance Learning Programme also provides students with the opportunity to study and practice visual arts in more than one medium at their own pace.

These qualifications, with a multi-disciplinary thinking and managing digital workflow.fundamental base, is the starting point of a career c. Design: creative and conceptual thinking, path in one, or more, of the many areas of the visual the principles and elements of design, media industry through structured development and relevant software packages, application of lifelong learning. The multi-disciplinary base allows elements and principles, creative and flexibility and mobility for the student to adjust to the conceptual thinking.dynamic needs of the industry. d. The history of art and photography as well

as contemporary art, photo and Subject knowledge, technical skills acquisition cinematography appreciation in order to through application, analytical and creative thinking, see visual arts as a set of related systems.as well as values and attitudes reflected in the e. Communication in the workplace.programme form part of the progression of a learner f. Self-management and achievement of to a competent visual arts practitioner within this effectiveness in a business framework, thereby contributing to economic activity. environment.Rationale

To build the necessary subject and industry The multi-disciplinary approach in OBET can only be 2. To encourage insights into the interactivity knowledge, understanding of, and skills required for followed when learners and facilitators are able to between these disciplines, identify common a career in appropriate sectors of the visual media work in a close relationship constantly and that is ground, synthesize and integrate and ultimately industry or as an entrepreneur. why learner numbers are limited. apply this to the client's needs.

Visual communication is a core and powerful 3. Preparation for careers in the visual media element of today's (visual) global world. It is a Advantages

industry and related fields, for achieving dynamic process and has to adapt constantly to the 1. Enhances a holistic approach to meeting the leadership and to make a contribution to the needs of the industry, the business world and society. needs of a client.economy. Of particular importance is subject and industry knowledge, the ability to gather SMME (small, medium and micro-enterprise) was 2. Allows effective use of resources.information, evaluate the information with identified by the South African government as a regards to content and context of a particular priority in creating jobs to solve the high 3. Prevents delay of access to some services.situation, to evaluate client needs and to address unemployment rate in South Africa. these ethically and with professionalism, as well 4. Reduces the number of people to whom a client as the ability to finalise projects timeously. The visual communication needs of SMMEs, must relate.

however similar to that of large conglomerates, are 4. Preparation for further education at other related to affordability offered by the multi-disciplined 5. Ensures continuity and consistency.

institutions for graduates with the appropriate visual media communications practitioner within the level of achievement in this program, to proceed SMME sector. The recognised purpose of all qualifications to a next level of study .

and unit standards is to equip learners with:That is why this program follows a multi-disciplinary 1. A thorough grounding in: Distance Learningapproach and crosses borders between related visual arts disciplines: fine arts, visual (graphic) a. Visual communication, professional practice design, photography and multimedia presentations, and ethics based on the needs of the visual integrated with professional ethics and professional media industry and society, as well as practice. The multi-disciplinary approach is entrepreneurial skills.characterised by each discipline being utilised to b. Photography theory and application in work towards discipline-related goals and affording practice: photo science, the darkroom, affordable solutions to SMMEs by skilled people at a photo technique, creative and conceptual fraction of the cost of large advertising agencies.

personal

Admission Requirements:Admission requirements to VSS Creative Photography & Design College are less stringent than for university studies, because all VSS courses are vocational (career-focused). - National Senior Certificate OR a Grade 11 Statement

of Results with a pass mark in all subjects OR through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – see information below

- English literacy – competency in understanding, speaking, reading and writing

- Computer literacy – knowledge of using common keyboard commands, search engines, word processing, and browser basics.

You do not need a portfolio.

Duration of study:Three years full time to qualify for a Diploma. Students receive relevant Certificates after each year of study as indicated in the curriculum. These are national qualifications.

2015 Registration:Applications for new registrations open in November and closes on 15 December 2014. A maximum of 24 first year students are registered each year, you should therefore not delay your application.

Application Procedure: Registration Procedure:This involves the procedure which students must follow when seeking admission for the programme at VSS.

1. After acceptance, students will be invited to confirm enrolment; and

1. Do you comply with the admission requirements? 2. Students will be requested to pay a confirmation If yes: deposit of R19 000.00 within two weeks after the

2. Request an application form from VSS Creative receipt of the acceptance letter in order for VSS to College by email: admissions@vsscreative.com reserve the student’s place in the programme.

3. Complete the application form. Make sure you fill in Should a prospective student be prevented from all the fields in this form. Please ensure that all registering by valid reasons, for instance he/she information is correct, truthful and verifiable. fails Grade II, this upfront confirmation fee, less

4. An application fee of R250.00 must accompany your R1 000.00, will be refunded. This confirmation fee is application form. This fee covers the administration then deductible from the year fees. The full year fees costs of processing applications and is non- are payable a week prior to commencement of the refundable in the event of your application being programme. Use your surname and initials as unsuccessful. The application fee must be reference on your payment.deposited in the following account: NB: If you use the incorrect reference, the fees paid will

Bank: Absa not be allocated to the correct student account. Branch: 632005 3. You will receive a confirmation of registration with Ac no: 406 7624 782 your student number, as well as confirmation of the Reference: Surname and initials commencement dates and schedules for your

5. Send your completed application form together with classes.- Copy of your ID- Statement of Results – Grade 12 (or II) / See Study Fees on p 7. your National Senior Certificate

By email: admission@vsscreative.comBy fax: 086 611 9252 Students who failed to show progress in the previous 6. You will receive a sms or email to acknowledge that year of study, will not be allowed to re-register.

the college has received your application. Current students have to reregister before 15 7. Applicants who do not meet the full admission December of the previous year for the next year in

requirements, for example with only a Grade II person at the admin office.statement of results, will be notified in writing that their applications for admission are subject to See Study Fees on p 7.testing.

7. The date and time of such testing will be Commencement of the 2015 Programme:communicated to students in writing.

Orientation starts on 26 January 2015.8. Confirm that you will attend the testing session.9.

Classes commence on 28 January 2015.You will be informed about the college's decision after this.

College holidays correspond broadly with school 10. If your application was successful, you will receive

terms. Students receive holiday projects for each a letter of acceptance for admission to enable you to

holiday during the year.apply for funding from one of the banks or Eduloan.

NEW STUDENTS:

NEW STUDENTS (Full time and Distance Learning):

CURRENT/ REGISTERED STUDENTS:

6.

fees

7.

Textbooks, Study Guides and Workbooks:All textbooks, darkroom chemicals and other mnemonics are included in the study fees.Facilities:Computer rooms, darkrooms, presentation and scanning rooms, library and studios can be booked by registered students at no extra cost. Internet facilities are available.Photo & Art Materials:Film, paper, art materials and mounting and framing materials are excluded and students must buy these for each project. Equipment requirements:Camera:A DSLR camera that can shoot in RAW - Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm and Pentax are the most popular choices. Please phone or e-mail one of the lecturers before you buy a DSLR for advice.Photographic Accessories:

LensesTripodFlashPlease get advice from lecturers before buying any of these.

Computer:Although a computer is assigned to each student at VSS, a personal computer or laptop at home is recommended. Basic computer specs: Pentium 4: 80 Gb HDD, 256 Mb display adapter, 4 Gb RAM, DVD RWSoftware: All school computers have licensed software.For personal computers:

Corel DrawPhoto ShopLightroom.

VSS supplies you with a trial version of Lightroom. When that expires, you have to buy it. The student version of Corel Draw can be purchased through VSS at reasonable prices.

Study Fees for Full time Residential Students:

Student Loans:

Payment Plan Options:

Study Fees for Distance Education Students:

Accepted Methods of Payment:

Contact:

tuition material for despatch. Should a prospective student be prevented from

First year students: registering by valid reasons, for instance he/she R39 000.00 fails Grade II, this upfront confirmation fee, less Second year students: R1 000.00, will be refunded. This confirmation R36 000.00 fee is then deductible from the year fees. The Third year students: full year fees are payable a week prior to R36 000.00 commencement of the programme.Upfront Confirmation Fee New Students: Upfront Registration Fee Current Students:A confirmation deposit of R19 000.00 must be Second and Third students must pay an upfront paid within two weeks after the receipt of the confirmation fee of R16 000.00 on or before 15 acceptance letter in order for VSS to reserve the December 2014. This fee is then deductible student’s place in the programme. Should a from the year fees. The full year fees are prospective student be prevented from payable a week prior to despatch of tuition registering by valid reasons, for instance he/she materials.

Please note: Study fees may change without prior fails Grade II, this upfront confirmation fee, less notice from year to year.R1 000.00, will be refunded. This confirmation

fee is then deductible from the year fees. The Once you have received confirmation of full year fees are payable a week prior to acceptance, you can approach Eduloan or any commencement of the programme.of the banks (Absa, Standard, FNB, Nedbank) Upfront Registration Fee Current Students:for financial assistance with your studies.Second and Third students must pay an upfront

registration fee of R16 000.00 on or before 15 Payment plan options are available and subject December 2014. This fee is then deductible to strict terms and conditions and can be from the year fees. The full year fees are discussed with VSS Administration on an payable a week prior to commencement of the individual basis. Payment options do not affect programme.the upfront payment that must by made by all students. First year students:

R29 000.00No cash will be accepted on campus. All monies Second year students:must be paid by direct deposit or R26 000.00electronic/internet transfer to the following Third year students:account: Bank: AbsaR26 000.00

Branch: 632005Upfront Confirmation Fee New Students:Ac no: 406 7624 782A confirmation deposit of R19 000.00 must be

paid within two weeks after the receipt of the admission@vsscreative.comacceptance letter in order for VSS to prepare

8.

p. 9

08:0

0 –

09:3

0 09:4

5 –

11:1

5 11:3

0 –

13:0

0 14:0

0

18:0

0

Educational excursions do not only provide valuable experiential learning opportunities, but are also fun, spell adventure and certainly form the most enjoyable part of learning. All excursions are linked to the programme, thereby increasing student knowledge and understanding of photography, as well as adding realism to the topic of study. On photography excursions we focus on nature-photography, wildlife- photography, macro-photography and underwater photography, which can obviously not be done in a formal environment. Whereas design excursions focus on cultural aspects and industry related venues and events. This is in line with VSS's mission to provide students with opportunities to compile portfolios of high standard and diversity.Field trips also provide limitless opportunities for team-building and personal development: Leadership; Teamwork; Self-confidence; Stress management.Educational excursions are arranged to enhance students' learning by providing opportunities for participation in activities outside the normal college routing. All excursions are well-planned programme based activities aimed at maximising students' learning experiences in different disciplines.Excursion venues include art galleries, art and other museums, heritage sites, printing facilities (litho, web, digital, photographic and large-format), trade shows, the zoo, nature and wildlife venues, etc.The purpose of educational excursions is to:- Provide quality of education, positive attitudes to visual arts and motivation towards the subject area- Awaken intelligence and d- Develop students' powers of observation- Expose students to new people, cultures, places and ideas- Give students' a real-life experience to production in various sectors in the industry- Improve skills by exchanging experience and knowledge concerning techniques and methods of work- Opportunities for close interaction with peers- Acquisition of knowledge and examine applications of theory in practice- Relief from the drudgery that academic study sometimes becomesThe Educational Function Group workModules for observation and the study of different aspects pertaining to an excursion or field trip are provided to students. These study modules require students to work in small groups to engage in various activities in order to study aspects of the objective through observation, inspection and interviews.Findings have to be recorded through written as well as visual means, first by the group, and then by each student individually in the presentation portfolio, which forms part of assessment.Investigations by individual studentsEach student is allotted a topic for individual investigation that originates from actual observations. The student is required to cross subject boundaries and not remain restricted within the confines of a particular subject. This enables the student to see more links with his/her topic and appreciate that most real-life issues need to be approached in a multi-disciplinary way. Such investigations should also trace the threads of the topic to the situation in the world today, and how it affects or applies to human beings.Putting it all togetherIn the end either a group or the individual student is required to make a presentation to the class, bringing out the highlights, observations, investigations and questions raised and discussed.Excursions and field trips are not included in the year fees and must be paid per excursion/trip.

The act of sharing the multi-layered, rich experiences of and educational trip brings together its various strands and allows a certain consolidation of the collective learning that has taken place.

evelop creative thinking

10.

VSS Skills Programmes:Intensive Photography CoursePart time over ten weeks. Successful students receive two Competence Certificates totalling 15 credits towards the National Certificate: Photography.SAQA US 336114: Use a still camera to capture a range of photographic imagesSAQA US 336096: Plan and organise logistical requirements for a photographic brief / assignment.

Computer Graphic Design CoursePart time over ten weeks. Successful students receive a Competency Certificate totalling 15 credits towards the National Certificate: Visual Arts.SAQA US 263024: Plan and produce two dimensional computer aided drawings

What is a Skills Programme?

The Benefits of Skills Programmes for Individuals:

Benefits of Skills Programmes for Business:

A Skills Programme is occupationally based and, when completed, will constitute credits towards a qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

Skills Programmes are part time courses consisting of either one or more unit standards, which when added together can eventually lead to a qualification.

With a Skills Programme, a student learns a specific amount of work, focused on developing specific skills, instead of having to complete an entire qualification.

• Allow post qualification specialisation• Enable competency in a particular area which can increase your contribution to the business you are employed in

• Improve skills and employability• Addresses the critical skills needs of business or industry• Economical in terms of time and resources• Enable individuals to start a small business or do freelance work

Training improves business performance, profit and morale.Advantages to a business include:• Ability to choose which skills the workforce gains, targeting skills to

meet the needs of an operation now and in future• Increased employee motivation• Increased efficiencies in particular fields / disciplines• Increased capacity to adopt new technologies and methods• Increased innovation in strategies and products• Enhanced company image• Claiming back on your Skills Development Levy

- Paul Martin Lester, ‘Syntactic Theory of Visual Communication’.

“Something is happening. We are becoming a visually mediated society. For many, understanding of the world is being accomplished, not through words, but by reading images.”

9.

Photography is but one of the elements of effective visual communication, but it certainly has the most definitive impact on the bigger picture! Making an image is, however, much more than setting your DSLR on “P” and pressing the button with the idea that, should the photo not turn out the way you envisage it, you can wipe it at any time and press the button again.Cameras have changed from analog to digital, replacing film with a sensor, but photography has not changed! The science and technique of photography is not something one knows - it is something one learns. Creative photography does not fall from the sky - one has to develop one’s imagination, learn composition and proper manipulation of images to achieve the effect that inspires awe and admiration.This course endeavors to teach you the technical skills, as well as create opportunities for application of these skills in a multitude of genres, including available light, nature, wildlife, photo journalism and studio photography. That is why we do field trips!

Programme:

Midweek 1a:

Self study 1b:

Weekend 1c: Theory: Practical:

Midweek 2a:

Self study 2b:

Weekend 2c: Theory:

Practical:

Midweek 3a:

Self study 3b:

Weekend 3c: Theory:

Practical:

Midweek 4a:

Self study 4b:

Weekend 4c: Theory: Practical:

1. Fundamentals of photography

2. The digital camera

3. Lens technology and technique

4. Electronic flashlight/strobe

Basic photo science. light, and exposure - the Golden Formula. Discuss implementations and creative control applicable to this photography segment. Research samples and applications of pinhole photography.

The darkroomSet up and take pinhole photo,

develop film and make contact print in darkroom.

Key DSLR camera features - Buttons and settings. Exposure - speed/time versus aperture. Discuss implementations and creative control applicable to this photography segment.Research Rangefinder cameras versus SLR cameras.

Composition, colour and visual communication

Available light shoot on location

All about lenses: Lens characteristics and selection. Depth of field. Discuss implementations and creative control applicable to this photography segment.Watch “National Geography - The Photographers” and discuss your favourite photographer/genre in a written assignment.

Nature photography at nature reserve

Nature photography at nature reserve

On-Camera Flashes and Studio flashes, applications and science. Discuss implementations and creative control applicable to this photography segment.Compare and illustrate differences between flash and available light photography, discuss advantages and disadvantages of each.

Portraiture lighting. Creative studio portraiture and

lighting

SAQA US 336114: Use a still camera to capture a range of photographic imagesSAQA US 336096: Plan and organise logistical requirements for a photographic brief / assignment.

See Year Plan.

Theory classes are conducted one evening per week from 18h00. Practical sessions extend to Saturdays - studio, location and field trips.

R4 900.00 Includes full colour handbook, DVDs, grey card, slide ruler, pinhole. Coffee/Tea.

Computer Literacy is an absolute requirement.35mm DSLR camera that can shoot in RAW.

Studio, darkroom, digital darkroom (computer room), mounting room with equipment. Studio can be booked at any time by registered students at no additional charge.

Completed enrolment form and proof of payment will secure your place on the course (at least one week prior to commencement).

Course start Dates:

General Information:

Course Fees Part Time:

Admission and Equipment:

Facilities:

Registration:

10.

11.

5. Digital platform for photography

6. History of photography as art

7. Macro & close-up photography

Midweek 5a:

Self study 4b:

Weekend 5b: Theory:

Practical:

Midweek 6a:

Self study 6b:

Weekend 6c: Theory:

Practical:

Midweek 7a:

Understanding RAW and other file extentions. Introduction to Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and file management.

Create ‘Image Bank’ for source and for export with proper key-wording, preferably on an external hard drive.

Creative Adobe Photoshop Lightroom.

Post edit and manipulate own work.

History of photography versus history of art up to Post Impressionism, with emphasis on the creative photographer as an artist. Discuss implementations and creative control applicable to this photography segment. Research the birth of the art salon and compare it to the modern photography salon.

Creative filters and in-camera manipulation.

Shoot image in style of early modern artist/photographer of your choice.

Close-up and macro photography- science, flash/strobe and specialised lenses. Table-top white/blackline photography.

Documenting, scanning and filing logistical requirements for safe keeping

Self study 7b:

Weekend 7b: Theory:

Practical:

Midweek 8a:

Self study 8b:

Weekend 8c: Theory:

Practical:

Midweek 9a:

Self study 9b:

Weekend 9c: Theory:

Practical:

Midweek 10a:

Self study 10b:

Weekend 10c:

Research and plan food advertisement with applicable sketches.

A look at graphic design - formatting and page layout.

Food photography for magazine advertisement.

Creative glamour and fashion: Portraiture. Lighting, styling and props. Make up tutorial. History of fashion and glamour portraiture. View VSS DVD on this subject and plan contemporary fashion shoot.

Make-up styling and applied fashion photography on location.

Photojournalism

Discuss ethics of photojournalism with reference to Kevin Carter’s ‘Vulture Stalking a Child’ photo.

Real world photo journalism at shanty town and shebeens in rural area.

Prepare portfolio of photographic images and finalise assignments for completion of Portfolio of Evidence and summative assessment.

Prepare photo equipment an checklist against brief criteria.

Digital printing technology processes within the production of digital photographic images.

8. Fashion photography

9. Photo journalism

10. Exhibition

in theory- nature of photojournalism, the history of photojournalism and ethics.

Photojournalism in practice- equipment and techniques.

Present and exhibit photo portfolio at end of course exhibition at VSS.

Graphic Design is one of the ‘tools’ of visual communication which forms the backbone of advertising and promotion in the business world - corporate identity, branding, signage, packaging, presentation, etc. This course focuses on acquiring these visual communication skills by learning a design package, Corel Draw / Corel Paint, and combining it with design principles, composition, colour modules, printing processes and applied design. The course facilitator explains Corel Draw applications and describes how you have to apply these applications in manipulating or designing certain specified assignment topics. It also touches on the basics of copywriting and copy right which is invaluable to graphic designers. All you need is the drive, commitment and discipline to follow the steps and practice as much as you can.

Part time over ten weeks. Successful students receive a Competence Certificate totalling 15 credits towards the National Certificate: Visual Arts.SAQA US 263024: Plan and produce two dimensional computer aided drawings

See Year Plan.Matric certificate (or equivalent).

Computer Literacy.R4 900.00 includes the Graphic Design

Handbook and DVD’s with fonts, graphic images, royalty free photos and shareware programs.

Course dates: Admission:

Fees:

Facilities:

Equipment (absolute requirement for distance learning students):

Registration:

Curriculum

A computer is assigned, in the classroom, to each student at the beginning of the course for the duration of the course. The course is presented by a lecturer who demonstrates each application and individually assists each student during classes.

Minimum computer specs for homework: Pentium 4; 80 Gb HDD; 256 Mb display adapter; 4 Gb RAM; DVD RW. Software: Corel Draw X5 (Students can buy the student version of Corel Draw X5 from VSS at reasonable rates)Internet access

Completed registration form and proof of payment of registration fee will secure your place on a course. Registration must take place at least a week prior to commencement of the course.

UNIT 1: Principles of Visual Design- Visual Elements – Line, colour, texture, shape, value, size & format- Composition, Design & Layout Principles –

centre of interest, balance, harmony, contrast, directional movement, rhythm, etc.

- Visual Effects

UNIT 2: The Design Brief- The client brief- The creative brief- The deadline- Interpretation of brief- Deliverables required- Time frames and schedules- Developing the concept

UNIT 3: Prepare the computer environment using CorelDraw software- Launching your Corel Draw application - Understand layout of Corel Draw work space

- Customise workspace - Identify most common tools & toolbars- Saving and closing of a document - Create a vector image in Corel Draw.Assignment 1: Word Play.

UNIT 4: FontsCustomise your Desktop- Install Fonts - Understand font types and uses.Assignment 2: Create personal (favourite) font list in families with the example from font DVD, supplied by VSS Creative College

UNIT 5: Scanning & Tracing- Understand the difference between a bitmap / raster image and a vector - Understand layout of Photo Paint application- Identify most common tools and toolbars- Scanning a bitmap directly into Photo Paint - Creating vector images in Corel Draw- Importing a bitmap into Corel Draw.Assignment 3: Tracing an image

UNIT 6: Photo Paint- Editing and improving quality of scans- Creating objects by using masks- Editing new objects- Creating a new document in Photo Paint - Transfer images from one document into anotherAssignment 4: Multi imaging (combine a landscape, an object and a living organism)

UNIT 7: Colour- Difference between main colour models: - CMYK - RGB – Spot- Creating duo tone designs.Assignment 6a: HOT - Design a book coverAssignment 6b: COLD - Design a CD cover (One of these designs must be a duo tone design)

12.

13.

digital graphic design [part time: 10 weeks] continued

UNIT 8: Corporate Identity- Corporate image (designing a logo)- Standard CI sizes- View Menu- Editing guidelines- Embedding fonts- CorelDRAW versionsAssignment 7: Logo design (Letterhead, follow-up, business card, comp slip, etc.).

UNIT 9: File Types- Definition of file types and / or extensions- Understand importance and relevance of using different file types- Define bleed- Designing a Brochure- Designing an Advertisement- Copywriting: Writing text for advertisements, brochures, etc. Plagiarism and The Copyright Act of SA: Legal implicationsAssignment 8a: Advertisement / label (remember legal implications)Assignment 8b: Brochure A4 folded to IDL - different folding methods

UNIT 10: Printing & Printing Processes- Printing Processes: Digital versus litho printing; bleed; sizes; folding, etc.

o Die cutting, embossing, foiling, etc. o How to set up a print fileo Corel Draw menu items

- PackagingAssignment 9: Design package, die cut and insert bar codeREVISION- Revision of Photo Paint- Using the clone tool- The Object Docker window.Assignment 10: Use old damaged photo, scan and retouch

EXHIBITION & PRESENTATION OF FINAL PORTFOLIOS

“Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.” John Steinbeck

Where do we get our ideas from? There is probably only one answer to this question: From the world and the people around us. The more we interact with other creative people, the quicker and easier our two rabbits will become a dozen.

Masterclasses offer valuable performance opportunities, stimulation, fresh ideas for approaching visual art interpretation and technique and access to a professional community of practice.

Masterclasses offer the opportunity for visual artists and/or photographers to test their values and insights, learn more about a specific genre, come to understand value differences as well as similarities, become empowered to change those things that should be changed and embrace new perspectives, and enhance confidence and motivation.

Masterclasses provide participants with the ability to:- Identify historical and theoretical parameters of a specific topic within the broad context of contemporary photography / visual arts practice

- Analyse the relevance and implications of such topic to their individual discipline

- E x t e n d e s t a b l i s h e d s k i l l s t h r o u g h experimentation

- Synthesise new concepts and approaches to specific genres

- Reflect upon and evaluate own learning through performance.

14.

Masterclasses are aimed at experienced photographers. All Masterclasses are conducted at

various locations and venues, from the VSS Studio and portraiture to Botshabelo Cultural Village and

thematic sets. Always new, always exciting!

Masterclasses at VSS are developed and led by Hein Waschefort who is not only a well-known and expert photographer and proficient visual artist, but also an ardent art historian. Hein's box of ideas is bottomless. This, combined with his knowledge, enthusiasm and adventurous spirit, ensures that each Masterclass is unique and productive.

at

VS

S c

am

pus

adventu

re p

hoto

tri

ps

publicati

ons

15.

photo

events

maste

rcla

sses

com

merc

ial

VSS in pictures

16.