Graphic design is everywhere – on posters, magazines, social media, packaging, and even in the branding of your favourite café or music album. For Lambeth College student Chris, it’s more than just visual appeal – it’s about telling stories, building identities, and solving problems with creativity and style.
Now in the second year of the Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication (Graphic Design), Chris has spent the last two years exploring the power of design as a tool for communication and self-expression.
From Logos to Album Covers
When asked what he enjoys most about the course, Chris doesn’t hesitate: logos, branding, album covers, and magazines. These are the kinds of creative challenges that fuel his passion.
“All the projects I’ve done – whether it’s creating fictional album covers or designing logos – have really helped me think about how images and words work together,” he says. “You’re not just making something that looks good – you’re making something that works.”
That kind of problem-solving lies at the heart of the course. Students explore a wide variety of techniques including typography, layout, digital design, illustration, and animation. Whether by hand or using industry-standard software like Photoshop, InDesign, Lightroom and Illustrator, students are encouraged to take risks, be experimental, and develop real-world skills.
Chris has especially enjoyed using Lightroom to adjust lighting and contrast in his projects, and he’s become confident with the full Adobe Creative Suite – an essential toolkit for any aspiring designer.
Preparing for the Future
The course at Lambeth College is equivalent to three A Levels and is designed not just to develop technical skill but to build a strong, industry-ready portfolio. That’s something Chris is already working on as he looks ahead to university.
His top choice? University of the Arts London – one of the most prestigious design schools in the country. “That’s where I want to go next,” he says. “I want to carry on with graphic design and eventually work in branding – creating visual identities for organisations and businesses. That’s the dream.”
A Creative Community
Chris also highlights the positive, welcoming environment at the college. “Everyone’s friendly – I’ve made loads of friends here,” he says. “The lecturers are really supportive, and you always feel like someone’s got your back.”
In fact, the course includes not just project work, but client-based briefs and collaborative opportunities – helping students gain confidence in presenting and pitching their ideas, just as they would in a professional studio.
So, is this course for you?
If you’re creative, curious, and excited by the idea of telling stories through design, this course might be the perfect fit. You'll learn how to explore typography, illustration, colour theory, branding, packaging design, and more – all while developing a strong understanding of how technology is shaping the future of visual communication.
And as Chris shows, the possibilities after college are wide open – whether you head straight into industry or pursue higher education.
📍 Inspired by Chris’s journey?
Explore Graphic Design and other Arts & Performance courses at South Bank Colleges:
👉 https://www.southbankcolleges.ac.uk/courses/arts-and-performance
