Q&A with Art and Design Course Teachers

Stephen Lee is a Teaching Fellow, Graphic Designer and Visual Communicator. 

Stephen is a Teaching Fellow (Arts) within the Centre for Open Learning at The University of Edinburgh, and teaches Graphic Design with a background lecturing in Fashion Communication. He has an industry background centred around Visual Communication, with experience working in all aspects of creative imagery, design and media that has included working as a Graphic Designer, Art Director, Photographer and Sound Artist. 

Pepe Gomez  is a Teaching Fellow in Arts at the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Open Learning, where he teaches Digital Animation.

Pepe has years of experience working as a Character Animator, Animation Supervisor, Director and Producer, bringing forth a range of award-winning short films and music videos. He was a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the University for the Creative Arts, Farnham.

Stephen: You don't need to have any previous Art and Design training for this course, all you will need is an open mind, a willingness to try out ideas, experiment and see art & design as fun.

Pepe: You do not need any previous animation experience. We will work mainly in Aftereffects, assuming this is the students' first time using the software.

Stephen: The course will allow each student to work at their own pace and develop various visual skills from idea generation to using digital and analogue techniques.​​​​​​

Pepe: The animation portion of the course is designed to give the tools to start developing your own motion design, animation and editing skills.

Stephen: You will be able to adapt and implement your ideas and thoughts into various situations, learning how to see projects from alternative angles and using different approaches and mediums to achieve your outcomes.

Pepe: You will learn about motion design, timing, keyframing, and other useful techniques in the fields of animation, motion graphics, videography, film and editing.

All  of the projects can be achieved with or without experience of Adobe or any other creative software. Where software is needed specifically for a project or task, students will be given guidance and training.

The classes are usually around 8 to 10 students which allows for a more hands on and one-to-one experience.

Students from all over the world attend Summer School so you will be part of a truly international community.

If students have a specific portfolio goal, we can help to guide and adapt projects to help further develop their personal direction.

Stephen: The studio sessions will allow students the time and space to using various materials and software to help them to develop their own individual projects.

Pepe: Each student will be given access to a Mac computer and Adobe Creative Suite. Students will learn to use After Effects with a number of in-class exercises. 

Stephen: My favourite elements are in the art studio using various materials, methods and techniques to create new interesting ideas.

Pepe: The different ways that each student approaches animation and motion design.

Stephen: My top tip is to have fun with Art and Design and to just enjoy the process of making and creating.

Pepe: Have an open mind! This class will allow you to experiment and try different things and importantly, don’t be afraid to make mistakes - it’s all part of the process.

Stephen: For students to enjoy what the city of Edinburgh has to offer and to fully embrace Art and Design in all its forms.

Pepe: The first time they see their project in motion, it’s always an exciting moment.

Stephen: Prepare to explore, have fun and be creative.

Pepe: Stephen and I are here to help and support you. Ask us questions, talk to us and each other. The more you engage with the course, the more you will get out of it.