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Rika Heywood

Continuing Studies Instructor, Communication Design

Availability:

Education:

BDes, Communication Design, ECU

Bio

Rika is an educator with over eight years of experience teaching communication design. With a 25-year background in graphic design, creative direction and creative business management, alongside a career in fine art, he brings deep creative and industry insight to the classroom. He fosters a positive, process-driven learning environment where exploration and embracing failure are essential to creative growth and innovation.

Websites:

Courses

Course Name Department Course Code Term
Visual Communication Design CSCD 200 CS27/SP

Description

Creating value for businesses, whether large or small, often starts with effective branding. This course explores how to connect with consumers through authentic brand strategy and storytelling. Students will design cohesive visual identities, crafting elements like logos, colour palettes, and packaging, alongside non-visual components such as taglines and tone. Through project-based learning, you will build memorable, iconic brands while effectively communicating their value. Using design thinking, mood boards, and typographic standards, develop your own distinct visual language and compile them into a professional visual standards guide. Prior experience with Adobe Illustrator is required.

Material List: Be prepared for your course. Download the material list to source and purchase your supplies before your first class.

Pre-requisites

No prerequisites.

Visual Communication Design CSCD 100 CS26/FA

Description

Begin your design journey by building a strong foundation in visual communication principles and theory. This introductory course guides you through essential techniques for crafting impactful designs, focusing on core compositional strategies such as scale, contrast, alignment, and hierarchy. You'll explore organizational tools like grids and Gestalt theory to structure layouts that guide attention and perception. Learn how to arrange and colour design elements to create meaning, guide the viewer's gaze, and achieve specific effects. Additionally, develop your design vocabulary to articulate creative decisions and collaborate effectively. Designed for beginners, this course requires no prior design experience or software skills.

Material List: Be prepared for your course. Download the material list to source and purchase your supplies before your first class.

Pre-requisites

No prerequisites.