LAB 1

Students investigate various styles and aspects of typographic design and publication by analysing key components and aspects for outcomes. This includes title design and poster design, through to mastheads and layouts for independent zines and commercial magazines.

LAB 2

Students focus on brand identity and package design with consideration for contemporary issues such as socially responsible, ethical and sustainable design. Students are challenged to identify packaging problems or issues that currently exist in an industry and then develop a solution.

LAB 3

Students focus on how graphic design creates effective visual communication by understanding a client's vision, service and goals, their competitors and the target audience. Students also promote a major international travelling exhibition through multi-disciplinary, problem-solving activities.

LAB 4

Students develop a major project based on real world briefs. They develop an original and exciting concept, strategy and four design deliverables that are presented as a pitch in the final week of the unit.

LAB 5

Students apply their knowledge and skills to explore experimental and innovative concepts. A major project and portfolio, supported by an artist statement will be presented to a panel of mentors and industry representatives.

Barry Spencer

Barry is an exploratory type designer and lecturer who states that he often makes letters that may or may not look like letters. 

For almost two decades he has researched, explored and played with the Latin letterforms, including publishing the book Speculatype in 2017 and his solo typographic exhibition ‘Type. Grid. Play’ in 2019 based on his doctoral thesis and approach.

While speculating the boundaries of letterforms, Barry says he has fundamentally altered the way that he creates, perceives and understands the shapes of the Latin alphabet and always looks to bring this thinking to his design projects and teaching.

Neil Chenery

Working with a number of small design companies and galleries in Australia and London, Neil has been fortunate to work on diverse and fascinating projects, exploring new technologies and developing a broad range of art and design styles and techniques.

Neil has worked as a creative director and designer based in a photography and interactive media studio Melbourne, working across web design, interface design and virtual tour design and programming.

Neil has presented several successful solo and group exhibitions in Australia and Japan. His work is also held in private and corporate collections and is represented in regional galleries and the NGV.

Wanissa Somsuphangsri

Image: Phoebe Powell

Born and raised in Bangkok, Wanissa developed an interest for all things related to type and letterforms from a young age. She spent her early years admiring signage, colours and letters before she knew of the existence of the lettering industry.

Today, Wanissa runs a lettering business offering digital artwork, signage, book cover designs, branding and bespoke customised pieces.

With 12 years of experience in the industry, Wanissa shares her passion for design through teaching. She's currently based in her Naarm / Melbourne CBD home studio, where she juggles between freelance design work and teaching at LCI Melbourne.