Graphic Design Studio

Location: Copenhagen

Term: Summer

About this course

In this course, you develop a comprehensive understanding of the Scandinavian and European approach to graphic design and explore methodologies that will strengthen your individual design capabilities. You work on project-based assignments in visual identity, branding, and communication across all platforms. Exploration and analysis of Scandinavian and European graphic case studies give your individual design capabilities a competitive edge. This course is taught vertically, and expectations relate to you as an individual student.

Syllabus

Summer 2026 – MA

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Summer 2026 – KL

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Summer 2026 – MC

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Mark Gry Christiansen

Graphic Designer. Ordinary National Diploma (Portsmouth College of Art & Design, 1987). Degree in Visual Communication (Denmarks Design School, 1992). Worked at Bysted Design from 1989-1995. Self employed from 1995 with projects covering a wide variety of fields within graphic design. With DIS since 2017.

Morten Noer Andersen

Graphic designer (Denmark’s Design School, 1986). Master of professional development and professional education (University of Copenhagen, 2004). Management studies (DR). Launched the MA Programme, Visual Culture & Identity at KADK Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Copenhagen (2013-2016). Head of Institute of Communication Design, Denmark’s Design School (2001-2007). Head of design at Bysted (2007-2009) and at DR TV (1997-2001). Currently working on a Ph.D. about public visual identity. With DIS since 2018.

Katja Bjarnov Lage

Graphic designer (Danish School of Media and Journalism, Copenhagen 1988). Master in Design 2013 (KADK Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Copenhagen). Bonnier’s Magazines from 1988 to 89 and The Monthly Magazine Press from 1989 to 92. Partner in X2 Grafik 1991-96. Own design studio 1996-2013. Design teacher at Visual Communication 2013-23 (Danish School of Media and Journalism, Copenhagen). Own design studio since 2020. With DIS since 2024.

About this tour

The week-long Study Tour to Sweden and Finland forms an integral part of the studio curriculum by broadening your understanding of how design shapes human experience. You will examine graphic design by studying cultural destinations in Stockholm, Helsinki, and the surrounding areas. By visiting sites and immersing yourself in the environment, you will begin to identify cultural differences through visual and graphic expression.

The sites visited, as sensory experiences, provide you with an opportunity to develop your critical observation skills and diagrammatic and representational proficiency. Simultaneously, you will be equipped with a vocabulary of design concepts, strategies, and materials, which can be applied in your own creative work in studio and beyond.

Learning outcomes

Study graphic design as manifest in contemporary and traditional sites in Sweden and Finland
Meet local offices and experts in the industry and learn about cutting edge graphic design
Develop sketching and note-taking skills for recording impressions of sites in a journal

Possible activities

Visiting Hyper Island, SoFo, Kiasma Museum, and the Espoo Museum of Modern Art
Exploring showrooms of Scandinavian brands, Design House Stockholm, Artek, and Marimekko
Discussing with practicing Scandinavian graphic designers at Söderhavet and Agency Leroy