Graphic Design & Digital Illustration Bootcamp

Our Graphic Design & Digital Illustration Summer Bootcamp is designed to help aspiring creatives develop confidence, technical skills, and portfolio-ready work in an immersive, industry-inspired environment

Over two intensive weeks, students explore key areas of contemporary graphic design and illustration, including visual communication, branding, typography, digital illustration, editorial design, creative storytelling, and design thinking. Through hands-on studio projects and creative workshops, participants learn how ideas are developed into engaging visual outcomes across both digital and print media

Working alongside experienced designers, illustrators, and creative practitioners, students gain valuable insight into professional design processes while developing their own creative voice and visual style. They are encouraged to experiment, solve creative challenges, and build a portfolio that reflects their individual interests and strengths

The bootcamp bridges the gap between education and industry, providing a supportive university-level studio environment where participants can develop practical skills while gaining a deeper understanding of contemporary design practice. Through project-based learning, mentoring, and portfolio development, students leave with a stronger creative foundation, increased confidence, and a body of work suitable for university applications and future creative opportunities

Whether you are preparing for higher education, considering a career in graphic design, illustration, branding, advertising, or digital media, or simply looking to expand your creative skills, this summer bootcamp offers an inspiring opportunity to learn, create, and develop alongside a community of emerging creatives

• • •

Why IDEA Futures

Not everyone thrives in conventional classrooms. This programme is designed to open access and level opportunity for those who:

• Haven’t had access to formal art education
• Are building professional portfolios independently
• Are looking to improve their portfolio preparing for university application
• Think and work differently, including neurodivergent creatives
• Want a more focused, supportive and studio-led environment
• Would be interested in this unique experience as an accompaniment to traditional art education

We emphasise process over perfection, helping participants build confidence in their ideas as well as their outcomes

What You’ll Gain

• A portfolio-ready body of work
• A clear and distinct creative voice
• Strong research and development skills
• Experience across both physical and digital processes
• The ability to clearly present and articulate your ideas

IDEA Excellence Design Award

The £200 IDEA Excellence Design Award will be presented to the student who demonstrates the highest level of achievement across their programme. This award recognises not only outstanding final outcomes, but also the strength of the creative process, innovation, problem-solving ability, and overall commitment to excellence throughout the course

Students will be assessed on the quality, originality, and impact of their work, alongside their engagement, professionalism, and development over time. The award recipient will exemplify IDEA's core values, setting a benchmark for future cohorts

Programme Completion Certificates

All students who successfully complete their programme will receive an official certificate of completion. This certificate serves as formal recognition of the skills, knowledge, and experience gained during the course

Certificates will be awarded upon meeting all programme requirements, including attendance, participation, and submission of required work. They provide a valuable addition to academic and professional portfolios, supporting progression into further study or creative careers

How It Works

• Studio-led, hands-on sessions
• Individual feedback and mentoring
• Flexible structure designed for different learning styles
• Balance of traditional art and digital development (including tools like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator)

Who It’s For

• Students preparing portfolios for fashion, textile, or design courses
• Applicants to institutions such as Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion as well as international schools and universities
• Emerging creatives seeking a structured but flexible way to develop their work

Programme Details

• Location: London, Hammersmith
• Duration: 2 weeks
• Schedule: 5 sessions per week

Outcome

Participants leave with:

•A resolved, portfolio-ready project
• A cohesive body of supporting work
• Presentation materials suitable for applications
• Greater confidence in their creative direction

Tutors:

• Paulina Dracz

Born in Lodz, a post-industrial city shaped by its textile heritage and vibrant alternative art scene, Paulina draws from both craft and experimentation. Primarily a print designer, she explores textile art through themes of femininity, technology, and loneliness, examining how intimacy and isolation coexist in a digital world.

She holds a BA in Fashion Textile Design from De Montfort University, where she developed her interdisciplinary approach. Alongside her practice, she teaches Art & Design and leads community workshops, creating inclusive spaces for learning and experimentation, strengthening community ties, and making contemporary art accessible beyond traditional institutions

Throughout the programme, Paulina will lead practical workshops in textile techniques, surface design, and experimentation, alongside offering one-to-one guidance and critical feedback. Her teaching approach encourages students to translate ideas into innovative fabric-based outcomes, while developing an awareness of contemporary fashion practices.

• Robert Wong

Award-winning architect and social entrepreneur, educated at the University of Cambridge (Exec. MBA) and the Bartlett, UCL, with further study in Design Thinking at Stanford. He teaches MBA programmes and will lead sessions on design thinking and entrepreneurship in the bootcamp

• Lilah Kyllonen

American artist, art and design teacher who is studying in Royal College of Art. She will teach in the boot camp on the general concept of Art & Design to have the build up the foundation in design

• Qun Zhao Ng

Experienced UI/UX designer from Singapore and graduate of the University of the Arts London, who will lead sessions on user experience and customer insight to develop user-centred design and fashion applications

• Linda Carluschi

Multidisciplinary designer, illustrator and children’s book illustrator, as well as a marketing specialist, trained at the Institute of Art in Milan. In the bootcamp, she will guide participants through marketing strategies and help them understand how to present their design work and connect it with real-world audiences

Are you dreaming of studying Fashion Design, Textile Design or Fashion Communication at university? Preparing a portfolio for creative careers but unsure where to begin? Or simply curious to explore print design for personal projects and creative development?

This programme is for you! A 10-day immersive design camp in London for emerging creatives, offering hands-on studio experience, industry insight, and portfolio development

Delivered by a team of passionate designers representing leading institutions, including the Royal College of Art (RCA), University of the Arts London (UAL), University College London (UCL), De Montfort University (DMU), and the University of Cambridge

Rooted in London’s global outlook, the programme prioritises flexibility, experimentation and individual ways of thinking

Why IDEA Futures

Not everyone thrives in conventional classrooms. This programme is designed to open access and level opportunity for those who:

• Haven’t had access to formal art education
• Are building professional portfolios independently
• Are looking to improve their portfolio preparing for university application
• Think and work differently, including neurodivergent creatives
• Want a more focused, supportive and studio-led environment
• Would be interested in this unique experience as an accompaniment to traditional art education

We emphasise process over perfection, helping participants build confidence in their ideas as well as their outcomes

What You’ll Gain

• A portfolio-ready body of work
• A clear and distinct creative voice
• Strong research and development skills
• Experience across both physical and digital processes
• The ability to clearly present and articulate your ideas

IDEA Excellence Design Award

The £200 IDEA Excellence Design Award will be presented to the student who demonstrates the highest level of achievement across their programme. This award recognises not only outstanding final outcomes, but also the strength of the creative process, innovation, problem-solving ability, and overall commitment to excellence throughout the course

Students will be assessed on the quality, originality, and impact of their work, alongside their engagement, professionalism, and development over time. The recipient of the award will exemplify the core values of IDEA, setting a benchmark for future cohorts

Programme Completion Certificates

All students who successfully complete their programme will receive an official certificate of completion. This certificate serves as formal recognition of the skills, knowledge, and experience gained during the course

Certificates will be awarded upon meeting all programme requirements, including attendance, participation, and submission of required work. They provide a valuable addition to academic and professional portfolios, supporting progression into further study or creative careers

How It Works

• Studio-led, hands-on sessions
• Individual feedback and mentoring
• Flexible structure designed for different learning styles
• Balance of traditional art and digital development (including tools like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator)

Who It’s For

• Students preparing portfolios for art and design-related courses
• Applicants to institutions such as Central Saint Martins as well as international schools and universities
• Emerging creatives seeking a structured but flexible way to develop their work

Programme Details

• Location: London, Hammersmith
• Duration: 2 weeks
• Schedule: 5 sessions per week

Outcome

Participants leave with:

•A resolved, portfolio-ready project
• A cohesive body of supporting work
• Presentation materials suitable for applications
• Greater confidence in their creative direction

TUTORS:

• Paulina Dracz

Born in Lodz, a post-industrial city shaped by its textile heritage and vibrant alternative art scene, Paulina draws from both craft and experimentation. Primarily a print designer, she explores textile art through themes of femininity, technology, and loneliness, examining how intimacy and isolation coexist in a digital world.

She holds a BA in Fashion Textile Design from De Montfort University, where she developed her interdisciplinary approach. Alongside her practice, she teaches Art & Design and leads community workshops, creating inclusive spaces for learning and experimentation, strengthening community ties, and making contemporary art accessible beyond traditional institutions

Throughout the programme, Paulina will lead practical workshops in textile techniques, surface design, and experimentation, alongside offering one-to-one guidance and critical feedback. Her teaching approach encourages students to translate ideas into innovative fabric-based outcomes, while developing an awareness of contemporary fashion practices

• Robert Wong

Award-winning architect and social entrepreneur, educated at the University of Cambridge (Exec. MBA) and the Bartlett, UCL, with further study in Design Thinking at Stanford. He teaches MBA programmes and will lead sessions on design thinking and entrepreneurship in the bootcamp

• Lilah Kyllonen

American artist, art and design teacher who is studying in Royal College of Art. She will teach in the boot camp on the general concept of Art & Design to have the build up the foundation in design

• Qun Zhao Ng

Experienced UI/UX designer from Singapore and graduate of the University of the Arts London, who will lead sessions on user experience and customer insight to develop user-centred design and fashion applications

• Linda Carluschi

Multidisciplinary designer, illustrator and children’s book illustrator, as well as a marketing specialist, trained at the Institute of Art in Milan. In the bootcamp, she will guide participants through marketing strategies and help them understand how to present their design work and connect it with real-world audiences

• • •

Many programmes teach skills. IDEA Futures built to help you think like a designer, build a credible portfolio and understand where your work fits in the real world—all within a supportive, flexible environment. Through hands-on studio practice, interdisciplinary teaching, and personalised guidance, you’ll develop both your creative voice and the confidence to apply it beyond the classroom