Pratt's evolving courses reflect "broader shift in creative practice"

From architects using digital fabrication tools to how graphic designers can enhance their work with AI, Pratt Institute has responded to the increasing fluidity of creative careers by launching three new flexible programmes.

Pratt Institute’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) offers flexible programmes for both working creatives and lifelong designers who want to develop new skills without putting their careers on hold.

Its three certificate programs – Graphic Design, Fine Art and AI design – reflect how creative practice is rapidly evolving.

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Pratt’s Graphic Design course focuses on the fundamentals of professional practice and creative production.

From covering typography and branding to composition and visual systems, students apply these skills across digital, print, motion and interactive media.

Pratt Institute AI project image — *Pratt’s AI course responds to increased use of AI in the design process*

Its Fine Art course offers small, interactive groups where students curate a portfolio, complement another area of study or return to an existing creative practice. Interdisciplinary experts teach the course within Pratt’s dedicated art studios.

Pratt students explore artificial intelligence (AI) for research, visualisation, ideation and production within its AI Design course, while also considering questions of authorship, ethics and responsible design.

Pratt Institute workshop — *Its graphic design course covers typography, branding, composition and visual systems*

Here, Pratt treats AI as a creative tool rather than a replacement for creative thinking.

“The emphasis remains on human creativity, with technology extending what designers can explore and produce,” the organisation said on its AI course.

Pratt Institute student work — *As part of its Fine Art course, experienced instructors help students curate a portfolio*

The organisation explained that the launch of its latest courses responds to how career paths are changing.

For example, designers are moving between studios and start-ups, consulting and collaborative research, and need to quickly develop new skills to keep up with technology changes.

“Creative careers are becoming more fluid, and education is changing with them,” said Pratt. “Continuing education at Pratt is no longer only about changing careers. For many creatives, it is a way to stay curious, deepen an existing practice and respond to an industry that is constantly changing.”

Art workshop at Pratt Institute — *Pratt’s Fine Art course offers small, interactive groups led by a working artist*

Pratt added that its courses also reflect a broader shift in creative practice.

For example, designers are increasingly expected to move between physical and digital environments, combine technical skills with conceptual thinking and quickly adapt as new tools and technologies emerge.

Each course covers these aspects and is designed to build on the skills the individual isn’t as strong in.

AI project developed at Pratt Institute — *Pratt explained that it thinks of AI as a “creative tool” rather than a replacement for creative thinking*

It added that designers also benefit from a community experience at Pratt. For example, designers, architects, artists, creative technologists and entrepreneurs learn alongside each other, exchanging ideas and forging professional connections that “extend beyond the classroom”.

Pratt’s courses are available in person at Pratt’s Manhattan and Brooklyn campuses and in hybrid formats, making it possible to fit study around work, everyday life and freelance projects.

For more information about Pratt’s courses, visit its website or contact scps-noncredit[at]pratt.edu.