
The first academic year gives students an opportunity to develop their passion for art and design.
First year program
Here, they discover a variety of different sectors within the Applied Arts field, learning the importance of observation and how to visually represent ideas in both Graphic Design and in Interior Architecture / Spatial Design. This course is open to students who have passed the French Baccalaureate or international higher education exam equivalent.
Required qualities for the first year
For creative jobs within the different range of different design fields, it is highly recommended that students have creative imagination, an inquiring mind, artistic awareness, strong work methodology, vocation and motivation. Divided into three art workshops you will be encouraged to exchange achievements and work together to develop creative ability. Our teachers and lecturers ensure regular monitoring and give support and guidance to help you succeed according to your career objectives. From the very beginning of the first year, all the basic design fundamentals and artistic techniques are studied. Thanks to a system of on-going assessment put into place throughout the academic year, projects are regularly evaluated and graded.
Quality expectations to enhance artistic talent
The first year of study will give you a solid foundation in art and design culture. Here, you will be given the opportunity to develop your imagination, curiosity and independent thinking skills. You will perfect different forms of visual expression and learn how to put into place efficient working methods so that you are able to successfully choose your design program and career orientation.
First year program
First year program

- Graphic design language
- Space design fundamentals
- Observational drawing
- Figure drawing
- Composition
- Illustration
- Art culture
25 hours master class and 25 hours of personal work each week.
Composition
Composition
Learning the rudiments of composition
- plans
- volume
- space design
3 hours master class and 6 hours of personal work each week. Lessons taught throughout the year
Pierre Hajizadeh
SPACE DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS
Space design fundamtenals
- Understanding the logic of composition – forms, structure, colours
- Mastering the use of different space and product design codes
1-hour master class, 2 hours of practical work and 6 hours of personal work each week. Lessons taught throughout the year
Observational Drawing
Observational Drawing
- Learning how to visually portray sketches, figure drawing, proportion, perspective drawings, through framing, lighting, contrast and texture
- Page layout design
- Choosing a focal point
- Composing an image
- Mastering drawing design tools
8-hour art workshop and 3 hours of personal work each week.
Lessons taught throughout the year
Yifei Zhang
Graphic Design language
Lin Li
Graphic Design language
- Understanding the logic of composition – forms, colours and materials
- Mastering the use and application of different visual graphic design codes
1-hour master class, 2 hours of practical work and 6 hours of personal work each week.
Lessons taught throughout the year
Illustration
Illustration
- Mastering traditional and digital illustration tools
- Visually portraying perspectives, materials and light thanks to traditional and digital tools
3-hour art workshop and 3 hours of personal work each week.
Lessons taught throughout the year
Louis Lesne
Art culture
Art culture
- Developing the capacity to synthesize through observation
- Studying and recreating different forms within a short time frame
- Developing a personal creative style
- Développer l’esprit critique
3 hours per week in the art studio drawing different models
Lessons taught throughout the year
1st year application process
1st year application process
If you would like to apply for the 1st year study program at Penninghen please fill out the applications form. This form provides a list of all the required documents, an administration document, internal regulations of the school and contract.There is no pre-selection process.