This course, organised by the Thinker Makerspace of the CYENS Centre of Excellence, introduces participants to the fundamentals of visual communication and branding in two parts.

The first part explores visual communication, examining how effective narratives are constructed, how aesthetics influence perception, including concepts such as kitsch and cliché and how locality can be meaningfully integrated into visual storytelling.

The second part focuses on the branding experience, addressing what branding is, why it matters, and how design shapes brand identity. Participants gain an introductory understanding of core branding elements and the role of visual design in communicating a coherent and impactful brand message.

The course has been recorded, allowing participants to revisit the material and reflect on key concepts.

Upon the completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the core principles of visual communication, including narrative construction, aesthetics, and the role of locality in visual storytelling.
• Explain what branding is, why it is strategically important, and how design contributes to brand identity.
• Identify key visual and conceptual elements involved in developing coherent branding and communication outputs.
• Recognise the importance of a clear design brief, including brand identity definition, communication requirements, and alignment with timelines and resources.
• Develop a foundational awareness of how visual communication and branding support effective communication across creative, professional, and organisational contexts

The course is designed for all learners, regardless of their prior knowledge or experience in the subject matter.

This course is intended for designers, creatives, students, entrepreneurs, and professionals interested in strengthening their understanding of visual communication and branding. It is also relevant for educators, makers, and innovation stakeholders seeking practical insight into how visual storytelling and brand identity support effective communication across professional and creative contexts.

Omiros Panayides is an Assistant Professor at the School of Fine & Applied Arts at the Cyprus University of Technology, coordinator at the Semiotics & Visual Communication Lab and leader of the Book Arts offshoot. He is part of the founding team and current member of the Cyprus Association of Graphic Designers & Illustrators. His professional practice and academic research pivots around book arts, zines, type design and the preservation of Visual Communication in Cyprus through the Graphic Design of printed matter.

Philippos Vassiliades. Lives and works in Nicosia, Cyprus. Studied Graphic Design and Advertising (BA) at Frederick University and has a Masters Degree at Graphic Design from Camberwell College of Arts of the London Institute. He worked in two of the largest advertising agencies in Cyprus and now works as a freelancer. He specializes in poster, publication and branding design. He is a founding member of the Cyprus Association of Graphic Designers and Illustrators and since 2004 has taken part in Design and Art exhibitions in Cyprus and abroad.