Intro To Graphic Design

This course is designed to be an introduction to the world of graphic design. It will explore the various areas of communication that utilize commercial graphic design. 

Why you should study with us:

This course is designed to give you a comprehensive background overview and introduce you to the overall graphic design environment. You will be introduced to two of the most important software programs used in Graphic Design: Adobe Photoshop and InDesign. You will learn about some of the basic roles of a graphic designer through a series of practical projects with an emphasis on print material. 

After this course you will be familiar with the contemporary graphic design environment and be prepared to handle various graphic design projects. You will understand how to work to a project brief and make creative decisions. The course will also deal with creating effective presentation materials for the business environment.

Course Outline

Class 1:

Introduction to the course – introduction to the PDA computer environment – overview of projects and tasks – discussion – the creative brief.

Class 2:

The overall design environment – visual messages – graphic design as visual communication – understanding basic design principles – concept development.

Class 3:

Introduction to Adobe Photoshop – combining design elements – visual hierarchy –   – use of imagery – use of illustration – use of photography.

Class 4:

Typography – communicating via fonts – combining type with imagery – graphic design as a business tool.

Class 5 :

Package Design – perceiving visual messages  – visual impact – logo design – the role of colour in graphic communication.

Class 6:

Editorial Design – visual hierarchy – basic page layout principles – creating and using a grid – visual flow.

Class 7:

Introduction to InDesign – business Design – branding – corporate Identity – Stationery, letterheads, business cards – corporate graphic systems – company graphic styles.

Class 8:

Brochure design – brand design – graphic design for retail – defining and designing for specific audiences – vehicle design.

Class 9:

Presentation Design – packaging and presenting work – collaboration with clients – PowerPoint and Keynote design.

Class 10:

Kinetic Design – movement and design – graphic design on the web – graphics for film and television.

Class 11:

Digital Design – concept development – evaluating design proposals – information design and flow – user experience.

Class 12:

Final presentations – course review – final Q & A.