We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Joshua Wilder Oakley

Master visual arts composition with Udacity's course. Learn rhythm, repetition, unity, and element manipulation for impactful designs. Enroll now!

Here's a deal for you

We found an offer that may be relevant to this course.
Save money when you learn. All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

What's inside

Syllabus

In this lesson, we will explore how movement and rhythm create visual flow in compositions. We will also manipulate elements to guide eye movement and experiment with Canva's animation tools.
We explore visual hierarchy and emphasis in design and historical uses in advertisements. We look at the order of importance in emphasis and focal points, analyze points of entry and design briefs.
We look at achieving unity in compositions: understanding its concept and various approaches. Exploring Gestalt groupings' relation to unity. Analyzing a design brief.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops rhythm, repetition, unity, and element manipulation for impactful designs, which are all core skills for visual artists
Taught by Joshua Wilder Oakley, who is a renowned visual artist
Explores visual hierarchy and emphasis in design, which is standard in the design industry
Examines unity in compositions, which is highly relevant to visual artists
Teaches how to manipulate elements to guide eye movement, which is a core skill for visual artists
Taught on Udacity, which is a reputable platform for online courses

Save this course

Save Composition to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Composition with these activities:
Explore online resources for visual composition
Expand your knowledge of visual composition by exploring online tutorials, articles, and videos. This will supplement the course material and provide additional insights.
Browse courses on Composition
Show steps
  • Search for online resources on visual composition
  • Review and take notes on key concepts
Read 'Understanding Visual Composition'
Provides a solid theoretical foundation for understanding the principles of visual composition.
Show steps
  • Read Chapters 1-3 to understand the basic principles of composition.
  • Analyze visual examples provided in the book to practice applying the principles.
Review elements of design
Reinforce your knowledge of the fundamental elements of design, such as line, shape, color, and texture, to enhance your understanding of visual composition.
Browse courses on Elements of Design
Show steps
  • Identify and define the key elements of design
  • Analyze how these elements are used in existing designs
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Explore Tutorials on Rhythm and Repetition
Provides additional guidance and examples for understanding key composition principles.
Browse courses on Rhythm
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on rhythm and repetition in visual composition.
  • Follow along with the tutorials and apply the techniques to your own designs.
Sketch design concepts
Develop your visual communication skills by sketching out design concepts. This hands-on practice will help you visualize and refine your ideas.
Browse courses on Composition
Show steps
  • Choose a design prompt or inspiration
  • Brainstorm and sketch multiple design concepts
  • Refine and iterate your sketches based on feedback
Design a Poster Using Canva
Provides practical experience in applying composition principles to create a visual design.
Browse courses on Canva
Show steps
  • Choose a topic and gather relevant images and text.
  • Apply the principles of rhythm, repetition, unity, and emphasis in your design.
  • Experiment with different design elements and layouts.
  • Get feedback from peers or instructors to refine your design.
Attend a workshop on design principles
Gain practical experience and expert guidance by attending a workshop on design principles. This immersive learning environment will accelerate your progress.
Browse courses on Composition
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant workshops
  • Register for and attend the workshop
  • Participate actively and take notes
Complete Composition Exercises
Reinforces understanding of composition principles through focused exercises.
Browse courses on Visual Composition
Show steps
  • Work through exercises provided by the course or find additional resources online.
  • Analyze your results and identify areas for improvement.
Analyze design case studies
Deepen your understanding of design principles by analyzing real-world examples. This will enhance your ability to identify successful design strategies and avoid common pitfalls.
Browse courses on Composition
Show steps
  • Select design case studies that showcase effective composition techniques
  • Break down each case study and analyze its elements
  • Identify the design principles and techniques used
Participate in Peer Feedback Sessions
Promotes critical thinking and improves designs through feedback from peers.
Browse courses on Peer Feedback
Show steps
  • Share your designs with peers for feedback.
  • Provide constructive feedback to others to enhance their understanding.
Contribute to Open Source Design Projects
Encourages collaboration and exposes students to real-world design challenges.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Find open source design projects that align with your interests.
  • Contribute to the project by providing feedback, reporting bugs, or suggesting improvements.
Develop a visual composition portfolio
Showcase your mastery of visual composition by creating a portfolio of your best work. This will provide a tangible demonstration of your skills and enhance your employability.
Browse courses on Composition
Show steps
  • Select your strongest design concepts
  • Refine and finalize your designs
  • Create a professional portfolio showcasing your work
Design a Portfolio of Visual Compositions
Culminates learning by showcasing students' understanding and application of composition principles.
Browse courses on Portfolio
Show steps
  • Select a range of compositions that demonstrate your skills.
  • Create a portfolio website or presentation to showcase your work.
  • Get feedback from instructors or peers to improve your portfolio.

Career center

Learners who complete Composition will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Art teacher
An Art Teacher teaches art to students in a school or other educational setting. They use their knowledge of visual arts composition to help students develop their own artistic skills and create visually appealing artwork. The Composition course from Udacity can be useful in helping you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn about visual arts composition, including rhythm, repetition, unity, and element manipulation. This knowledge will help you create visually appealing lesson plans that effectively teach your students the fundamentals of art.
Graphic designer
A Graphic Designer creates visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as brochures, magazines, and corporate reports. The Composition course from Udacity can be useful in helping you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn about visual arts composition, including rhythm, repetition, unity, and element manipulation. This knowledge will help you create visually appealing designs that effectively communicate your message and achieve your desired results.
Interior designer
An Interior Designer creates and designs the interior of buildings, including homes, offices, and public spaces. They use their knowledge of visual arts composition to create visually appealing and functional spaces that meet the needs of their clients. The Composition course from Udacity can be useful in helping you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn about visual arts composition, including rhythm, repetition, unity, and element manipulation. This knowledge will help you create visually appealing interior designs that effectively communicate your message and achieve your desired results.
Multimedia Designer
A Multimedia Designer creates and develops multimedia content, such as websites, videos, and interactive presentations. They use their knowledge of visual arts composition to create visually appealing and engaging content that effectively communicates their message. The Composition course from Udacity can be useful in helping you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn about visual arts composition, including rhythm, repetition, unity, and element manipulation. This knowledge will help you create visually appealing content that effectively communicates your message and achieves your desired results.
Web Designer
A Web Designer creates and maintains websites. They work with clients to determine the desired look and functionality of the website, and then use their knowledge of visual arts composition to create a visually appealing and user-friendly website. The Composition course from Udacity can be useful in helping you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn about visual arts composition, including rhythm, repetition, unity, and element manipulation. This knowledge will help you create visually appealing websites that effectively communicate your message and achieve your desired results.
Photographer
A Photographer captures images using a camera. They use their knowledge of visual arts composition to create visually appealing photographs that effectively communicate their message. The Composition course from Udacity can be useful in helping you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn about visual arts composition, including rhythm, repetition, unity, and element manipulation. This knowledge will help you create visually appealing photographs that effectively communicate your message and achieve your desired results.
User Experience (UX) Designer
A User Experience (UX) Designer creates products that are easy to use and enjoyable to interact with. They use their knowledge of visual arts composition to create user interfaces that are visually appealing and intuitive to use. The Composition course from Udacity can be useful in helping you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn about visual arts composition, including rhythm, repetition, unity, and element manipulation. This knowledge will help you create user interfaces that are visually appealing and easy to use.
Product Designer
A Product Designer creates and designs products, including furniture, appliances, and electronics. They use their knowledge of visual arts composition to create visually appealing and functional products that meet the needs of their clients. The Composition course from Udacity can be useful in helping you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn about visual arts composition, including rhythm, repetition, unity, and element manipulation. This knowledge will help you create visually appealing product designs that effectively communicate your message and achieve your desired results.
Fashion Designer
A Fashion Designer creates and designs clothing and accessories. They use their knowledge of visual arts composition to create visually appealing and functional clothing that meets the needs of their clients. The Composition course from Udacity can be useful in helping you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn about visual arts composition, including rhythm, repetition, unity, and element manipulation. This knowledge will help you create visually appealing fashion designs that effectively communicate your message and achieve your desired results.
Animator
An Animator creates animated characters and objects using computer software or by hand. They use their knowledge of visual arts composition to create visually appealing and engaging animations that effectively communicate their message. The Composition course from Udacity can be useful in helping you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn about visual arts composition, including rhythm, repetition, unity, and element manipulation. This knowledge will help you create visually appealing animations that effectively communicate your message and achieve your desired results.
Filmmaker
A Filmmaker creates films, including movies, documentaries, and commercials. They use their knowledge of visual arts composition to create visually appealing and engaging films that effectively communicate their message. The Composition course from Udacity can be useful in helping you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn about visual arts composition, including rhythm, repetition, unity, and element manipulation. This knowledge will help you create visually appealing films that effectively communicate your message and achieve your desired results.
Art Director
An Art Director oversees the visual style and presentation of various creative projects. They collaborate with designers, photographers, and other creatives to ensure that the final product is visually appealing and consistent with the brand's identity. The Composition course from Udacity can be useful in helping you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn about visual arts composition, including rhythm, repetition, unity, and element manipulation. This knowledge will help you create visually appealing designs that effectively communicate your message and achieve your desired results.
Exhibition Designer
An Exhibition Designer creates and designs exhibitions for museums, galleries, and other public spaces. They use their knowledge of visual arts composition to create visually appealing and engaging exhibitions that effectively communicate their message. The Composition course from Udacity can be useful in helping you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn about visual arts composition, including rhythm, repetition, unity, and element manipulation. This knowledge will help you create visually appealing exhibitions that effectively communicate your message and achieve your desired results.
Motion Graphics Designer
A Motion Graphics Designer creates animated graphics for use in videos, commercials, and other visual media. They use their knowledge of visual arts composition to create visually appealing and engaging animations that effectively communicate their message. The Composition course from Udacity can be useful in helping you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn about visual arts composition, including rhythm, repetition, unity, and element manipulation. This knowledge will help you create visually appealing animations that effectively communicate your message and achieve your desired results.
Environmental Graphic Designer
An Environmental Graphic Designer creates and designs visual elements for public spaces, such as signage, wayfinding systems, and public art. They use their knowledge of visual arts composition to create visually appealing and functional designs that meet the needs of their clients. The Composition course from Udacity can be useful in helping you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn about visual arts composition, including rhythm, repetition, unity, and element manipulation. This knowledge will help you create visually appealing environmental graphic designs that effectively communicate your message and achieve your desired results.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Composition .
A comprehensive review of the principles of design, with a focus on practical applications. A valuable reference for any visual artist.
A classic work exploring the psychological aspects of artistic perception and visual communication, providing insights into the effects of composition on the viewer.
An academic textbook exploring the theoretical foundations of graphic design, including the principles of composition and visual hierarchy.
The book introduces the fundamental concepts of design, including principles of visual composition and hierarchy. Particularly useful for those new to design.
A visual guide to improving composition and visual storytelling. Useful for both photographers and designers alike.
Delves into the principles of Gestalt psychology, which are foundational to understanding visual perception and composition.
Although primarily focused on perspective in drawing, this book also covers composition and visual hierarchy, making it a good reference for artists.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Composition .
Elements of Design and Composition
Most relevant
Create a Dialog Box in Unity Part 2 - Visual Effects (TMP)
Create a Dialog Box in Unity Part 3 - Versatile and...
Create a Dialog Box with C# in Unity Part 1 - Message...
Pattern Studying and Making | 图案审美与创作
Make Your Pick-Ups Look Cool in Unity (Intro to Animation...
Create a Basic Mini-Map in Unity
Create a First-Person Camera (VM-Compatible!) in Unity
The Rhythm of English
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser