Sorry, this page is no longer available

We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Graphic Elements of Design

Color Theory and Image Formats

Lori Poole

Examining and exploring the various types of images and graphic elements will be the focus of this course. We will start with color theory to distinguish between CMYK, Pantone and RGB color options and their usages. Then we will review the various types of images used in both print and digital design projects. Finally we will look at logo designs to determine what makes for the best images and graphic elements for corporate branding and imaging.

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Two deals to help you save

Save money when you learn. Here are two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.

All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until July 14

Coursera Plus Annual

Work toward what's next for your career with access to 10,000+ programs. Discover emerging skills and save.

Valid until August 30

Google AI App Builder

Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind

What's inside

Syllabus

Understanding Color Theory

This module will cover color theories, including CMYK, RGB, Pantone and hex colors.

Classifications of Images and Graphics

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers basic color theory concepts, which is standard in the design field

Introduces key distinctions between different images used in design, which is essential for designers

Provides a practical exercise in image color conversion, a frequently used design skill

Guides learners in finding and selecting images, a necessary skill for designers

Taught by Lori Poole, an experienced designer, which ensures high-quality instruction

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Foundation in color theory and image formats

According to learners, this course provides a solid introduction to fundamental graphic design concepts. Students find the explanations on color theory, including CMYK, RGB, and Pantone, to be particularly clear and well-explained. The distinction between raster and vector images is also highlighted as a key takeaway. Reviewers mention the instructor's clarity and the practical nature of the content. While generally positive, some users note that the course serves primarily as an overview and might require additional resources or prior knowledge for deeper understanding or hands-on practice, especially concerning the design project.

Useful for real-world design tasks.

"The concepts covered are directly applicable to real-world design projects and understanding client needs."

"Understanding CMYK vs RGB is crucial for print vs digital, and this course made that clear and useful."

"I can immediately apply what I learned about color modes and image types to my work."

Covers essential topics concisely.

"It provides a very good overview of graphic elements, covering the main points effectively."

"The course gives a concise introduction to important topics like color systems and image formats."

"This course serves as an excellent high-level introduction to the graphic elements of design."

Provides a strong base for beginners.

"This course offers a great foundation in graphic design elements, perfect for someone just starting out."

"It gave me the basic understanding of color and image files needed to move forward with design work."

"As a beginner, this course helped me build essential foundational knowledge about color theory and image types."

Key concepts are explained very clearly.

"The instructor explained the color theories (RGB, CMYK, Pantone, Hex) in a very clear and understandable manner."

"I found the explanations of color theory and image formats like raster vs vector very clear and easy to grasp."

"The course content, particularly the distinction between different color models and image types, was explained with great clarity."

Some topics could be covered more deeply.

"While the overview is good, I felt some areas, like the practical application of image formats, could use more depth."

"I wish there was more detail provided on specific software usage or more complex scenarios."

"The course is a bit introductory; I needed to supplement it with other resources for more advanced topics."

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 Graphic Elements of Design: Color Theory and Image Formats with these activities:

Review Image Design Basics

Show steps

Refresh your knowledge of image design fundamentals to enhance your understanding of the course material.

Browse courses on Image Design

Show steps

Review the principles of color theory, including CMYK, RGB, and Pantone.
Familiarize yourself with different image formats, such as raster and vector.

Complete Image Analysis Exercises

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of image concepts through practical exercises.

Browse courses on Image Analysis

Show steps

Find online resources or textbooks with image analysis exercises.
Complete the exercises regularly to improve your analytical skills.

Explore Online Tutorials on Image Optimization

Show steps

Enhance your understanding of image optimization techniques by seeking out online tutorials.

Browse courses on Image Optimization

Show steps

Search for online tutorials on image optimization for print and digital media.
Follow the tutorials and practice the techniques provided.

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Attend a Workshop on Logo Design

Show steps

Enhance your understanding of logo design principles and techniques through a hands-on workshop.

Browse courses on Logo Design

Show steps

Identify and register for a logo design workshop that fits your schedule.
Participate actively in the workshop and apply the concepts learned.

Read 'The Elements of Typographic Style' by Robert Bringhurst

Show steps

Gain insights into the role of typography in visual communication and its interplay with images.

Show steps

Read the book thoroughly, paying attention to the principles of typography.
Analyze the examples and case studies presented in the book.

Participate in a Design Competition

Show steps

Challenge yourself and showcase your skills by participating in a design competition.

Browse courses on Participation

Show steps

Research and find design competitions that align with your interests.
Submit your best work and receive feedback from industry professionals.

Career center

Learners who complete Graphic Elements of Design: Color Theory and Image Formats will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Graphic Designer

Graphic Designers create visual content for a variety of purposes, including websites, brochures, logos, and social media posts. They work with clients to understand their needs and develop creative solutions that meet their goals. This course may be useful to Graphic Designers as it provides a foundation in color theory and image formats, which are essential for creating visually appealing and effective designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic Designer

Photographer

Photographers take pictures of people, places, and things. They work with clients to understand their needs and develop images that meet their goals. This course may be useful to Photographers as it provides a foundation in color theory and image formats, which are essential for creating visually appealing and effective photographs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photographer

Videographer

Videographers create and edit videos. They work with clients to understand their needs and develop videos that meet their goals. This course may be useful to Videographers as it provides a foundation in color theory and image formats, which are essential for creating visually appealing and effective videos.

See salaries and explore the career path for Videographer

Motion Graphics Designer

Motion Graphics Designers create and edit motion graphics. They work with clients to understand their needs and develop motion graphics that meet their goals. This course may be useful to Motion Graphics Designers as it provides a foundation in color theory and image formats, which are essential for creating visually appealing and effective motion graphics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Designer

3D Animator

3D Animators create and animate 3D models. They work with clients to understand their needs and develop 3D animations that meet their goals. This course may be useful to 3D Animators as it provides a foundation in color theory and image formats, which are essential for creating visually appealing and effective 3D animations.

See salaries and explore the career path for 3D Animator

Art Director

Art Directors oversee the visual aspects of advertising and marketing campaigns. They work with copywriters, graphic designers, and other creative professionals to develop the overall look and feel of campaigns, including the selection of colors, images, and fonts. This course may be useful to Art Directors as it provides a foundation in color theory and image formats, which are essential for creating visually appealing and effective marketing materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Web Designer

Web Designers create and maintain websites. They work with clients to understand their needs and develop websites that are both visually appealing and functional. This course may be useful to Web Designers as it provides a foundation in color theory and image formats, which are essential for creating visually appealing and effective websites.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Visual Effects Artist

Visual Effects Artists create and edit visual effects for film and television. They work with directors and other stakeholders to create visually appealing and realistic effects. This course may be useful to Visual Effects Artists as it provides a foundation in color theory and image formats, which are essential for creating visually appealing and effective visual effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Effects Artist

User Experience Designer (UX Designer)

UX Designers focus on the user experience of websites and applications. They work to ensure that websites and applications are easy to use and navigate. This course may be useful to UX Designers as it provides a foundation in color theory and image formats, which are essential for creating visually appealing and effective user interfaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer (UX Designer)

Fashion Designer

Fashion Designers create and develop new clothing and accessories. They work with clients to understand their needs and develop designs that meet their goals. This course may be useful to Fashion Designers as it provides a foundation in color theory and image formats, which are essential for creating visually appealing and effective designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Designer

Product Designer

Product Designers create and develop new products. They work with engineers and other stakeholders to bring new products to market. This course may be useful to Product Designers as it provides a foundation in color theory and image formats, which are essential for creating visually appealing and effective products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Industrial Designer

Industrial Designers create and develop new products. They work with engineers and other stakeholders to bring new products to market. This course may be useful to Industrial Designers as it provides a foundation in color theory and image formats, which are essential for creating visually appealing and effective products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer

Creative Director

Creative Directors work with art directors, copywriters, and graphic designers to develop the overall vision for advertising and marketing campaigns. They may also lead teams of designers in creating visual content for websites, brochures, and other marketing materials. This course may be useful to Creative Directors as it provides a foundation in color theory and image formats, which are essential for creating visually appealing and effective marketing materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Director

Interior designer

Interior Designers create and develop interior spaces. They work with clients to understand their needs and develop designs that meet their goals. This course may be useful to Interior Designers as it provides a foundation in color theory and image formats, which are essential for creating visually appealing and effective interior spaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

Landscape Architect

Landscape Architects create and develop outdoor spaces. They work with clients to understand their needs and develop designs that meet their goals. This course may be useful to Landscape Architects as it provides a foundation in color theory and image formats, which are essential for creating visually appealing and effective outdoor spaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Reading list

We've selected eight 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 Graphic Elements of Design: Color Theory and Image Formats.

Graphic Design: The New Basics

Save

Adds depth to the course as it focuses on the basic principles of graphic design. It is commonly used as a textbook in academic institutions.

Graphic Elements of Design

Color Theory and Image Formats

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Foundation in color theory and image formats

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses