Graphic Design Masterclass: Learn Graphic Design in Projects from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn and apply graphic design principles to produce effective designs in photoshop, illustrator, and indesign.
Learn and apply color theory and practices to produce effective designs in photoshop, illustrator, and indesign.

Learn and apply effective typography to produce effective designs in photoshop, illustrator, and indesign.
Design an online ad, design an infographic with effective color, create a gig poster with type as a design component, create an illustrative postcard.

Learn and apply graphic design principles to produce effective designs in photoshop, illustrator, and indesign.
Learn and apply color theory and practices to produce effective designs in photoshop, illustrator, and indesign.
Learn and apply effective typography to produce effective designs in photoshop, illustrator, and indesign.
Design an online ad, design an infographic with effective color, create a gig poster with type as a design component, create an illustrative postcard.

Syllabus

Welcome to the Exciting World of Graphic Design!

Welcome to Graphic Design Mastery! In this course, you will learn graphic design principles and practices to make amazing graphic designs. You will learn how to use color and typography effectively. You will also learn how to use Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator to put what you learn into practice. I've worked as internet development director at an award-winning advertising design firm, as webmaster and advertising layout specialist at a newspaper, as managing editor at two graphic design magazines, and I'm currently a freelancer and full-time university graphic design professor. So you'll benefit from my experience as well as you create amazing and awesome graphic designs. Let's get started!

Instructions on how to get the software programs used in this course to illustrate the design principles, color theory, and best practices in typography.

I explain how to customize the toolbar in Adobe Illustrator, and how I use Creative Cloud, before you get started practicing with the software.

In this lecture, you'll complete a few graphic design activities to become familiar with Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.

In this lecture, I explain the minor differences (where Preferences is located and keyboard shortcuts) between Mac and PC in the Adobe software. During the course, I include keyboard shortcuts for both Mac and PC. I have used a Mac in the field (at an advertising design firm, a newspaper, and magazines) as well as a PC (library system and university). Regardless, the software looks pretty much the same, as I explain in this lecture. This lecture also has a supplemental resource: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign keyboard shortcut handouts.

Join our Facebook group and community to get feedback from me and others!

In this lecture, you will be introduced to the purposes of graphic design and how it is similar to and differs from visual art.

In this lesson, you will learn about the primary elements of graphic design.

In this lecture, you will learn how to use effective composition, including using a grid, the rule of thirds, and other compositional principles and practices.

In this activity, you will learn how to use effective composition in Adobe Photoshop and InDesign.

In this lecture, you will learn the utility and beauty of alignment and why aligning text, images, illustrations, and other elements helps make a design look more professional and can help improve readability and flow of the design.

You will learn how to design an aligned grid layout using InDesign in this activity. Aligned text columns look more professional and aligning text columns with other elements creates an aesthetically pleasing layout.

You will learn how negative space or white space can add breathing room and emphasis or focus in a graphic design.

You will learn how to place elements on a page for effective negative space, using InDesign and Photoshop.

You will learn how proximity and grouping can help bring clarity and effectiveness to a graphic design.

You will learn to apply proximity and grouping in a design for better communication in a graphic design, using InDesign.

You will learn how hierarchy and dominance in graphic design leads to order and emphasis in layouts or designs.

You will learn to apply hierarchy and dominance to a design in Photoshop and layout in InDesign to create an effective example visual communication.

You will learn how using scale and proportion can create visual relevance and comparison in designs.

You will learn how to effectively apply scale and proportion in Illustrator.

You will learn how rhythm, symmetry, and asymmetry can produce effects graphic designs.

You will apply effective rhythm, symmetry, and asymmetry to produce effective designs in InDesign and Illustrator.

You will learn how repetition of elements and consistency in design can create an aesthetically pleasing look to a design.

You will apply effective repetition and consistency in a design, using InDesign.

You will learn how variation and contrast can help a design become aesthetically pleasing. Adding a reasonable amount of different types of colors, photos, illustrations, and other elements, or varying spacing, placement, font styles, and other attributes, can add interest to a design

You will apply contrast and add variety to design in Photoshop and InDesign.

In this lesson, you will learn about unity and achieving a gestalt in graphic design.

You will be introduced to the awesome power of color in graphic design and its applications.

You will learn color terminology and its applications in graphic design.

This is a quick note about where to find swatch collections like Pantone in the swatches panel in Photoshop.

You will learn how to apply color harmony and create color schemes in designs in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

In this lesson, you will create a color wheel using Adobe Illustrator.

You will learn about the beauty and power of typography in a graphic design context in this section.

You will learn type terminology, including terminology related to adjusting and applying type.

You will learn how relevant and effective fonts can improve a graphic design.

You will practice how to adjust type in Illustrator to create a type-based quote design.

You will learn how Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator can work together to create effective and relevant graphic designs.

You will apply effective proximity and spacing principles to create an effective clipping mask photo text online ad in Photoshop.

Using Illustrator, you will apply effective color and spacing principles to produce an infographic that communicates effectively.

Using Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, you will apply effective design, color, and typographic principles to produce an effective gig poster that uses type as a design component.

You will apply effective design, color, and typography principles to produce an illustrative postcard design using Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Techniques learned include drawing over a photo, adding effective gradients, and applying a clipping mask effect using a pattern and a photo.

You will apply effective design, color, and typography principles to produce an illustrative postcard design using Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, in part 2 of this project. Techniques learned include drawing over a photo, adding effective gradients, and applying a clipping mask effect using a pattern and a photo.

Thanks for enrolling and completing Graphic Design Hero Course!

This is a free package of InDesign templates, custom Illustrator brushes, and custom Photoshop brushes created by the instructor for use your in personal or commercial projects.

Learn even more in my other Udemy courses and follow me on various social media channels.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops concepts and techniques that are relevant to your interests in improving your graphic design skills

Taught by Chad Neuman, Ph.D., an instructor recognized for their work in graphic design

Teaches foundational graphic design principles and practices, which can be helpful for students of all levels

Examines the elements of typography, which are core to many design projects

Focuses on desktop software, such as Photoshop and Illustrator, that are considered industry standard in graphic design

Assumes little prior experience or knowledge of graphic design, so it can be a good option for beginners

Reviews summary

Foundational graphic design with practical projects

According to students, this course offers a highly practical and structured approach to mastering graphic design. Learners praise its comprehensive coverage of core design principles, color theory, and typography, making it suitable for both beginners and those seeking to enhance their skills. The emphasis on project-based learning using industry-standard software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is consistently highlighted as a major strength, allowing for immediate application of concepts. While largely seen as a foundational masterclass, some more experienced designers might find certain sections introductory, but overall it provides a solid skillset for creating effective designs.

Excellent for new learners; less depth for advanced designers.

"I found this course incredibly accessible and empowering as someone new to graphic design."

"This course is highly recommended for anyone starting out or looking to improve their foundational skills."

"As an intermediate designer, I found some sections a bit basic, wishing for more advanced techniques."

Instructor's professional and academic background enriches lessons.

"The instructor's explanations are clear, and his real-world experience really shines through the lessons."

"I felt confident in the guidance given by someone with extensive industry and university experience."

"His background added significant credibility and practical insights to the course content."

Effective use of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

"Using Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign was incredibly effective for applying what I learned."

"The coverage of Adobe software was helpful, showing how they work together seamlessly in projects."

"I particularly liked how the course integrates the use of these tools across various design projects."

Thorough instruction in core design concepts.

"This course breaks down complex concepts like color schemes and typography into understandable, actionable steps."

"I gained a solid foundation in graphic design fundamentals from this course."

"The explanations of design principles are thorough yet digestible, which was perfect for me."

Hands-on experience to apply principles immediately.

"The project-based approach to learning graphic design principles, color theory, and typography... was incredibly effective."

"I appreciated how the course immediately applied principles through practical projects."

"Learning by doing, like creating the infographic and gig poster, made all the difference in cementing concepts."

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 Design Masterclass: Learn Graphic Design in Projects with these activities:

Identify color schemes

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Strengthen foundational understanding of color theory and color schemes.

Browse courses on Color Theory

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Review notes on color theory and color harmonies.
Practice identifying different color schemes in real-life examples.
Use online tools to generate and explore color combinations.

Review design portfolio

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Reinforce design principles and best practices by revisiting previous assignments.

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Gather design portfolios from previous courses or projects.
Analyze the designs, identifying areas of strength and areas for improvement.
Reflect on the design process and the lessons learned.

Read “Thinking with Type” by Ellen Lupton

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Gain insights into typography and develop an appreciation for its role in visual communication.

View Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for... on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts.
Discuss the book with classmates or a mentor.
Apply the principles learned in your own graphic design work.

Five other activities

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Design a social media banner for a campaign

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Gain practical experience in creating visually engaging and effective social media banners.

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Determine the campaign goals and target audience.
Choose a relevant image or graphic.
Create a visually appealing design using appropriate colors, fonts, and composition.
Optimize the banner for different social media platforms.
Get feedback and make revisions.

Design a business card for a coffee shop

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Practice designing a business card that effectively communicates a brand's identity and key information.

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Research the coffee shop and its target audience.
Sketch out different design concepts.
Create a digital prototype using graphic design software.
Get feedback and make revisions.
Finalize the design for printing.

Design a typographic poster

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Develop proficiency in applying typographic principles and visual hierarchy to create effective poster designs.

Browse courses on Typography

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Determine the theme and purpose of the poster.
Select appropriate fonts, colors, and image.
Create a layout emphasizing visual hierarchy and typography.
Get feedback from peers or professional designers.
Make revisions and finalize the poster design.

Design a flyer for a local event

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Develop skills in creating visually appealing and informative flyers for promoting local events.

Browse courses on Flyer Design

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Determine the purpose, target audience, and key message of the flyer.
Gather relevant information and images.
Choose an appropriate design template or create a custom design.
Incorporate design elements such as eye-catching headlines, clear calls-to-action, and visually appealing graphics.
Review and finalize the flyer design.

Attend local design meetups

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Expand professional network and stay updated on design trends.

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Research local design groups and meetups.
Attend meetups regularly.
Connect with other designers, share ideas, and learn from their experiences.

Career center

Learners who complete Graphic Design Masterclass: Learn Graphic Design in Projects will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Graphic Designer

Graphic Designers use their artistic talents and technical skills to create compelling visual designs on all different kinds of media. This course will help enhance the artistic talents of aspiring Graphic Designers, while also providing them with the necessary technical know-how to succeed in this role. With this course, new Graphic Designers will become well-equipped to jump into this field and quickly begin producing top-quality work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic Designer

UX Designer

UX Designers focus on providing a seamless user experience across all digital touchpoints. Many UX Designers come from a background in fields such as Graphic Design, as a strong foundation in design principles is key to success in this role. The course will teach learners the fundamentals of visual composition, color theory, and typography -- all extremely valuable skills for UX Designers. By developing these skills, UX Designers can create digital products with strong aesthetic appeal that are simultaneously user-friendly and intuitive.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Product Designer

Product Designers create functional and aesthetically pleasing products, taking into consideration the entire product lifecycle. This course will teach learners how to use industry-standard software to create practical and visually appealing designs. This will help equip them with the technical skills necessary to succeed as Product Designers, and may provide them with an edge over other candidates who have not developed similar expertise.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote their organization's products or services. This course will teach learners the principles of design, color theory, and typography, which can be applied to the design of marketing materials such as brochures, posters, and website banners. As such, this course may be useful for aspiring Marketing Managers who wish to add design skills to their resume and become even more valuable to prospective employers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Art Director

Art Directors provide creative direction for a wide range of visual projects, including advertisements, magazines, and websites. This course will provide learners with the design principles and practices necessary to create stunning visual designs that capture the attention of viewers and communicate a clear message. As such, it may be useful for anyone aspiring to enter this highly competitive career field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Web Designer

Web Designers create and maintain websites, ensuring that they are both visually appealing and functional. This course will provide learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to design websites that provide a positive user experience. While this course focuses on design principles and not web development, it may still be useful for Web Designers who wish to strengthen their design skills and develop a more well-rounded skill set.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Creative Director

Creative Directors oversee the creative vision of a project, ensuring that all creative elements are consistent with the brand's identity. This course will help learners develop the design principles and practices necessary to create compelling visual content that is in line with a brand's unique identity. As such, it may be useful for Creative Directors who are looking to enhance their skills and advance their careers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Director

Package Designer

Package Designers create the packaging for products, ensuring they are both visually appealing and functional. This course will provide learners with the design principles and practices necessary to create packaging that is both eye-catching and informative. While it may not cover packaging design specifically, this course will teach learners the fundamentals of typography, color theory, and composition, which are all essential skills for Package Designers to master.

See salaries and explore the career path for Package Designer

Illustrator

Illustrators create visual content for a wide range of purposes, including books, magazines, websites, and advertising campaigns. This course will help learners develop the design principles and practices necessary to create compelling visual content that is both visually appealing and informative. As such, it may be useful for Illustrators who are looking to enhance their skills and advance their careers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator

Photographer

Photographers use their artistic talents and technical skills to capture images that tell a story or convey a message. This course will help learners develop an eye for composition and color theory, which are both essential skills for Photographers to master. It may provide them with the foundation necessary to build a successful career in photography.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photographer

Art teacher

Art Teachers educate students about the principles of art and design, and help them develop their artistic talents. This course will provide learners with a deep understanding of the design principles and practices that are essential for any artist to master. As such, it may be useful for Art Teachers who are looking to enhance their skills and become more effective educators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art teacher

Copywriter

Copywriters use their writing skills to create compelling content for a variety of purposes, including advertising, marketing, and public relations. This course will help learners develop the design principles and practices necessary to create visually appealing content that is both engaging and informative. As such, it may be useful for Copywriters who are looking to enhance their skills and become more versatile in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Copywriter

Social Media Manager

Social Media Managers develop and execute social media campaigns to promote their organization's products or services. This course will teach learners the principles of design, color theory, and typography, which can be applied to the design of social media content such as posts, images, and videos. As such, this course may be useful for aspiring Social Media Managers who wish to add design skills to their resume and become even more valuable to prospective employers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

Interior designer

Interior Designers create functional and aesthetically pleasing indoor spaces. This course can help aspiring Interior Designers develop a foundation in the principles of design, color theory, and typography. While it will not cover topics that are interior design-specific, this course may be useful for Interior Designers who wish to expand their knowledge of graphic design principles and become more well-rounded professionals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

Architect

Architects design buildings and other structures. This course can help aspiring Architects develop a foundation in the principles of design, color theory, and typography, which are all important considerations in the design of any building or structure. While it will not cover topics that are architecture-specific, this course may be useful for Architects who wish to expand their knowledge of graphic design principles and become more well-rounded professionals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect