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Video School, Mario Macari, and Phil Ebiner

The perfect course to learn Graphic Design Theory & implement what you learn to create stunning graphics:

Are you struggling to create visually stunning designs without a solid understanding of design principles?

Do you often feel overwhelmed by the technical aspects of graphic design software and lack that confidence in your creations?

Has this led to you missing out on opportunities to effectively communicate your message and captivate your audience due to design flaws?

If you're nodding along, you're not alone. And you're in the right place.

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The perfect course to learn Graphic Design Theory & implement what you learn to create stunning graphics:

Are you struggling to create visually stunning designs without a solid understanding of design principles?

Do you often feel overwhelmed by the technical aspects of graphic design software and lack that confidence in your creations?

Has this led to you missing out on opportunities to effectively communicate your message and captivate your audience due to design flaws?

If you're nodding along, you're not alone. And you're in the right place.

Without mastering design theory, your designs might not catch people's eyes or tell your story effectively. This could make it tough for you to get your message across and achieve what you want.

All This Ends With This Course.

Introducing Comprehensive Graphic Design Theory for Beginners: Design Foundations and Beyond.

Imagine breaking free from the frustration of staring at a blank canvas, unsure of where to start or how to turn your ideas into visually compelling designs.

Having the expertise to create visually stunning designs that captivate audiences, convey powerful messages, and leave a lasting impression is now in your reach.

With this Graphic Design Theory course, you can:

  • Unleash your creativity and bring your ideas to life with precision and finesse.

  • Develop a keen eye for design elements, such as color, typography, and layout, to craft visually compelling compositions.

  • Master industry-standard software tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, turning your visions into professional-grade artwork.

  • Elevate your portfolio with diverse projects that showcase your newfound skills and creativity.

  • Launch a career in graphic design or enhance your existing skill set to excel in a competitive market.

It all starts with mastering the fundamentals of graphic design and building a solid understanding of design theory. And guess what? We're here to guide you every step of the way.

This comprehensive course is your gateway to unlocking the secrets of effective design, from the principles that underpin all great visuals to the advanced techniques used by seasoned professionals.

Graphic Design Skills you will learn:

  • Understand Design Principles: Dive deep into the core principles of design, including balance, contrast, harmony, and hierarchy, to create visually pleasing compositions that engage and resonate with your audience.

  • Explore Typography: Learn the art of typography, from choosing the right fonts to mastering typographic hierarchy and creating visually appealing text layouts that enhance readability and convey your message effectively.

  • Harness the Power of Color Theory: Explore the psychology of color, understand color harmonies and contrasts, and leverage color effectively to evoke emotions, communicate messages, and create cohesive design schemes.

  • Master Layout and Composition: Develop your skills in layout design, grid systems, and composition techniques to create visually dynamic and well-structured designs across various mediums, from print to digital.

  • Navigate Free & Popular Software Tools: Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, mastering essential tools and techniques to bring your creative vision to life.

  • Explore Advanced Graphic Design Concepts: Expand your design knowledge with advanced topics such as branding, logo design, packaging design, and responsive design, taking your skills to the next level and setting yourself apart in the industry.

With this course as your guide, you'll not only learn the theory behind great design but also develop the practical skills and confidence to create stunning visuals that captivate, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.

Why Invest In Comprehensive Graphic Design Theory for Beginners?

  • No more lackluster designs that fade into the background– Stand out effortlessly. Say goodbye to dull, forgettable designs.

  • Say Goodbye to the lack of confidence– Understand the secrets behind captivating design to boost your confidence as a graphic designer.

  • No more wasted time and effort with trial and error– Work smarter, not harder: Master the essentials and skip the guesswork.

  • Break past your limitations– Learn your true creative potential and elevate your design skills to new heights.

Meet Your Master Teacher.

Prepare to be inspired by Mario Macari, a design wizard with over a decade of experience. He's not just any artist – he's won awards for his breathtaking artwork and specializes in crafting stunning designs using tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and more.

Mario's worked on captivating projects for top companies like Disney, Apple Computers, Microsoft, and DC Comics. And now, he's here to share his wisdom as a teacher at MIAD.

With a degree in Illustration and certifications from industry leaders, Mario's got the magic touch when it comes to graphic design. Get ready to unlock your creativity and learn from the best in the business.

Try It 100% – Risk Free.

With our 100% Risk-Free Guarantee, you've got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Try it out, immerse yourself in the experience, and if it doesn't meet your expectations, we've got your back with a full refund.

Your satisfaction is our top priority, so go ahead, take the leap – your creative journey awaits.

Don't risk being left behind in the competitive design landscape.

Enroll now and learn your true design potential.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn graphic design principles
  • Make your designs look beautiful and stand out
  • Dive into typography and choosing the perfect fonts
  • Unleash your creativity
  • Harness the power of color theory
  • Master layout and composition
  • Navigate free & popular software tools like photoshop and canva
  • Explore advanced graphic design concepts

Syllabus

Introduction to the Graphic Design Theory Course
Welcome to the Graphic Design Theory Course
The Importance of Graphic Design Theory
Why You Can Succeed in Graphic Design
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Builds a foundation of graphic design principles for beginners
Taught by instructors recognized for their design expertise
Covers a comprehensive range of foundational design topics
Emphasizes practical application with guided projects
Offers a 100% risk-free guarantee for satisfaction
Uses industry-standard software, some of which is offered for free

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

Foundational graphic design theory for beginners

According to learners, this course offers a highly comprehensive and well-structured foundation in graphic design theory, making complex concepts like color theory, typography, and visual hierarchy easy to grasp. Many commend the instructor's clear explanations and passion, which help build a strong theoretical understanding and boost confidence. While excellent for mastering design principles, some students note a lesser emphasis on practical software application, suggesting it's ideal for those seeking conceptual depth rather than extensive hands-on tool mastery.
Thorough explanations may feel slow for experienced learners.
"Some parts felt a bit slow, especially if you have a slight background, but overall it's solid."
"The pacing sometimes feels slow for me, but it ensures all learners can follow."
Mario Macari's clear, passionate teaching style stands out.
"Mario explains complex concepts like color theory and typography in a way that's easy to grasp."
"Absolutely fantastic! Mario is a brilliant instructor. His passion for design shines through, and he breaks down everything into digestible chunks."
"The instructor's examples are very clear."
"Instructor is knowledgeable."
Provides a deep understanding of core design principles.
"This course is incredibly thorough and well-structured for beginners. Mario explains complex concepts like color theory and typography in a way that's easy to grasp."
"Highly recommend for anyone starting out in graphic design. This course provides a strong theoretical backbone. I finally understand *why* certain designs work."
"A true gem for understanding the fundamental principles. I feel equipped with the knowledge to critique and create designs intelligently."
"I especially liked the sections on Gestalt principles and visual hierarchy. Very helpful for building a solid foundation."
Primarily conceptual; less hands-on software application.
"The theory is good, but I was hoping for more practical application with actual software beyond just brief demos."
"Too much theory, not enough practical. The course description said 'Navigate Free & Popular Software Tools' but it's mostly conceptual."
"I wish there were more hands-on projects rather than just theoretical explanations, but I guess it is 'Graphic Design Theory'. Still, more practical exercises would make it even better."
"I needed something more hands-on for actual design work. Disappointed."

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 Theory: A Complete Graphic Design Course with these activities:
Read The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman
Reading this book will help you understand the principles of design and how they can be applied to everyday objects.
Show steps
  • Read the book.
  • Take notes on the key concepts.
  • Apply the concepts to your own design work.
Practice applying design principles to mockups
Doing these practice drills will help you improve your ability to select appropriate fonts and colors and arrange elements to create a balanced design.
Show steps
  • Find a design template or mockup that you like.
  • Select a font that is appropriate for the design.
  • Choose colors that complement each other and create a visually appealing design.
  • Arrange the elements on the design in a balanced and visually pleasing way.
  • Test out different variations of the design to see what looks best.
Create a social media post using design principles
Creating this post will help you apply your understanding of color theory, typography, and layout to create a visually appealing social media post.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic for your social media post.
  • Create a design for your post using the principles of design.
  • Write engaging copy for your post.
  • Post your social media post and track its performance.
  • Analyze the results of your post and make adjustments as needed.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Design a logo for a company or organization
Designing a logo will help you apply your understanding of design principles to create a unique and memorable brand identity.
Show steps
  • Research the company or organization and its brand identity.
  • Brainstorm ideas for the logo.
  • Sketch out different designs for the logo.
  • Create a digital version of the logo.
  • Present your logo to the company or organization.
Attend a design workshop
Attending a workshop will help you learn new design skills and techniques.
Show steps
  • Find a design workshop that you are interested in.
  • Register for the workshop.
  • Attend the workshop.
  • Practice the skills and techniques that you learned.
Create a portfolio of your design work
Creating a portfolio will help you showcase your design skills and attract potential clients.
Show steps
  • Gather your best design work.
  • Create a website or online portfolio.
  • Upload your design work to your portfolio.
  • Promote your portfolio to potential clients.

Career center

Learners who complete Graphic Design Theory: A Complete Graphic Design Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 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 Design Theory: A Complete Graphic Design Course.
Considered a foundational text in typography, this book delves into the history, theory, and practice of the craft. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles that govern effective typography, making it essential for anyone seeking a deep and broad knowledge of the subject. It is widely regarded as a classic and a must-read for students and professionals alike.
Foundational text in color theory, focusing on how colors change based on their relationships and context. It's filled with exercises that are invaluable for hands-on learning and solidifying understanding of color interactions. Commonly used as a textbook in art and design programs, it's essential for anyone serious about understanding the subjective experience of color.
This is the official training workbook from Adobe, offering project-based lessons that cover the core features of InDesign. It's excellent for gaining a broad understanding and building foundational skills. It is commonly used as a textbook and valuable reference tool for beginners and experienced users.
Is an official training workbook from Adobe, making it an excellent resource for beginners and experienced users alike. It offers project-based lessons covering the basics and advanced techniques, making it suitable for gaining a broad understanding and deepening knowledge. It is commonly used as a textbook.
Offers a project-based approach to learning InDesign, suitable for beginners to professionals. It covers a wide range of topics, including both print and digital publishing, and can help deepen understanding through practical application. It valuable resource for skill development.
Specifically tailored for book design, this book provides a comprehensive workflow for creating books in InDesign. It's highly relevant for those interested in publishing and offers detailed guidance on a specific application of InDesign. It helps solidify understanding for a particular use case.
Aims to take users from beginner to expert, covering both fundamental and advanced techniques. It comprehensive guide that can help solidify understanding and explore advanced workflows. It serves as a useful reference for a wide range of users.
A classic in marketing and branding that focuses on the concept of positioning your brand in the consumer's mind. is fundamental for understanding how to differentiate a brand in a crowded market and is highly recommended for a solid understanding of a core branding strategy.
Is specifically aimed at beginners using the latest 2025 release of Illustrator. It focuses on mastering the basics of digital design, vector art, and professional workflows, making it excellent for gaining a broad understanding with current software features.
While aimed at painters, this book offers incredibly practical insights into observing and rendering color and light in the real world. It bridges the gap between theoretical color principles and their application in creating convincing visuals. This is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to understand how light affects color in practice, valuable for both artists and digital content creators.
Based on empirical research, this book challenges many traditional marketing and branding beliefs. It offers a data-driven approach to understanding how brands grow and is highly relevant for those seeking a contemporary, evidence-based perspective.
Offers a comprehensive course covering vector graphics creation from basics to more advanced techniques. It's suitable for gaining a broad understanding and deepening knowledge. The compendium section makes it a useful reference tool.
Offers a concise and memorable set of principles for successful branding. It's an excellent resource for gaining a broad understanding of key branding concepts in an accessible format. While not a recent publication, its principles remain highly relevant.
Focusing specifically on the challenges and opportunities of typography for digital interfaces, this book provides a critical guide to designing with type for screens. It is highly relevant for anyone working in web design, UI/UX design, or digital publishing.
Covers traditional color theory while also examining contemporary applications, including digital color and 3D design. It discusses the psychological impact of color and best practices for artists and designers today. The third edition is updated to include more multicultural examples.
Offers a practical framework for clarifying your brand's message using the power of storytelling. It's particularly useful for those focusing on marketing and communication aspects of branding and helps solidify understanding of customer-centric messaging.
Challenges conventional thinking about competition and differentiation, urging brands to be truly different. It's a thought-provoking read for deepening understanding of strategic branding and escaping marketplace clutter.
This guide offers a straightforward and accessible introduction to color theory, moving from fundamental concepts to practical application. It's a great starting point for beginners across various disciplines, providing a solid base before diving into more complex texts. Its focus on practical application makes it a useful reference tool.
Gage's work comprehensive exploration of color from various perspectives, including historical, scientific, and cultural. It delves into the complex relationship between color, human perception, and symbolic meaning. is excellent for gaining a deep and interdisciplinary understanding of color.
Provides a clear and concise framework for understanding the relationship between business strategy and brand design. It's valuable for gaining a broad understanding of how these elements must align for effective branding. Marty Neumeier respected authority in the field.
Focused specifically on typography for the web, this book addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of using type in digital environments. It covers topics such as responsive design, web fonts, and performance, making it highly relevant for contemporary design practice.
Serves as both a structured course and a comprehensive reference for InDesign CC. It covers a wide range of features and is suitable for gaining a broad understanding and as a reference tool. It can be used for self-paced learning and as a desktop resource.
A manifesto for modern typography, this book articulates the principles of asymmetrical layout, standardized paper sizes, and the use of sans-serif typefaces. It's a foundational text for understanding the development of 20th-century typography and its emphasis on clarity and functionality.
A widely used textbook for introductory typography courses, this book covers the fundamentals of type with clear explanations and visual examples. It's a solid resource for gaining a broad understanding of typographic principles.
Provides a comprehensive overview of digital branding, covering strategy, tactics, and tools. It's essential for understanding contemporary branding in the digital age and offers practical guidance for implementing digital branding initiatives.
Dives into the powerful GREP feature in InDesign, which is essential for automating text manipulation. It's a more advanced topic suitable for users looking to deepen their understanding and improve their workflow efficiency. It valuable resource for professionals dealing with large amounts of text.
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Focusing on differentiation, this book argues for the importance of creating a one-of-a-kind brand. It's a valuable read for deepening understanding of competitive brand strategy and how to stand out in a crowded market.
This guide aims to take users from beginner to professional, covering a range of possibilities within Illustrator 2024. It's suitable for both gaining a broad understanding and deepening skills, offering a wider scope than a basic user manual.
Focuses on best practices and design principles within InDesign, helping users to not just use the software but to create effective and aesthetically pleasing designs. It's valuable for deepening understanding of design concepts as applied in InDesign. It good resource for those looking to improve their design workflow.
Exploring the subconscious factors influencing consumer purchasing decisions, this book delves into neuromarketing and its implications for branding. It offers contemporary insights into consumer behavior and adds depth to understanding brand impact.
Is designed for users with basic to intermediate Illustrator experience who want to enhance their skills and build a design portfolio. It covers industry trends and methods, making it relevant for deepening understanding and exploring practical applications.
Addresses the shift in power from companies to customers in the digital age and its implications for branding. It offers contemporary insights into building brands in a customer-driven world.
Focusing on the emotional aspects of branding, this book delves into how brands can connect with consumers on a deeper level. It's relevant for contemporary branding discussions and helps solidify understanding of the psychological impact of brands.
Part of the 'Digital Classroom' series, this book offers step-by-step instructions and often includes video tutorials and lesson files. It provides a structured, project-based approach to learning Illustrator CC, suitable for gaining a broad understanding and solidifying skills through practice. It is frequently used in educational settings.
Is structured around common tasks in InDesign, offering quick solutions and tips. It's a practical reference tool for users who need to quickly figure out how to perform specific actions. It's useful for both gaining a broad understanding of capabilities and as a quick reference for specific tasks.
A comprehensive survey of type design from the advent of printing to the present day, this book showcases the evolution of typefaces and their cultural context. It's an excellent resource for understanding the historical landscape of typography.
Provides a structured approach to understanding and designing typefaces. It delves into the principles of form, structure, and aesthetics, making it valuable for those interested in the craft of type design.
Outlines seven key principles consistently practiced by successful brands. It's a practical guide for understanding how to build and maintain a strong brand, offering actionable insights for both students and professionals.
Covers the use of Photoshop for 3D artists, including techniques for creating textures, rendering images, and compositing 3D elements. It is an excellent resource for 3D artists who want to learn how to use Photoshop effectively.
A provocative look at how companies use psychological tactics to influence consumer behavior. While not solely about building brands, it offers critical insights into the consumer side of branding and the ethical considerations in contemporary branding practices.
Offers a detailed examination of 100 classic and contemporary typefaces, highlighting their unique characteristics and anatomical features. It's valuable for developing an eye for type and understanding the nuances that differentiate various fonts. This book is more of a reference tool for exploring typeface design.
This book, available in Spanish, helps users discover the design and text features of Adobe InDesign. It valuable resource for Spanish-speaking users to gain a broad understanding of the software's core functionalities in their native language.
Explores various systems and frameworks for organizing type, such as modular grids, golden section, and Fibonacci sequences. It provides a structured approach to creating visually harmonious and functional layouts.
Offers a lively and engaging exploration of the world of fonts, filled with anecdotes, history, and cultural observations. It's a less technical read than some other recommendations but provides fascinating context and highlights the impact of typography on our daily lives. It's excellent for gaining a broader appreciation of type.
This dictionary provides a practical guide to using color in design, outlining the meanings and applications of individual colors and color palettes. It's a helpful reference for designers needing quick insights into color choices and their potential impact.
This user guide is aimed at beginners and provides a manual for using Illustrator 2024. It's helpful for gaining a broad understanding of the tools and interface for new users.

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