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Elements of Design

Joshua Wilder Oakley

Unlock your creative potential with our Intro to Digital Arts Course! Learn the basics of vector graphics, color theory, typography, and more. Enroll today!

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What's inside

Syllabus

Digital art and graphic design shape our visual environment. Vector graphics allow scalability, while the elements and principles of design guide creation using software such as Canva.

We will explore 2D shapes, their types, and digital representations using stroke and fill. We will gain insight into format, layout, and design tools and create a Mondrian-inspired composition.

We will explore color in two forms: subtractive in nature and additive in the digital realm. We will learn about RGB, Hex codes, and the color wheel and create custom color themes with Adobe color.

We will explore the history of the printing press & typography and the influence that is still felt today. We'll cover type classifications, anatomy, & how to choose type in design and digital arts.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines digital art and graphic design, which is standard in many creative industry roles

Covers shape, format, layout, and color theory, serving as a strong foundation for any creative

Builds a solid understanding of typography, which is essential for written and design communication

Taught by Joshua Wilder Oakley, who is recognized for their expertise in digital arts

Offered through Udacity, a reputable platform for online learning

Requires expensive design software (Canva, Adobe products) which may not be accessible to all learners

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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Elements of Design . These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Elements of Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Art Director

Art Directors use design elements alongside visual arts to create visually appealing designs that communicate a message. Elements of Design would serve as a solid foundation for understanding the fundamental principles of design, including color, typography, and layout. Gaining proficiency in these areas is crucial for creating effective and visually impactful designs that meet the needs of clients.

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Graphic designer

Graphic Designers play a vital role in creating visual concepts that communicate ideas and messages to the public. Elements of Design would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it covers fundamental design principles, such as color theory and typography, which are essential for creating visually appealing and effective designs.

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Web Designer

Web Designers are responsible for creating visually appealing and functional websites that meet the needs of users. Elements of Design would provide valuable insights into the principles of design, such as color theory and typography, which are crucial for creating user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing websites. Understanding these principles can help Web Designers create websites that effectively engage users and achieve desired outcomes.

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User Experience (UX) Designer

UX Designers focus on improving the overall user experience of products and services. Elements of Design can be beneficial for UX Designers, as it provides a foundation in design principles and elements, such as color, typography, and layout. Understanding these elements helps UX Designers create user interfaces that are visually appealing, intuitive, and meet the needs of users.

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

Product Designer

Product Designers are responsible for designing and developing digital products, such as apps and websites. Elements of Design would provide a solid foundation for this role, as it covers the fundamentals of design, including color theory and typography. By understanding these principles, Product Designers can create products that are visually appealing, user-friendly, and meet the needs of users.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers plan and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. Elements of Design may be helpful for Marketing Managers, as it offers insights into design principles, including color theory and typography, which can be valuable for creating visually appealing marketing materials. Understanding these principles can help Marketing Managers develop effective campaigns that resonate with target audiences.

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Social Media Manager

Social Media Managers are responsible for managing social media accounts and creating content to engage followers. Elements of Design can be beneficial for Social Media Managers, as it covers the fundamentals of design, including color theory and typography. Understanding these principles can help Social Media Managers create visually appealing and engaging content that resonates with followers and effectively communicates brand messages.

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Content Creator

Content Creators produce creative content, such as written articles, videos, and social media posts. Elements of Design can be beneficial for Content Creators, as it provides a foundation in design principles, such as color theory and typography. By understanding these elements, Content Creators can produce visually appealing and engaging content that effectively communicates ideas and messages.

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Art teacher

Art Teachers teach students about various art forms and techniques, including design. Elements of Design would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it covers the fundamentals of design, including color theory and typography. Understanding these principles helps Art Teachers effectively convey design concepts to students and foster their creativity.

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Interior designer

Interior Designers plan and design interior spaces, such as homes and offices. Elements of Design may be useful for Interior Designers, as it provides insights into design principles, such as color theory and typography, which can be valuable for creating visually appealing and functional spaces. Understanding these principles can help Interior Designers create spaces that meet the needs and preferences of clients.

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Fashion Designer

Fashion Designers design clothing and accessories. Elements of Design may be helpful for Fashion Designers, as it offers a foundation in design principles, including color theory and typography, which can be valuable for creating visually appealing and fashionable designs. Understanding these principles can help Fashion Designers create clothing that meets the needs and preferences of consumers.

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Architect

Architects design and oversee the construction of buildings. Elements of Design may be useful for Architects, as it provides insights into design principles, such as color theory and typography, which can be valuable for creating visually appealing and functional buildings. Understanding these principles can help Architects design buildings that meet the needs and preferences of clients.

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Industrial Designer

Industrial Designers design and develop products, such as furniture and appliances. Elements of Design may be useful for Industrial Designers, as it provides insights into design principles, such as color theory and typography, which can be valuable for creating visually appealing and functional products. Understanding these principles can help Industrial Designers create products that meet the needs and preferences of consumers.

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Landscape Architect

Landscape Architects design and create outdoor spaces, such as parks and gardens. Elements of Design may be useful for Landscape Architects, as it provides insights into design principles, such as color theory and typography, which can be valuable for creating visually appealing and functional outdoor spaces. Understanding these principles can help Landscape Architects create spaces that meet the needs and preferences of clients.

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Photographer

Photographers capture and create images. Elements of Design may be useful for Photographers, as it provides insights into design principles, such as color theory and typography, which can be valuable for creating visually appealing and meaningful photographs. Understanding these principles can help Photographers create photographs that effectively communicate messages and evoke emotions.

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Reading list

We've selected 11 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 Elements of Design .

Graphic Design: The New Basics