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Elements of Design

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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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.

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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

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Elements of Design with these activities:

Review Basic Color Theory

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Sharpen your understanding of color theory by reviewing its fundamental concepts.

Browse courses on Color Theory

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Go through your notes or textbooks on color theory
Practice using color wheels and color schemes

Organize Course Materials

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Stay organized and prepared for the course by compiling all relevant notes, assignments, and resources.

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Create a dedicated folder or notebook for course materials
Organize materials by topic or module
Review materials regularly to reinforce learning

Brush Up on Canva

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Ensure you have a strong foundation in Canva before starting the course by reviewing its features and tools.

Browse courses on Canva

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Watch tutorial videos on Canva's basic functionality
Practice using Canva to create a simple design

Five other activities

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The Elements of Graphic Design

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Expand your knowledge of graphic design principles and techniques by reading this comprehensive guidebook.

View Editing by Design: The Classic Guide to Word... on Amazon

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Read through the book to gain an overview of graphic design
Focus on specific chapters related to the course content
Take notes and highlight key concepts
Discuss the book's ideas with others

Shape Recognition Practice

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Strengthen your understanding of shape types and their digital representations by completing shape recognition exercises.

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Identify different 2D shapes based on their properties
Use fill and stroke tools to represent shapes digitally
Practice identifying and manipulating shapes in a design software

Design a business card

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Create a unique business card design that showcases your creativity and understanding of typography and vector graphics.

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Gather inspiration from existing designs
Sketch out your ideas
Use software such as Canva or Adobe Illustrator to create your design
Experiment with different fonts, colors, and images
Get feedback from others and make revisions

Typography Fundamentals

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Gain a deeper understanding of typography by following guided tutorials on topics like type classifications, anatomy, and how to choose type in design.

Browse courses on Typography

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Explore online tutorials on typography basics
Learn about type classifications and their characteristics
Study type anatomy and terminology
Practice choosing and using type in a design

Mondrian-Inspired Composition

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Apply your knowledge of vector graphics, elements, and principles of design to create a Mondrian-inspired composition that demonstrates your creativity and technical skills.

Browse courses on Digital Art

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Research the works of Piet Mondrian
Understand the principles of asymmetry, balance, and composition
Use software such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW to create your composition
Experiment with different colors, shapes, and lines
Present your composition to others for feedback

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art teacher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Designer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photographer

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

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Is strongly recommended as a textbook for this course. It covers the foundational principles and elements of graphic design in a clear and comprehensive manner, providing a strong theoretical grounding for students.

Elements of Design

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Activities

Career center

Reading list

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