Graphic Design Essentials from edX

This online course from LaSalle College Vancouver will introduce you to the basics of design, graphic and visual communication, image making, typography and the overall creative process, starting from the client mandate to the final presentations.

Upon completion, you will be able to apply the rules of visual language and visual composition to create a meaningful visual design.

This short course is for anyone looking to build or switch towards a rewarding Graphic Design career.

LaSalle College's graduates have been recognized by the Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD), a testament to the excellence we bring to the field of graphic arts.

What you'll learn

Apply the rules of visual language and visual composition to create a meaningful visual design.
Use visual language, understand composition, create presentations and communication plans, interpret and design a visual composition.
Analyze a client mandate and develop ideas

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Visual Design

Discover the world of graphic and visual design. Learn about the communication process to better understand how to communicate visually, and how to conceptualize ideas.

Module 2: Elements of Visual Communication

Become familiar with the main elements of visual communication. Explore the use of lines and shapes, as well as the basics of typography. Discover some of the factors that can impact image choice in a project.

Module 3: Colour

All about colour. Through an introduction to colour theory, gain a better understanding of both the roles and meanings of the various colours.

Module 4: The Origins of a Project

Discover the different tools used to get a project off the ground, such as a communication plan and project specifications. Learn how to analyze a mandate and better understand the client’s needs and their target audience.

Module 5: The Exploration Phase

Learn about researching visual references and creating a mood board. Begin the visual exploration of a project using exploratory sketches.

Module 6: Refining the Concept

Learn how to refine and improve the concept developed during the exploration phase. Become familiar with the notion of a plan and the rules governing its components.

Module 7: Creating a Mock-up

Learn about creating a mock-up and organizing the layout with its different components.

Module 8: Presenting your Work

Become familiar with the process of presenting a mock-up, which includes an adjustment phase following the presentation. Learn how to follow the natural evolution of the project and how to remain open to change.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces principles of visual design, enabling learners to create meaningful visual communications

Covers essential elements of visual communication, including typography, composition, and image selection

Provides a strong foundation in colour theory and its application in design

Focuses on client-oriented design and explores the process of analyzing mandates and defining target audiences

Emphasizes the importance of mood boards and visual references in the design process

Guides learners through the iterative process of concept refinement, plan development, and layout organization

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 Essentials with these activities:

Experiment with color schemes

Show steps

Develop proficiency in selecting and using colors.

Browse courses on Color Theory

Show steps

Create color palettes using different techniques, such as the color wheel or complementary colors.
Apply color schemes to simple design elements to see how they interact and impact the visual appeal.

Practice writing and sketching

Show steps

Sharpen skills in freehand sketching.

Browse courses on Visual Design

Show steps

Sketch objects from observation, focusing on shape, proportion, and detail.
Draw simple shapes and lines to practice composition and perspective.

Create a mood board

Show steps

Visualize design ideas and gather inspiration.

Show steps

Collect images, textures, and colors that represent different elements of the design concept.
Organize the images on a digital or physical board, grouping them by theme or mood.
Analyze the mood board to identify common themes, patterns, and potential design direction.

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Design a website layout

Show steps

Apply the principles of design to create a functional and visually appealing layout.

Browse courses on Layout Design

Show steps

Develop a sitemap and wireframe to plan the website's structure and navigation.
Create a visual design using color, typography, and imagery.
Optimize the layout for different devices and screen sizes.

Read Ellen Lupton's Thinking with Type

Show steps

Gain a comprehensive understanding of typography.

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

Show steps

Study the principles of typography, including typeface selection, hierarchy, and legibility.
Analyze examples of effective typography in various design contexts.

Create a design portfolio

Show steps

Showcase your design skills and build a professional presence.

Show steps

Select your best design work that demonstrates your range of skills.
Create a visually appealing portfolio website or digital document.
Include a brief description and rationale for each project to highlight your design process and decision-making.

Career center

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

Graphic designer

Graphic Designers create visual concepts to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as brochures, advertisements, and websites. This course would be an excellent first step towards employment in this field, as it provides a foundation in the basics of design, typography, and visual communication.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

Web Designer

Web Designers are responsible for the visual concept, user interface, and navigation of a website. They collaborate with clients and stakeholders to create websites that are both visually appealing and functional. This course may help build a foundation for success in this role by teaching students the basics of visual design, typography, and how to create a meaningful visual experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Art Director

Art Directors provide creative direction and oversee the visual aspects of a range of media including print, digital, and advertising. They collaborate with clients, creative teams, and other stakeholders to develop and execute creative concepts. The knowledge gained in the core modules of this course in visual design, typography, color and composition can support a foundation in the skills needed for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

User Experience (UX) Designer

UX Designers focus on the user's experience and satisfaction when interacting with a product or service. They research, test, and iterate on designs to create products and experiences that are both user-friendly and visually appealing. This course could be helpful in building a base knowledge of the fundamentals of visual design and composition, a key part of successful UX Design.

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

Multimedia Artist

Multimedia Artists create and produce digital content that combines various media such as images, audio, and video. They work in a variety of industries, including entertainment, education, and marketing. The hands-on learning of various aspects of visual design in this course could serve as a helpful introduction to the technical skills needed to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Multimedia Artist

Advertising Manager

Advertising Managers plan, develop, and execute advertising campaigns for a variety of clients. They work with creative teams to develop concepts and execute campaigns across a variety of media. This course may be helpful in gaining knowledge that can support this role as it teaches the basics of design, visual communication, and how to conceptualize ideas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Advertising Manager

Art teacher

Art Teachers instruct and inspire students in the principles and practices of visual art. They develop and implement lesson plans, assess student progress, and provide guidance and support to students as they develop their artistic skills. This course may help prepare for the field of art education by providing a foundation in the elements of art and design, as well as experience with typography and visual communication.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art teacher

Creative Director

Creative Directors lead and manage creative teams, providing vision and direction for a variety of projects. They collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and creative professionals to develop and execute creative concepts. This course may help prepare an individual for success in this role by providing a foundation in design, typography, and visual communication.

See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Director

Marketing Specialist

Marketing Specialists develop and implement marketing campaigns that promote products or services. They conduct market research, develop marketing materials, and manage marketing budgets. This course may be helpful in building skills for this role, including visual design, understanding visual language, and the creation of presentations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Specialist

Photographer

Photographers capture and produce still images for a variety of purposes, including commercial, artistic, and journalistic. They use cameras and other equipment to create images that communicate ideas and tell stories. This course may aid in developing a foundation in the elements of visual composition and storytelling, supporting success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photographer

Product Designer

Product Designers create and develop new products, from concept to launch. They work with engineers, marketers, and other stakeholders to design products that are both functional and visually appealing. This course could provide a helpful foundation in design principles, visual language, and typography, which are relevant to the role of a product designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Fashion Designer

Fashion Designers create clothing and accessories, considering both form and function. They sketch designs, select materials, and oversee the production of garments. The modules on visual design, color theory, and visual composition in this course could be helpful for this role, as a strong understanding of aesthetics is crucial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Designer

Illustrator

Illustrators create visual images to communicate ideas and stories. They work in a variety of media, including digital, traditional, and mixed media. This course may provide a foundation in visual storytelling, composition, and visual communication, which are useful skills for illustrators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator

Architect

Architects design and oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. They work with clients to develop plans and specifications, and they supervise the construction process. This course may provide a basic foundation in visual design and communication, but further specialized education is needed for a career in architecture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Interior designer

Interior Designers plan and execute the design of interior spaces, considering both aesthetics and functionality. They work with clients to create spaces that are both visually appealing and meet the client's needs. The modules on visual design, color theory, and visual composition in this course may be helpful in developing a foundation in the principles of interior design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer