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Graphic Design Essentials

Alex Pelchat-White and Jessica Peng

4.2

Based on 12 ratings

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Alex Pelchat-White and Jessica Peng

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.

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

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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.

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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

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Reviews summary

Foundational graphic design for career starters

According to students, Graphic Design Essentials offers a solid foundation for those aspiring to a graphic design career. Learners highlight its effectiveness in teaching visual language, composition rules, and the overall creative process, from client mandate to presentation. While providing a robust conceptual framework, the course primarily focuses on design principles rather than specific software tools, suggesting that learners may need to seek additional training for practical application skills. It's considered an excellent starting point for understanding the 'why' behind design elements, preparing students to develop meaningful visual designs.

Emphasizes design theory and principles over specific software skills.

"While excellent for theory, I realized this course doesn't teach you how to use specific software tools like Photoshop or Illustrator."

"I would recommend this if you want to understand the 'why' of design, but you'll need other resources for the 'how' with software."

"It's a strong theoretical base, but don't expect hands-on software tutorials or demos within the course content."

Covers essential elements like color theory, typography, and visual comm.

"The in-depth exploration of color theory and its meanings was particularly insightful for my projects and understanding."

"I gained a much better understanding of typography and how lines and shapes impact visual communication effectively."

"Every fundamental concept, from visual language to composition, was covered thoroughly and clearly."

Teaches the complete design process from client brief to presentation.

"I appreciated learning the entire creative process, especially how to analyze a client mandate and create a communication plan."

"The modules on creating mock-ups and presenting my work were very practical and immediately applicable to my portfolio."

"It gave me a clear roadmap for how a real-world graphic design project would unfold, which is invaluable."

Provides a robust introduction for aspiring graphic designers.

"This course was exactly what I needed to grasp the fundamental concepts of graphic design as a complete beginner."

"I feel much more confident about starting my journey in graphic design after completing these modules."

"It perfectly introduced me to the core principles and methods without being overwhelming and built my confidence."

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

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Develop proficiency in selecting and using colors.

Browse courses on Color Theory

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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

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Sharpen skills in freehand sketching.

Browse courses on Visual Design

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

Create a mood board

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Visualize design ideas and gather inspiration.

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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.

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Design a website layout

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

Browse courses on Layout Design

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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

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of typography.

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

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

Create a design portfolio

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Showcase your design skills and build a professional presence.

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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

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

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

Reading list

We've selected 13 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 Essentials.

Graphic Design: The New Basics

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Provides a comprehensive overview of graphic design, covering topics such as visual communication, typography, and image making. It would be a valuable resource for students new to graphic design or those looking to refresh their knowledge.

Graphic Design Essentials

What you'll learn

What's inside

Syllabus

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Save this course

Reviews summary

Foundational graphic design for career starters

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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