Graphic DesignMODULE 1
Lesson 1: What is Graphic Design?
P R O F E S S I O N A L D I P L O M A I N
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Proficient
Modules DIPLOMA
P R O F E S S I O N A L
I N G R A P H I C D E S I G N
8 L E S S O N S P E R M O D U L E
A N N E R I E D U P L E S S I S
Meet youreducator
Design is not simply a matter of making something beautiful, design is a way to help solve
problems visually.
Be on the constant lookout to see if you can make tasks more
convenient and easier to understand.
B Tech Graphic Design
Dip Packaging Tech
Education
w w w . s h a w a c a d e m y . c o m
Did you know the graphic design industry unveils numerous opportunities for self employment?
You can make an income from the comfort of your home or anywhere you prefer!
DID YOU KNOW?
What do I need in order to do this course?A computer with the following specs:
CPU: Intel Core i5 or i7
Display: 15 in. @ 1440 x 900 pixels min
RAM: 8 GB min (16 GB is better)
Storage: 250GB at least
Limited access to a computer?Check out our Professional Diploma in Graphic Design on a Budget course!
Visual communication
Lesson ObjectivesLesson 1
Elements of design
Brief history of design
Design careers
Tips for effective design
Visual Communication
What is Graphic Design?
• A form of visual communication
• Illustrations
• Typography (text)
• Photographs
0
• Helps to solve a problem
• Communicates effectively
• Good design is transparent
Graphic design…
The Role of Design
• It’s more than simply being artistic
• Communicates a message effectively
• It is universal and thus can be
understood by almost anyone
The Elements of Design
The Elements of Design
01Space
02Line Shape
03
Size
04 05Texture Value
06 07Colour
Graphic design is a form of visual communication consisting of illustrations, typography and photography.
Graphic design is a form of visual communication consisting of illustrations, typography and
photography.
Graphic design is a form of visual communication consisting of IllustrationsTypography
Photography
01Space
Graphic design is a form of visual communication consisting of illustrations, typography and
photography.
Graphic design is a form of visual communication consisting of IllustrationsTypography
Photography
02Line
Graphic design is a form of visual communication consisting of illustrations, typography and
photography.
GRAPHIC DESIGNis a form of visual communication
consisting of IllustrationsTypography
Photography Size
04
Graphic design is a form of visual communication consisting of illustrations, typography and
photography.
GRAPHIC DESIGNis a form of visual communication
consisting of IllustrationsTypography
Photography
07Colour
GRAPHIC DESIGNis a form of visual communication consisting of
T y p o g r a p h yI l l u s t r a t i o n s P h o t o g r a p h y
Graphic design is a form of visual communication consisting of illustrations, typography and photography.
VS
GRAPHIC DESIGNis a form of visual communication consisting of
T y p o g r a p h yI l l u s t r a t i o n s P h o t o g r a p h y
Visuals:• Illustrations• Text
Elements:• Space• Line• Shape• Size• Texture• Colour
Visuals:• Photography• Illustrations• Text
Elements:• Space• Line• Shape• Size• Texture• Value• Colour
Doohickey
Visuals:• Text• Illustrations
Elements:• Space• Line• Shape• Colour
Google “elgoog”
Visuals:• Photography• Illustrations• Text
Elements:• Space• Line• Shape• Size• Texture• Value• Colour
A Brief History
Why is history so important?
• Helps you to make connections
• Creates awareness & understanding
• Gain insight into other cultures
• The printing press was invented in 1450 by Johannes Gutenberg
• The printing press allowed for society to become literate
• It removed the gap between upper and lower class by creating a middle class
DID YOU KNOW?
A brief history of Graphic Design
A brief history of Graphic Design
What do you need in order to become a graphic designer?
Adobe Illustrator• Vector-based
• Creates digital illustrations
• Vectors don’t lose quality
• Small file size
Adobe Photoshop• Photo manipulation
• Raster-based image editor
• Consisting of pixels (tiny single
coloured squares)
Adobe InDesign• Layout editor
• Combines Illustrator & Photoshop designs
• Create user-friendly interactive
documents & pdf’s
Graphic Design Careers
Graphic Design Careers
• Advertising designer
• Environmental designer
• Publication designer
• Motion designer
• Corporate designer
• Web designer
• Packaging designer
• Product designer
Advertising Designer
• Magazines & newspapers
• Brochure design
• Email newsletters
• Social media graphics
• Infographics
Environmental Designer
• Exhibition & event spaces
• Mural artwork
• Signage
• Office branding
• Stadium & concert branding
Publication Designer
• Books
• E-publications
• Magazines & newspapers
• Catalogues
• Menus
MotionDesigner
• TV Adverts
• Movie intros
• Text animation
• Video games
• Animated digital menus
CorporateDesigner
• Logo design
• Business card design
• Letterhead design
• Email signature design
• Other stationery
WebDesigner
• HTML
• CSS
• Website design & layout
• Mobile apps
PackagingDesigner
• Canned food
• Wrappers & labels
• Take away containers
• Most grocery items
• Box design
ProductDesigner
• UX/UI
• User experience
• User interface design
• Mobile apps
• Mobile games
Graphic Design Tips
Too many Typefaces
• Use only two typefaces
• One interesting, related typeface for headings
• The second typeface should be transparent
Don’t be scared of white space
• Don’t fill empty spaces
• Make your empty spaces part of your design
• It helps create emphasis
Warped Photos
• Don’t warp your images!
• Use the SHIFT or CONTROL (COMMAND) key to avoid distortion
• Low quality image
• Use an alternative high quality image instead
• Use free stock image websites like Pixabay or Freepik
Pixellation
• Create contrast through size
• Create contrast through colour
• Or both!
Contrast is key
Hello Illustrator!
Understand
Skills progression
Understand
Apply
Apply
Apply
Design brief
Identify
Identify
Execute
Elements of design
Principles of design
Corporate relations
Illustrator
Basic terminology
Photoshop
Anatomy
InDesign
Working with type
Design software
Typography
Completed lessons
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5 6 7 8
3 See you soon forL e s s o n 2