All forms of visual art are based on fundamental principles of aesthetic design. Learn basic design terminology and concepts, and create two-dimensional abstract compositions using the elements of line, shape, space, value and color. Explore page and image management methods such as scaling, cropping and overlapping. Learn about information architecture and content hierarchy and how to assemble type and images using a grid. 

Session 1 Topics 

• What makes great art? 
• The 3 Cs of design – composition 
• Placement 
• Golden section 
• Lines and attitudes 

Session 1 Assignments 

• Four squares 

Section 2 Topics 

• Composition concepts such as grouping, alignment, grids, harmony and flow 
• Repetition, visual echo, thematic references 
• Icons 

Section 2 Assignments 

• Circles, squares and triangles 

Section 3 Topics 

• Composition concepts such as hierarchy, priority, emphasis, contrast, balance, alignment, repetition, white space and unity 
• Negative space, positive space, framal reference and illusory space 
• Typography overview and trends 

Section 3 Assignments 

• Typographic portraits 

Section 4 Topics 

• Components: color 
• Color wheel 
• Color schemes and how they impact design 
• CMYK, RGB, SPOT 
• How many designs are enough? 

Section 4 Assignments 

• 101 Things 

Section 5 Topics 

• Components: connotation, attributes and placement 
• Shapes, repetition, patterns and texture 
• Cropping, overlapping and intersecting 

Section 5 Assignments 

• Less is more 

Section 6 Topics 

• Marketing, branding, positioning and personality 
• Concept: theme, connotation and message 

Section 6 Assignments 

• Maps 

Section 7 Topics 

• Website basics 
• Bad designs 

Section 7 Assignments 

• Book cover 

Section 8 Topics 

• Graphic design job definitions and salaries 
• Where to look for jobs 
• Other Tombolo Institute graphic classes 

Section 8 Assignments 

• Presentation of final book cover project design