Graphic Design Basics
Explore the basics of design terminology and concepts, and create two-dimensional compositions.

Course details
CEUs 1.6
Schedule Evenings
Location Online, Main Campus
Cost
$459
Graphic Design Basics
Explore the basics of design terminology and concepts, and create two-dimensional compositions.
What you’ll be able to do — competencies
- Describe the concept of hierarchy
- Explain how lines, shapes, texture and weight can be used to support hierarchy and composition messaging
- Explain color schemes and how they impact design
- Describe and explain composition concepts such as emphasis, contrast, balance, alignment, repetition, white space and unity
- Demonstrate the use of cropping, overlapping and intersecting to achieve design purpose
- Describe and demonstrate negative space, positive space, framal reference, and illusory space
- Identify how design elements are laid out in a grid
- Explain the design/client process at a high-level
- Explain the difference between marketing, branding, positioning and personality
Course description
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.
Syllabus
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
Next available start dates
We aren’t currently offering this course, but we do update our course offerings on a regular basis. Please check back or browse our catalog for more courses that may be available now.
Interested in custom learning solutions for your team?
Tombolo Institute Corporate Solutions offers tailor-made professional development programs to meet your organization’s goals.
Get started