Graphic Design Portfolio Bootcamp (Live Online)

Overview

Learn the fundamentals of graphic design as you get hands-on experience and produce real-world projects. Broaden your understanding of graphic design concepts, understand the elements of design, and expand your portfolio in this comprehensive graphic design course.

Syllabus

Section 1

What is Graphic Design?

Brief overview and discussion
Elements of design
Gestalt Principles

Word Work

Letterform Anatomy
Type Classifications
Speed design with limited source material!

Design Assignment: Logo Design

Brief slide show on what makes a good logo
Design assignment: Choice of logo redesign for an existing company or create your own personal logo design.
Create two distinct design options for your logo.

Section 2

Design Process

Explore ideation and the creative design process
Logo exploration (Ritos del Sol, Vaya)
Learn logo drafting using the template feature in Illustrator
Introduction of Photoshop mock-ups
Sketching exercise. Learn to work quickly and creatively within fixed parameters.

Color Interaction

What do colors mean?
How do designers use colors effectively
Color palettes: we will explore how to choose appropriate color palettes for different assignments

Design Assignment: Identity System

Finalize your logo to design an identity system using a "color study" and complimentary typeface. Use this visual system to either create a stationery design or social media graphics.

Section 3

Typography

Typographic Overview
Type Selection
Type Pairing
Foundry Overview
Optical Spacing

Design Assignment: Book/eBook Cover Redesign

Create either a book or eBook cover design for a re-issue of a famous piece of fiction. Use type and imagery to create a visually appealing cover that will entice a reader.

Section 4

Historical Design Movements

Arts & Crafts
Art Nouveau
Dada
Destijl
Constructivism
Bauhaus
Swiss International

Design Assignment: Album Art Cover/Spotify Graphic

Create cover art for a band to be used for online purchases of music or streaming music services. Use a mixture of typography, imagery, and basic graphic elements, with consideration for different screen sizes and resolutions.

Section 5

Information Hierarchy

What goes first? Second? Last? And why?
Are there rules? How can we be creative within these rules?
We explore the who, what, where, when, and why of laying out information.
Learn about grid systems.

Design Assignment: Event Poster or Email Announcement

Students will design a poster or email announcement for an event. Designs should convey a concept relating to the subject, and use a clearly identifiable visual hierarchy.