This course will introduce you to the general graphic design processes and techniques used by commercial and visual artists, including the principles of design, layout, color theory, composition and typography, using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign (if time permits). You will learn to be creative and will produce digital works of art and interesting publications (like flyers, advertisements, magazine covers, book covers, brochures, etc.). A basic understanding of computer applications is expected.
We will start learning the Mac basics: the finder, the dock, how to find your applications, how to create folders, how to save, the trash, Spotlight (to search for applications, documents, and other) and some important Graphic Design terms: digital, art, design, graphic design, graphic designer, aesthetics, composition, Web design, branding. We will also learn the six principles of a visual composition: balance, proximity, alignment, contrast, white space and keeping it simple. Please check the PDF in Google Classroom. You can save this document in your computer (under Documents, in the Handouts folder). Also save the Keyboard Shortcuts in the Handouts folder.
Balance is the consideration of visual weight and importance. It is a way to compare the right and left side of a composition. There are mainly three different kinds of balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial. I need you to understand the difference between the three. (You can find this information in the presentation mentioned above).
Check some of the links under "My Favorite Links" on the right side.
Class assignment - Go to Google and check images with symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial balance. Then create a Photoshop, Word or PowerPoint exercise (your choice) with these three kinds of balance (you can use Shapes or other). Try to understand the differences and discuss with a partner (your neighbor). What is design? What is composition? (In graphic design and desktop publishing, "composition" is commonly referred to as "page layout"). Why is it important to have good (attractive) graphic design? Check: Composition & Design (click this link) for more information.
I hope you enjoy this class!
TEST: October 6 (on this Blog Entry - Vocabulary mentioned here, Graphic Design PDF and the following Photoshop Commands: Command-J, Command-U, Command-A, Command-S, Command-O, Command-T, Command-N, Command-D, Command-Z and Command-R (check the Keyboard Shortcuts handout to review these commands). What is Photoshop? will also be included. You can find a definition online or ask me please!
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