Introduction to Graphic Design

What it is?
What is its function?
Where do we see graphics?

DEFINITION
The art or skill of combining text and pictures in advertisements, magazines, or books

GRAPHIC DESIGN is made up of two main components

IMAGE

TYPOGRAPHY

Graphic designers produce visual content to communicate a message.

How do you make people remember your brand?

How can design inspire?

How can you design a memorable logo?

Good logos feature something unexpected or unique, without being “overdrawn.” Following closely on this principle of simplicity is that of memorability. An effective logo design should be memorable, which is achieved by keeping it simple yet appropriate. An effective logo should be timeless.

Signs

If the sign is not visible, it is not worth it. 

The Universal Arts of Graphic Design Video

– Watch the following video and make notes. Include keywords and anything you find interesting.
– Write a brief explanation on what you consider to be good Graphic Design?
– You can also see this video on Youtube

Though often overlooked, Graphic Design surrounds us: it is the signs we read, the products we buy, and the rooms we inhabit. Graphic designers find beauty within limitations, working towards the ultimate goal of visually communicating a message, be it the packaging of a product, the spirit of a book, or the narrative of a building. Utilizing a language of type and imagery, graphic designers try to make every aspect of our lives defined and beautiful.
Key Points and Keywords
- Has to communicate something
- Good graphic design makes peoples lives better
- It's the language for living
- Must be effective and to take action
- Concept
- Using words and image to convey a message
- Idea Message
- Understanding human behaviour
- Meaning
- Thought provoking
- Problem solving
- Packaging
- Colour theory
- Using a grid
- Typography
- Logo
- Signs and symbols


Good Poster Design

A GOOD POSTER DESIGN WILL HAVE THREE LEVELS OF HIERARCHY

ASSIGNMENTS

TASK 1 - RESEARCH
- Create a new page 'Intro to Graphic Design'
- Embed the video on your website.

HOMEWORK
- Log on to your Graphics webpage at home and edit your 'Intro to Graphic Design' webpage

User: 23matthewsr.edublogs.org
Password: 23matthewsr1

- Watch the The Universal Arts of Graphic Design Video again.
- Make notes, including keywords and anything you find interesting.
- Write a brief explanation on what you consider to be good Graphic Design?


TASK 2 - GRAPHIC DESIGN POSTER
Create an A4 poster, using Photoshop, showing me what your understanding of good Graphic Design is and can be. Before you start using Photoshop, mock up your idea for layout and content using a pencil and paper

INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING
TYPOGRAPHY
- Include the meaning/definition/keywords of Graphic Design.
- Experiment with a range of type/font styles. Which fonts work well together?

IMAGES
- Examples of ‘good’ Graphic Design (logos, posters, cover art)
- Cut out images
- Graphic shapes

A GOOD DESIGN WILL…
- Be visually interesting but not cluttered (contrast)
- Have good visual hierarchy: Primary Hook, Secondary Hoock, Supportive Elements
- Use a limited colour scheme


TASK 3 - Halfway Review (Homework)
Reflect on your poster design, so far. Answer these two questions
1. What do you like about your design?
2. How might you improve your design?

Think about the following:
- What is missing (typography, images, graphic shapes)?
- Have you used hierarchy. Can you identify: Primary Hook, Secondary Hook and Supportive Elements?
- Do the colours work well together?
- Does the composition have balance?


TASK 4 - END OF PROJECT EVALUATION (Homework)
a. Export and upload your final poster to your webpage.
b. Include some insight into the making of your poster design
Include some insight into the following: 

PHOTOSHOP TOOLS
Which Photoshop tools did you use? How did they help you to design your poster?
Basic
Selection tool, lasso tool, move tool, type tool
Advanced
Place embedded, perspective warp, masking tools

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
Highlight aspects of your design
Typography
- choice of font style/family
Images
- why did you select the images featured in your design?
Composition
- is it visually interesting, does it have balance and hierarchy?
COMMUNICATION
How well do you think your poster communicates your understanding of good graphic design