Graphic Design for Beginners: Design Theory

About this class

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of design theory and principles. It will introduce to students the basic principles of design, including composition, balance, photography, contrast, scale and typography.  

Course Objectives:

• Understand the fundamental principles of design and its application in various creative disciplines
• Create a visually memorable and recognizable logo that effectively communicates the brand’s identity
• Examine the use of color in design, including topics like color physiology, color harmony, color symbolism and color mixing
• Gain knowledge of typography principles and effectively apply typefaces in design compositions
• Develop critical thinking and analytical skills in evaluating and discussing design works and theories
• Creating AD posters using title, subtitle and body
• Explore design research methods and learn how to effectively communicate design concepts and ideas understand principles of visual hierarchy and how to create impactful and engaging visual layouts
• Understand basic photography theory principles

Class Outline

Class 1 : Design Theory

• Getting started
• Course introduction and what is expected
• Introduction to graphic design
• Introduction to design and its application
• Project 1: Identifying visual identity project 

Class 2 : Color Theory

• Introduction to Color
• Color Mixing
• Color Selections
• Color Meanings
• Visual harmony and balance of complementary colors
• Messages and evoke emotions using color
• Cultural and symbolic meaning through colors
• Project 2: Color scheme

Class 3: Logo Design Theory

• What is branding
• What is logo design
• Types of logos
• What makes a strong logo
• Sketching logos
• Finalizing logos
• Project 3: creating a logo for a company

Class 4 : Typography Theory

• Introduction to typography
• Types of typography
• Serif vs. San Serif
• Grids and layout
• Kerning and spacing
• Create hierarchy with typography
• The art of pairing fonts
• Project 4: Magazine Cover and page

Class 5 : Poster Theory 

• Title
• Subtitle
• Body
• Message of the poster
• Content writing
• Project 5: create a poster AD

Class 6: Photography Theory 

• Introduction to Photography
• Photography and Design
• Photography and Color
• Photography and Typography
• Project 6: Campaign Ad using Photography, Color, and Typography

Class 7: Visual Storytelling

• Use of visuals
• Narration and engagement
• Storytelling techniques
• Visual metaphors
• Sequential art
• Project 7: create a story using visuals

Class 8 : Visual Identity

• Presentation and critique

Materials needed

Please note: VCUQatar reserves the right to cancel classes for which not enough participants are registered. Already paid fees will be refunded.

Please do not purchase materials until VCUQatar has sent final course confirmation.

Items to buy for this class

Participants are required to buy their own materials beforehand and bring them to every class

On occasions, there may be some more materials to be bought and brought in if and when advised by the instructor.

Where to buy your materials

Most of the materials are available from any art supply shop, for example:

• Cass Art (Fire station): Community Classes students get a 15% discount upon presenting the registration ticket
• Jarir Bookstore: on Rayyan Road or Salwa Road
• Color Note: on Al Nasser Street
• Ibn Al Qayyim: at Markhiya Roundabout
• Al Rawnaq

Schedule

Start: Tue, 3 Oct, 2023
End: Tue, 21 Nov, 2023
Lessons: 8
Days: Tuesdays
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: VCUarts Qatar Campus
Cost: QAR 850

Instructors