Course Overview

Graphic Design Fundamentals introduces you to the timeless principles that make visual communication effective and beautiful. This course is perfect for complete beginners who want to create professional-looking designs for social media, branding, posters, presentations, and more.

You'll explore core elements like color theory, typography, composition, hierarchy, and balance. Through hands-on projects, you'll apply these principles using accessible tools — from free options like Canva and Figma to industry standards like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop (with beginner-friendly guidance).

The focus is on understanding "why" designs work, not just "how" to use software. By the end, you'll have a strong foundation to create compelling visuals and build your first portfolio pieces.

No prior design experience needed — just creativity and curiosity!

What You'll Learn

Master the core elements and principles of design

Understand and apply color theory effectively

Use typography to enhance readability and mood

Create balanced, hierarchical compositions and layouts

Work with images, icons, and visual hierarchy

Build simple branding and design projects for your portfolio

Course Curriculum

Module 1: Introduction to Graphic Design

What is Graphic Design? History and real-world applications
Design process: from idea to final artwork
Elements of design: line, shape, texture, space
Principles of design: balance, contrast, emphasis, rhythm
Setting up your workspace (free & paid tools overview)

Module 2: Color Theory & Application

Color wheel, primary/secondary/tertiary colors
Color harmonies: complementary, analogous, triadic
Psychology of color and branding
Working with color palettes and schemes
Accessibility in color choices

Module 3: Typography Essentials

Type anatomy and classification (serif, sans-serif, etc.)
Choosing and pairing fonts effectively
Typography hierarchy and readability
Kerning, leading, tracking, alignment
Creative type treatments and expressive typography

Module 4: Composition & Layout

Visual hierarchy and focal points
Grid systems and golden ratio
Balance: symmetrical vs asymmetrical
White space / negative space usage
Common layout patterns (Z-pattern, F-pattern)

Module 5: Imagery, Icons & Visual Communication

Working with photos, illustrations, and vectors
Creating and using icons effectively
Image cropping, scaling, and integration
Principles of visual storytelling
Common mistakes in image usage

Module 6: Projects, Branding & Next Steps

Real-world projects: poster, logo, social media kit
Introduction to branding basics
Building a simple portfolio
Design ethics and copyright awareness
Next steps: UI/UX, motion graphics, advanced tools

This Course Is For You If:

You're new to design and want to create beautiful visuals
You make social media posts, presentations or flyers
You want to understand why some designs "look good"
You're considering a career in design or creative fields
You enjoy creativity and visual storytelling
You want structured learning with practical projects

This Course May Not Be Ideal If:

You're seeking advanced UI/UX or motion design
You already have strong design experience
You want only software tutorials without theory
You're not ready to complete hands-on projects
You expect instant professional-level skills

Prerequisites

This course is truly beginner-friendly. You need:

Basic computer skills: using a mouse/trackpad, files & folders
Creativity & curiosity: willingness to experiment
Access to tools: free (Canva, Figma) or trial (Adobe Creative Cloud)
Time commitment: 4–7 hours per week for 8–10 weeks
English proficiency: to follow instructions and resources

No drawing or software experience required — we start from zero.

Important: What This Course Does NOT Guarantee

This course is for educational purposes only and provides knowledge and skills. We explicitly do NOT guarantee:

Job placement or employment opportunities
Specific salary increases or career advancement
Instant expertise or mastery of the subject
Certification or professional qualification
Guaranteed outcomes or specific results

Your success depends on your effort, dedication, practice, and application of learned concepts. Learning takes time and consistent work.

Graphic Design Fundamentals