Graphic Design Basics Course Notes

Introduction

Instructor: Laura Keung, professional graphic designer for 15 years.
Course focus: Essentials of graphic design and visual communication.
Definition of graphic design: Creation of visual content with a communication purpose.
Importance: Organizes complex information and enhances comprehension.

Prehistoric Times: Cave paintings (~38,000 BC) indicate early human interest in visual communication.
Sumerians (3000 BCE): First written languages for trade and inventory; logographic scripts.
China (200 AD): Early printing methods using wood reliefs.
Movable Type (1040 AD): Invented in Beijing, predating Gutenberg.
Middle Ages: Rise of typography; calligraphy and lettering became crucial.
Gutenberg Press (15th Century): Mass communication and literacy emergence.
Industrial Revolution (1760-1840): Introduction of lithography; typography's role in advertising grows.
Digital Era (Post-1950s): Computers and software (Photoshop) open new design disciplines (web, UI, UX).
Evolution: Graphic design is constantly evolving with a focus on communication.

Balance
- Visual weight of elements; types: symmetrical and asymmetrical.
Unity
- Harmony among elements; similar colors and relationships improve coherence.
Contrast
- Difference between elements; creates visual hierarchy and focal points.
Repetition
- Repeated elements foster consistency and user familiarity.
Pattern
- Repetition of multiple elements; seen in textiles and wallpapers.
Rhythm
- Visual tempo; creates organized movement within a design.
Movement
- Path the viewer's eye takes; involves dynamic layouts and lines.
Emphasis
- Highlights important elements; color often used for emphasis.
Proportion
- Relationship between elements; importance in hierarchy.
Harmony
- Cohesiveness among elements; not identical, but related.
Variety
- Keeps viewers engaged; balances interest with clarity.

Color Wheel: Organized tool for color relationships; primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.
Color Profiles: RGB (digital) vs. CMYK (print).
Color Qualities: Hue, saturation, and value (shade, tint, tone).
Color Harmonies:
- Complimentary: Opposite colors on the wheel.
- Split Complementary: One base color + two secondary.
- Analogous: Colors next to each other.
- Monochromatic: One color in various shades.
- Triadic: Three equally spaced colors.
- Tetradic: Two sets of complementary colors.
Color Psychology: Impact of colors on emotions and perceptions (e.g., red = power, blue = trust).

Definition: Arrangement of type to enhance readability and appeal.
History: Evolved from ancient engravings to modern digital fonts.
Type Anatomy: Understanding elements such as serifs, ascenders, descenders, and bowls.
Type Classification:
- Sans Serif: Clean and modern; versatile for various uses.
- Serif: Good for body copy; categories include old style, transitional, modern, and slab.
- Script: Mimics handwriting; formal and casual variants.
- Display Fonts: Experimental, not for body text.
- Variable Fonts: Multiple styles in one file.

Print Design: Creation for physical products; posters, magazines, etc.
Digital Product Design: Focused on software and applications; UI (user interface) and UX (user experience).
Brand Design: Elements that distinguish a brand; logo, color scheme, typography.

Adobe Suite: Industry standard for various design disciplines (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.).
Figma: Collaborative web application for UI/UX design.
Canva: User-friendly for non-designers; templates for various designs.
Trello & Milanote: Project management and organization tools.

Graphic design is about creating visual content with clarity and purpose.
The course covered design essentials: principles, color theory, typography, disciplines, processes, and tools.
Emphasis on communication and the evolving nature of graphic design.