Table of Contents
Can I Learn Graphic Design On My Own?
Graphic design is a graphic communication method that uses a well-balanced combination of typography (text) and graphics (photographs, diagrams, and icons) to express a particular meaning. Graphic designers use visual-thinking techniques to address and streamline collaboration challenges based on this.
A graphic designer’s primary responsibility is to visually reflect concepts in fascinating, instantly identifiable, descriptive, and legible ways. The practice of rendering the unseen transparent is known as graphic design. In this guide on how to learn graphic design, we will look at the fundamental concepts and values and the tools that will help you communicate your ideas effectively.
What exactly is Graphic Design?
To design is to communicate simply by whatever medium you have power over or master. To solve visual challenges, graphic designers use various methods, skills, strategies, and experience. A graphic designer can attract or hold the interest of their target audience while celebrating many mediums by drawing on a repertoire of creative and technological skills.
A great artist can convey messages and with flair, whether in print or on the computer. However, not all occupations necessitate a high level of passion and flair. A designer may often create subtle and dependable visual contact.
Although the list of skills and characteristics required by graphic designers is extensive and ever-expanding, there are five basic skills that graphic designers must possess:
1. Creativity
A graphic artist must be able to generate one-of-a-kind imagery and graphics. Graphic design is all about solving visual and communicative challenges, but creativity is also a problem-solving skill.
2. Graphic designers must be able to discuss and collaborate with their customers and communicate thoughts visually and coherently.
3. Technological abilities are needed to combine artistic successfully, and IT skills to create designs in various mediums.
4. Typographic skills are needed for blending typographic types into imagery capable of communicating a document. Check out our beginner’s guide to typography.
5. Management abilities are expected to prepare for time and money for a specific project and balance various tasks and deadlines.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but certain elements would be stressed in this guide. Consider them general standards for effective graphic design and visual communication. Furthermore, these are relevant subjects that should be included in decent graphic design classes.
Learning Graphic Design on your Own
Blue Sky Graphics covers a range of topics in the graphic design course designed and facilitated by subject matter specialists and practitioners if you are looking to learn graphic design. The course is also suitable for beginners.
The first module introduces learners to the philosophy, concepts, and graphic design methods; the second module focuses on design processes, elements, and skills; and the third module focuses on how to apply graphic design principles and elements in your work. The graphic design course by BSG is an excellent place to begin.
Design Theory
The visual arts and architecture gave rise to design theory. Although there is no universal philosophy of graphic design, graphic designers can find it helpful to draw on design theory and concepts used in other creative disciplines dealing with visual communication.
Design philosophy attempts to describe the intent of a project and employs a collection of visual concepts to accomplish that purpose or solve a given problem. These concepts will assist us in understanding and resolving a dilemma.
There are between six and twelve architecture standards, depending on who you ask. We would look at seven basic values to get you started, and this is a beginner’s guide. Again, there is no real agreement about how many values there are, so these six will get you started.
1. Consistency
Harmony is sometimes represented as a complement to harmony. Likeness and the reproduction of such style elements, such as colour and form, convey unity.
The term “unity” refers to a kind of harmony between all of the components or elements of a design that gives the viewer a sense of spatial contentment. If we create peace and stability, we know like everything in the design is acceptable and in its proper place.
2. Harmony
Balance is related to equilibrium and unity, but it specifically concerns the visual weight of a design. Some elements are more noticeable, giving them a heavier visual weight, while others have a sense of lightness. The aim is to achieve a harmonious equilibrium in the arrangement of these variously weighted elements.
This is achieved by the use of symmetrical and asymmetrical architecture techniques. Asymmetrical elements provide separate weighted or non-centred elements, while symmetrical elements have equal weight to either side of an imaginary middle line.
3. Visual Hierarchy
Hierarchy refers to an overarching interface schema for arranging content logically. The most critical items can be seen first or be prominently displayed.
A magazine report may be thought of as being set out with a title and subdivided with a number of headings and subheadings. Pull quotes and font distinction such as italics or bold can be used to draw attention to essential elements of the document.
4. Rhythm
Rhythm is often accomplished by the duplication of elements and the spacing or timing of such elements (e.g. intervals). A rhythm may be normal, irregular, spontaneous, alternating flowing, or incremental.
Regular rhythms are distinguished by equidistant spacing or cycles. Random rhythms do not adhere to a consistent schedule of timing and intervals. Alternating rhythms follow patterns of overlap between some components. Wave-like element structures are formed by flowing rhythms. Progressive rhythms adapt and alter as a result of repeated combinations of related components.
5. Colour and contrast
Weights, colours, materials, and shapes are examples of opposing design elements. The aim is to use the variations to draw attention to specific aspects of a design.
6. Variety
The variety allows for distinction between components, which raises interest. This can be accomplished by using a range of shapes, colours, weights, photographs, and so on. However, a designer must exercise restraint in terms of variation.
They also need to find a way to maintain peace, stability, and equilibrium. So much variation can be confusing, but too few can be boring. Variety should strengthen what is being conveyed rather than distract from it.
7. White Space
White space is defined as empty or negative space that is free of design elements. White space can be used to incorporate colour, highlight or frame specific elements, enhance readability and legibility, and create the overall aesthetic of a design. White space should be perceived as an active feature rather than a passive context. It is one of the most underrated design elements, but it is also one of the most significant.
