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Learn Graphic Design Theory: Course for Beginners
It is not enough to simply master Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or any other graphics software. Learning aids would never turn you into a professional graphic artist. You will create an amazing concept using design techniques. And, in order to practise design techniques, you must first study graphic design and design theory.
This is why Blue Sky Graphics is here to assist you. Since most institutes and teachers just teach you equipment, they do not teach you design skills. But at BSG, we will show you how to draw. If you are a novice with no knowledge of graphic design, then learning the basics of graphic design is a good place to learn if you want to advance with faith. This course will strengthen the foundation.
If you are an intermediate trying to create a graphic design, but your designs are hideous, or you are lost for inspiration, this course will show you how to create very beautiful and breath-taking graphic designs.
Graphic Design Theory
The terms ‘design theory’ may cause you to freeze up because having theoretical was not what you signed up for. Trust us, it is not as hard as it sounds, but it is a vital idea for designers to understand. To assist you, we have created this definitive guide to address the question, “What is design theory?”
To begin, let us dissect the two terms separately. Graphic design is the efficient graphic communication of an idea or concept, while philosophy is a set of concepts that are meant to illustrate something. To put it another way, design theory is a collection of theories that describes how and why a design works. Digital philosophy explores that designers need to know how everything they put on a website expresses, influences, directs, welcomes, entices, and excites an audience.
Design theory can be divided into many analytical approaches for understanding, demonstrating, and discussing design experience and practise, as we will do next.
What Is Design Theory, Exactly?
In this section, we will go through the foundations of what we consider design theory.
Principles of Design
The five design standards should be applicable to all design projects. Each theory is an important component of a concept, but how they interact with one another is the most important factor to remember when attempting to convey a message to a particular audience. Continue reading for a more in-depth look at architecture concepts.
Alignment: Aligning page components provides visual links and a cohesive interface. It helps the viewer’s eyes to see order, making watching easier and more relaxed.
Repetition: Repetition builds similarities and familiarity—repeated features of a pattern can be used to rapidly and efficiently recognise a brand, publication, etc.
Contrast can be created by merging two components that are diametrically opposed, such as a traditional and contemporary font or cold and warm colours. It brings effect and focuses to a design.
Hierarchy: Grouping similar objects close together means that they are related in some way—hierarchy is important in building order in a design.
Balance: The weight spread on a website from how items are arranged is referred to as balance. There are two types: symmetrical equilibrium and stress balance. It brings stability and form to a design.
These five design concepts work together to create a visually pleasing and organised design that prioritises legibility and reader comfort.
Colour Theory And Colour Technology
Colour theory explains how and when to use certain colour or colour palette in a design. It illustrates why colour can be such an effective instrument, how it can entice or reassure, elicit a certain feeling, or persuade someone of something. The colour red, for example, may be synonymous with emotion or strength—they command focus.
Colour theory also discusses the many considerations that must be considered when selecting colours for a design, though how a colour is obtained varies from person to person.
A competent artist is able to select a colour and unleash its ability accurately.
Colour technical, on the other hand, is a set of technical considerations regarding the use of colour in a finished design. These requirements differ depending on a range of reasons, such as whether a design is digital or printed. Colour blending (additive or subtractive), colour schemes (RGB, CMYK, etc.), and colour gamut are all examples of colour scientific.
Design Thinking
Functional thinking, also known as human-centred design, is all about putting the customer first and designing a design for a particular intended audience.
In other words, the artist must place themselves in the shoes of the individual who would engage with their concept.
Design thinking can be divided into five stages:
Understanding the audience, their likes and dislikes, and what they will respond well to.
Define: They must then define the problem that their concept is intended to solve.
Iterate: They must come up with many solutions to these issues.
Prototype: Decide how these concepts can look and construct them.
Test: The target consumer puts the concept to the test to see what works and what doesn’t.
Stages do not have to be completed in this order (though it is critical to always begin with empathy), and you can go back and rewrite stages if the evaluation is unsuccessful.
Elements in Graphic Design
Designers should be able to recognise graphic elements and include them in their designs.
Linework, pattern, colour, and type are representations of graphic elements, which are a mixture of forms, lines, and shapes. Graphic elements, when used sparingly, may offer variation and excitement in a design or build a hierarchy to lead the audience through a design.
The distinction between a graphic element and an illustration is that a graphic element is solely decorative, while an illustration is intended to express an idea or message.
What Are the Benefits of Learning All of This?
Design theory shows you how to merge shape (the design values, for example) and feature (the design purpose), which is the backbone of every good design, according to Bauhaus theory. To build successful design solutions, you need both design theory and functional design experience.
Being a good designer entails more than simply learning how to use software; it also entails realising the philosophy behind it and how it can influence the choices and outcomes.
Furthermore, design philosophy allows a designer to speak eloquently about their projects. Rather than empty theories, they should illustrate how theoretical choices contribute to the desired outcome. This skill can be helpful in a design career, from discussing your portfolio in your first work interview to delivering a design to a new, large client as a creative director.
