GRAPHIC DESIGNING

NOTES | COURSES AND YOUTUBE LECTURES

GRAPHIC DESIGN THEORY AND PRINCIPLES 2. Asymmetrical balance – When the elements
have different elements on the left and right side,
Graphic Design – The creation of visual content with a but equal visual weight.
communication purpose.
UNITY
Graphic Designer – Brings structural order and visual
form to printed communications. A graphic designer Unity – The harmony produced by all the elements in a
uses design principles for communication. (William design piece.
Addison Dwiggins)
● Using similar colors that match and integrate
BASIC DESIGN PRINCIPLES elements organically makes it appear as if they
belong together.
Principles of design – The principles of design are a set ● You can achieve unity by making clear
of rules that designers follow to create visually pleasing relationships between the visual elements.
work. ● Lack of unity would make your design feel
cluttered and confusing. Not only that, but
Purpose – To deliver a message in the most organized viewers will be attracted to the wrong element of
and functional way. the design and won't get a clear message.

12 Principles of Design:
1. Balance CONTRAST
2. Unity
3. Contrast Contrast – It refers to the level of difference between
4. Repetition design elements in order to create visual hierarchies
5. Pattern
6. Rhythm ● The variation makes certain elements stand out
7. Movement more than others, and you can apply contrast by
8. Emphasis using colors, textures, sizes, and shape.
9. Color ● Contrast can also create a focal point to certain
10. Proportion elements that can draw the viewer's eyes.
11. Harmony ● Lack of contrast can make a design look dull
12. Variety and viewers can overlook the important
message.
● The elements and principles of art and design
are the foundation for creating a composition. Contrast – It refers to the level of difference between
● The use of these principles will help you design design elements in order to create visual hierarchies
with purpose by giving function to every single
element in a composition. REPETITION

Repetition – Repetition is repeating a single element

BALANCE through the design.

● Any element placed on a page carries a visual ● We can call a grid a repetition of lines, because
weight. It can range from form to size, color, and it creates a certain consistency.
texture. ● Repetition can also be achieved by repeating
● Lack of balance would make your design feel elements in a design, like a logo or a tagline in a
heavy on one side and empty on the opposite, brand development project or in a layout design
and sometimes it can feel as if it is falling off to ● Repetition is shown through the folio placement
one side. to help users find their way.

Types: PATTERN
1. Symmetrical balance – When the elements on
the right side have the same visual weight as the Pattern – A pattern is the repetition of more than one
elements on the left side. design element.
 important element. Smaller elements have less
● While repetition focuses on a single element importance.
being repeated, pattern refers to multiple
elements repeated throughout a design like HARMONY
wallpapers and backgrounds.
● You can see seamless patterns predominantly in Harmony – It is the sense of cohesiveness between the
interior design when using tiles or wallpapers. elements in a composition.

RHYTHM ● The elements shouldn't be exactly the same or

completely different but related in some way.
Rhythm – Rhythm is a visual tempo of a combination of ● Color palettes or similar textures can create a
elements when sense of unity between different components.
used repeatedly and with variation.
VARIETY
● It gives the feeling of organized movement.
● Rhythm is a principle of design that is usually Variety – Variety is about creating visual interest that will
hidden in works of art, and it is not as obvious in keep viewers or users engaged with your design.
design principles or design works.
● Holding their attention and guiding them through
MOVEMENT the composition will create a powerful
experience.
Movement – Movement refers to the path the viewer's ● Variety adds something interesting to create
eyes take through a composition. It is a composition contrast and tension.
creates interest in a dynamic play that keeps the viewer ● So for instance, mixing organic shapes with
engaged. geometric shapes as a variety. And this concept
should reinforce the message you're trying to
● Movement can be created with rhythm when communicate in your design, otherwise it can
using a variation of an element repeatedly. move dull or pointless.
● Movement can be created with curved lines and
diagonal lines. These lines trace the path to the COLOR THEORY
focal point.
Color Theory – In color theory, colors are organized on a
EMPHASIS color wheel.

Emphasis – Emphasis is a strategy to get the viewer's

attention to a specific design.

● This can be in any form, a button, a website, an

image.
● The purpose is to create something that will
stand out from the rest of the page.

COLOR

Color – An easy way to create emphasis in any design

because it creates a sense of urgency and attention.

PROPORTION

Proportion – Proportion is the sense of unity created

when all the elements in a composition relate well with
each other.

● Proportion, as a principle of design, does not

necessarily refer to the size of one element, but
● In order to understand other color theory
to the relationship of two or more elements.
concepts, it is essential to understand this handy
● For example, in layout hierarchy, the proportion
tool. Artists and designers use this tool to
of the headline compared to the photo caption
develop color harmonies that are pleasing to the
needs to be larger, as the headline is the most
 eye and communicate to evoke certain ● RGB uses the additive color method. That
emotions. means that when all the colors are combined,
● Isaac Newton created the traditional color wheel we get one.
in 1666 and that now helps us understand how ● RGB is mainly used when your final design will
colors work together. be displayed on a screen, be it a phone or a
computer screen or an advertisement screen.
PRIMARY SECONDARY TERTIARY
COLORS COLORS COLORS CMYK

Red Orange Blue-green ● CMYK – Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black

● CMYK uses the subtractive color mixing method.
Blue Green Blue-violet ○ That means that all colors start with
white paper, and then we extract color
Yellow Purple Yellow-green until we get to black.
● This is a color mode to use if the design will be
physical. One important thing to know is that the
● Primary + Primary = Secondary colors
colors we see on screen will never be as vibrant
● Primary + Secondary = Tertiary colors
when they are printed.
○ So while we're designing on a screen
and we set up our document as CMYK,
we will see bright colors.
○ But when it is printed, the colors will be
slightly washed out, so always keep that
in mind.

COLOR QUALITIES

HUE
2 kinds of Temperature: ● Another word for color
1. Warm colors – Warmth, Sun, Fire, Energy, ● Any color on the color wheel.
Action
2. Cool colors – Calm, Peace SATURATION
● Intensity or the purity of the color.
COLOR SPACES ● Saturated = Vibrant
● Desaturated = Dull
Color spaces – Based on the final result of the project
and are used for different mediums. VALUE
● Lightness or Darkness
2 different color spaces:
1. RGB
2. CMYK SHADE
● It is created by adding black to a hue or color.
RGB ● Darkening a color for it to be rich.

● RGB – Red, Green, Blue TINT

● This is the color mode for digital output that ● It is created by adding white to make a color less
needs light to show color. intense.
 ● Whitening a color to be pale.
Monochromatic
Color Harmony
TONE
● It is created by combining black and white or
gray with a hue,

COLOR HARMONIES

Color Harmonies – It refers to colors that look appealing,

balanced, and pleasing. ● This takes just one basic
color from the color
wheel and uses its
different shades, tones,
Complementary ● Pairs two colors directly or tints to create a
Color Harmony opposite on the color palette.
wheel. ● It looks simple and
● This helps create a cohesive.
strong contract color
scheme. Example:
Shades of yellow
Example:
Red + Green Triadic Color ● This color scheme uses
Blue + Yellow Harmony three colors, which are
evenly spaced on the
Split ● This color scheme uses color wheel, forming a
Complementary one base color and two triangle.
Color Harmony secondary colors.
● Instead of using a Example:
complementary color, two Red, yellow, blue (primary colors)
colors placed
symmetrically around it Tetradic Color ● Two sets of
on the color wheel are Harmony complementary colors
used. that form one part.
● The base color is main, ● These colors work best
while the secondary when one of the colors is
colors should be used the dominant in the
only for highlights or palette and the rest are
accents. used as accent colors.

Example: Example:
Yellow (Primary) + Violet > Yellow-green & Blue green +
Blue-violet + Red violet Red-orange & Red-violet
(Secondary colors)

Analogous Color ● Combine a main color COLOR PSYCHOLOGY

Harmony with colors that are set
next to it. ● This is a very powerful tool to use in graphic
● Produces a calm energy, design.
easy going ● Colors have the ability to impact a person's
● Less contrast impression of a brand and evoke certain
emotions.
Example: ● Just like warm colors are associated with the
Yellow (Primary) + Yellow-green, sun, fire, and cool colors are associated with
green, blue- green peace and calm, the rest of the color wheel also
affects perception and behaviors.
● So there are many factors to consider, like
cultural background, gender, age, and many
more as colors can be perceived in different
ways.
 2. Panels – Panels are dockable windows within
Photoshop that provide access to various
features and options. Some commonly used
panels include Layers, Channels, Paths, History,
Color, Adjustments, and Properties.

3. Canvas – The Canvas is the main area where

users can view and edit their images. It displays
the currently open image or document and
provides tools for zooming, panning, and
navigating within the image.

HOW TO SET UP WORKSPACE

● Default workspace
○ Window > Workspace > Essentials
● To reset: Click reset essentials
● To save: Window > Workspace > Create new
workspace > Rename > Click save
● To switch Window > Workspace > Choose
workspace (painting, photography, etc)
● How to go back to home screen: Click home

STATUS BAR

● Located in the bottom left of the workspace

● Gives the status of the image
● Different choices of status: Layer count,
document dimensions, current tool

MENU BAR

● Located at the top

● Menu bar – Controls how Photoshop looks,
works, and carries out different functions. Main
control.
● To bring back the panel that you closed
accidentally: Window > Make sure the panel you
closed is checked.

OPTIONS BAR

BASICS OF ADOBE PHOTOSHOP Options bar – Directly related to tools. Whatever tools
you choose, a set of options for that tool will show up in
that bar.
Photoshop – A program to edit and create images made
up of pixels. HOW TO OPEN A FILE

Pixel – One of the small dots or squares that make up an ● File > Open > Select a file
image on a computer screen. ● Shortcut: Drag from files and drop it in
workspace
3 MAJOR ELEMENTS OF WORKSPACE ● Shortcut for a different document: Drag from files
and drop it at the current active tabs
1. Toolbox – The Toolbox, also known as the
Toolbar, is typically located on the left side of the HOW TO CREATE A FILE
Photoshop window and contains various tools
for image editing and manipulation. Some ● File > New > Select template or customized
essential tools include the Marquee, Lasso, sizes and dimensions
Brush, Eraser, Clone Stamp, and Text tools.
 HOW TO SAVE A FILE ○ Decrease: Shift + Down button

● File > Save > Rename > Choose format > Save 4. Zoom Tool
● To save to computer: Click ‘on your computer’ ● Magnifying glass
● Shortcut: Ctrl S ● Shortcut: Ctrl + Space + click and drag
● PSD – Photoshop document to right or left
● More than one layer: Formats such as jpegs or ○ Scrubby zoom: on
pngs do not support layers ○ (If off you will make a selection
● Make sure maximize compatibility is checked and only that area will zoom)
● Recent projects will show up in Home Screen ● Shortcut to move around in any tool:
and directly in files Just press spacebar and drag anywhere
● Save as: Save a new work ● Shortcut to fit canvas: Ctrl + 0
● Save: Only updates the work ● Shortcut to zoom out and zoom in
● Save a copy: Saves a copy in whatever format specific area: Ctrl + H + hold and let go
you choose. (Example: Jpeg, png, etc)
5. Transform Tool
● Shortcut: Ctrl + T
TOOLS ● Right click: Flip
● Reference or anchor point (middle point)
1. Move tool: Moving elements ○ Make sure the box on the upper
● Shortcut: V left on the options bar is
● Turn off auto-select in the options bar as checked.
default, to avoid moving other ○ Relocate the anchor point to
unselected layers. change the point where it would
○ Click ctrl to enable auto-select transform
to temporarily move elements ● To resize: Click alt and drag handles
faster.
● In the options bar, you can choose to
LAYERS PANEL
align an element. (Ex. Center, left, right)

2. Brush tool: Used for brushing Layers panel – Maintain a stack of all elements
● Shortcut: B ● To add – click add button
● You can choose any brush, change the ● To show layer – click eye button
brush size, opacity, etc. ● To organize layer – Click layer and drag
● Shortcut to increase and decrease
brush size: [ ] HISTORY PANEL / REDO & UNDO
● Shortcut to increase and decrease
brush size: History panel – Keeps track of all steps and you can use
○ Alt + Click right mouse button this tool to go back in steps
■ Drag to the right: ● Window > History
Increase
■ Drag to the left: Undo – Ctrl + Z
Decrease Redo – Ctrl + Shift + Z
● Shortcut to soften and harden brush:
○ Alt + Click right mouse button CANVAS
■ Drag upwards: Soften
■ Drag downwards: ● To arrange multiple tabs: Windows >
Harden Consolidate all to tabs
● Canvas tip:
3. Text tool: Input text ○ Click background to change color (To
● Shortcut: T see what the image is gonna look like)
● Click workspace for text to appear
● You can change the font, size, color,
style, etc INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHIC DESIGN (Great Learning)
● Shortcut to create a text box: Click the
Text tool button, click and drag the Graphic Design – The process of visual communication
workspace and problem solving through the use of typography,
● Click in the options bar the folder button photography, iconography, and illustration.
for the text settings to adjust the settings ● Considered a subset of visual communication
of the text and communication design
● Shortcut for the text gap:
○ Increase: Shift + Up button
Graphic designers – Create and combine symbols,
images, and texts to form visual representation of ideas
and messages.

BASIC FUNDAMENTALS OF DESIGN

1. Layout: Space, Balance, Alignment and

Hierarchy
2. Elements: Lines, shapes, logos, illustrations,
and graphics
3. Typography: Different types of fonts and their
uses
4. Color: Color theory

LAYOUT AND SPACING

● Space
● Balance
● Hierarchy

GRAPHIC ELEMENTS
● Lines & Shapes
● Logos
● Illustrations
● Graphics

TYPOGRAPHY
● Typography – Art of arranging letter and text in a
way that makes the copy legible, clear, and
visually appealing to the reader.
○ Involves font style, appearance, and
structure, which aims to elicit certain
emotions and convey specific
messages.

COLOR THEORY
● https://color.adobe.com/create/color-wheel
● Primary Colors
● Secondary colors
● Tertiary colors
● Intermediate colors
● Analogous harmony – different concepts of color
harmony that exist based on the color wheel and
based on how colors are spaced according to
each other.
● Analytics groups of color – Three colors that are
next to each other on the color wheel.
○ Refers to the term antelope or
corresponding to something in particular
● Complementary colors – Color that are found on
the opposite sides.
○ Creates extreme contrasts