Introduction to
Graphics Design
•● Design - is a discipline of study and practice
focused on the interaction between a person — a
‘user’— and the man-made environment, taking into
account aesthetic, functional, contextual, cultural and
societal considerations.
• ● Graphic Design - is one form of design that
visually communicates concepts and ideas to elicit a
certain action or influence a particular habit or
behavior.
•● Graphic Designers – these are professionals
proficient in addressing communication issues and
presenting solutions in a clear and visually appealing
fashion.
• ● Desktop Publishing – (DTP) is the use of the
computer and software to create visual displays of
ideas and information.
• ● Visual hierarchy - organizing content in a layout
can be achieved through variations in scale, density,
or color.
Graphic Design
Graphic Design is the process or practice of
combining text and images in a visually appealing
way to communicate a message.
What makes a good Graphic
Designer?
A good graphic designer possesses a combination of
creativity, technical skills, attention to detail, and the
ability to effectively communicate with clients and
understand their needs.
Core Elements in Graphic
Design
1. Dot – fixed point and is the building block of any
visual form. This might seem basic, but what if we
added a second or more dots on the same space, we
eventually create an abstract shape.
2. Line - is like a moving dot that can be straight or
wiggly. It's a simple mark we use in art.
3. Shape – also known as plane. Geometric
shapes are angular, while organic forms are
irregular. Outlined shapes can represent a
familiar object such as balls, house, camera but
simple shape can be square, circle, rectangle.
4. Form is a three-dimensional object
with volume of height, width, and depth.
These objects include cubes, spheres,
and cylinders. Form is often used when
referring to physical works of art, like
sculptures, as form is connected most
closely with three-dimensional works.
two types of Form.
● Geometric Forms are those that appear
manmade. Whether simple or complex, these
produce a feeling of control or order and appear
clean and sterile.
• Organic Forms are those that appear natural.
Organic forms, whether simple or complex,
produce a natural feel.
5. Tone is the lightness or darkness of a color. It is also referred to as
“value of a color”. Tone is one of the most powerful design elements.
In any painting, photograph or design, the area of highest contrast
between light and dark will always demand maximum attention.
6. Texture - brings feeling to your work. It defines
the surfaces of shapes and forms and allows us to
imagine a vintage feeling, or modern feeling. There
are two types of texture: Image Texture and Pattern
Texture.
• a. Image Texture is generated from a combination of
organic or geometric shapes and color. It can be simple
or complex and generally appears random to create a
particular look and feel.
• b. Pattern Texture - is also generated from organic or
geometric shapes and color though pattern texture is
mostly manufactured. Patterns can be simple or complex
but unlike image texture that generally appears random,
patterns appear more structured.
• 7. Color refers to the use of different hues,
shades, and tones to create visual interest,
convey messages, and evoke emotions in
various design projects.
8. Text – also referred to as Typography is
the strategic arrangement of type to make
written language readable and visually
appealing. The art of typography is one of
the most important skills every graphic and
web designer needs to master.
LESSON ACTIVITY
•Create Collages: Provide students with
magazines, newspapers, colored paper, scissors,
and glue. Ask them to create collages focusing on
one or more elements of design, such as color,
shape, line, texture, or form. Encourage them to
experiment with different arrangements to convey
specific moods or messages.
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
• Principles of Design - are guidelines that
help designers organize and arrange the
Elements of Design in a harmonious and
effective manner.
•1. Balance - The visual weight of objects, texture, color and
space is evenly distributed on the screen.
•
•2. Hierarchy: Hierarchy establishes the order of importance
within a design, guiding the viewer's attention to the most
critical elements first. It is often achieved through variations in
size, color, contrast, and placement.
•
•3. Emphasis - Area in the design that may appear different in
size, texture, shape, or color to attract the viewer’s attention.
Sometimes referred to as dominance, emphasis might seem
similar to contrast, but it’s not quite the same. Contrast deals
with the difference between two objects, and emphasis deals
with the impact of an object.
• 4. Contrast - refers to placing two
opposite elements together. This most
often refers to a contrast in VALUES
• 5. Movement - means guiding the user’s
eye to a predetermined path in a
composition. When a viewer views a
design, they are first attracted to the focal
points of the design.
•6. Repetition - These are the repeating visual
elements on an image or layout to create unity.
Repetition is the recurrence of a design element,
commonly utilized in patterns or textures.
Repetitive elements can be used in conjunction
with other principles to create a design that leads
a user’s eye to a focal point, has continuity, or
flow. A repetitive element could be repeated lines,
shapes, forms, color, or even design elements.
•7. Rhythm -is the visual tempo of a combination
of elements when used repeatedly, and with
variation, it gives the feeling of organized
movement.
• 8. Proximity: Proximity refers to the grouping of
related elements together, creating visual
relationships and organizing information in a
clear and intuitive manner.
In design we use proximity for two
main reasons:
• 1. To Create Connections - Proximity can create
relationships between visual elements in a
composition, create relevance, hierarchy, create
organization and structure.
• 2. To Dispel Connections - Proximity can also be used
to suggest no relationship between elements, to
break organization and structure.
9. Unity and variety. Unity refers to the
harmonious integration of all elements in a
design, creating a cohesive pleasing
composition. This ensures no single part is
more important than the other.
Working with Color
• Color is a universal language and perhaps the
most vital and influential in design. They can
change how we feel and see things. Designers
use different colors to make things stand out or
to make us feel a certain way. They pick colors
carefully to make sure everything looks balanced
and works well together.
