Graphic Design Theory - Composition

One harsh truth that all designers learn at the start, that without a solid, well balanced composition, everything falls short.

No matter how original the idea, how great the color palette, if it doesn't feel a cohesive whole, it does not work.

Achieving a good composition is the greatest challenge in any graphic design project.

In this part of my new Design Theory series we cover a crucially important topic, the principles of a well structured design, where the composition creates the underlying framework of the entire piece.

Mastering this subject may very well make a big difference in the quality of your work, helping you to transition from an enthusiastic beginner to an advanced designer.

The purpose of this course

If you ever struggled with a design project, ditching one idea after the other, struggling to find the right layout, it is not your fault.

Learning about composition will open up your creativity. You will immediately know where to go with an idea, how to position the elements across your space to create a great, dynamic composition. Your composition will act as a visual framework that holds everything together as an invisible glue.

By analyzing literally 100s of real-world examples we will train your eye to see these principles in effect. You will be able to see the slightest mistakes that can throw the framework off balance, the nuances that most viewers just feel, but cannot comprehend.

The purpose of this course is that by the end of it, you will be able to effortlessly elevate any existing design piece by rearranging its elements. You will be able to quickly come up with variations on the same idea, simply by trying out different compositional approaches.

This not only speeds up your workflow but allows you to create intriguing versions you can present to your client.

Design Principles and Rules you will learn about:

• Rule of thirds,

• Golden ratio,

• Golden spiral,

• Direction, Flow and Silhouette,

• Contour and Outline,

• Profile, Line, Tangent,

• Reading Gravity,

• Primary Optical Area,

• Open vs Closed Composition,

• Masthead and Running Head

• and so much more.

Who is this course primary for

This course is a must have for any ambitious creative student who wants to take their game to the next level.

Learning about composition is also very useful for artists and photographers, hobby and professional alike.

The Graphic Design Theory - Composition works both as a standalone course or as part of the other Design Theory Series I’ve published here on Udemy. Understanding the underlying principles of Graphic Design will serve you for life.

Meeting your instructor

This new Graphic Design Theory Series is the essence of my 15+ years of teaching graphic design, and 20+ years of working as a freelance designer at the highest level.

I was fortunate to teach more than a 100.000 students worldwide and was voted as one of the 5 best Adobe instructors of the World. Here in Udemy, some of my courses are all time best sellers and are considered the best in their category.

The challenge of teaching Design Theory is that everything is related, and I have a very effective and unique approach to explore this amazing subject in an enjoyable, easy to understand manner, that will help you to build deep understanding in it fast.

I encourage you to collect all chapters, but you can watch them in any order. This part, Composition is one of the center pieces and a must for any ambitious design student.

Come, let us discover the exciting compositional techniques that professional designers use to make their posters, magazine covers to even the most simple visuals look so pleasing to the eye.

This is a very powerful knowledge to have, and I’m very excited to share it with you!

Martin