Graphic Design Masterclass: Learn Graphic Design in Projects

Graphic design principles, typography, & color mastery using Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. For beginners & more!

Created byChad Neuman, Ph.D.

Last updated 5/2020

English

What you'll learn

Learn and apply graphic design principles to produce effective designs in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Learn and apply color theory and practices to produce effective designs in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Learn and apply effective typography to produce effective designs in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Design an online ad, design an infographic with effective color, create a gig poster with type as a design component, create an illustrative postcard.

Course content

7 sections • 45 lectures • 3h 55m total length

Welcome! What Will You Gain From this Course?2:15
Welcome to Graphic Design Mastery! In this course, you will learn graphic design principles and practices to make amazing graphic designs. You will learn how to use color and typography effectively. You will also learn how to use Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator to put what you learn into practice. I've worked as internet development director at an award-winning advertising design firm, as webmaster and advertising layout specialist at a newspaper, as managing editor at two graphic design magazines, and I'm currently a freelancer and full-time university graphic design professor. So you'll benefit from my experience as well as you create amazing and awesome graphic designs. Let's get started!
How to Get Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign1:38
Instructions on how to get the software programs used in this course to illustrate the design principles, color theory, and best practices in typography.
Adobe Creative Cloud Versions and Customizing the Toolbar in Illustrator8:09
I explain how to customize the toolbar in Adobe Illustrator, and how I use Creative Cloud, before you get started practicing with the software.
Become Familiar with the Graphic Design Software + Some Quick Wins12:23
In this lecture, you'll complete a few graphic design activities to become familiar with Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.
Mac vs. PC: What to Know Regardless of Brand2:28
In this lecture, I explain the minor differences (where Preferences is located and keyboard shortcuts) between Mac and PC in the Adobe software. During the course, I include keyboard shortcuts for both Mac and PC. I have used a Mac in the field (at an advertising design firm, a newspaper, and magazines) as well as a PC (library system and university). Regardless, the software looks pretty much the same, as I explain in this lecture. This lecture also has a supplemental resource: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign keyboard shortcut handouts.
Join Our Facebook Group and Community for Graphic Design Feedback and Critique!0:13
Join our Facebook group and community to get feedback from me and others!

Graphic Design as Powerful, Beautiful, Visual Communication2:19
In this lecture, you will be introduced to the purposes of graphic design and how it is similar to and differs from visual art.
Elements of Graphic Design2:19
In this lesson, you will learn about the primary elements of graphic design.
Composition: Arranging for Aesthetics2:24
In this lecture, you will learn how to use effective composition, including using a grid, the rule of thirds, and other compositional principles and practices.
[ACTIVITY] Adjust Composition in a Photo and Layout9:19
In this activity, you will learn how to use effective composition in Adobe Photoshop and InDesign.
The Beauty and Functionality of Alignment2:25
In this lecture, you will learn the utility and beauty of alignment and why aligning text, images, illustrations, and other elements helps make a design look more professional and can help improve readability and flow of the design.
[ACTIVITY] Design an Aligned Grid Layout6:21
You will learn how to design an aligned grid layout using InDesign in this activity. Aligned text columns look more professional and aligning text columns with other elements creates an aesthetically pleasing layout.
The Clarity of Negative Space or White Space2:33
You will learn how negative space or white space can add breathing room and emphasis or focus in a graphic design.
[ACTIVITY] Use Negative Space Effectively4:00
You will learn how to place elements on a page for effective negative space, using InDesign and Photoshop.
The Clarity of Proximity and Grouping2:02
You will learn how proximity and grouping can help bring clarity and effectiveness to a graphic design.
[ACTIVITY] Apply Proximity Effectively4:18
You will learn to apply proximity and grouping in a design for better communication in a graphic design, using InDesign.

Hierarchy and Dominance for Guiding a Design2:19
You will learn how hierarchy and dominance in graphic design leads to order and emphasis in layouts or designs.
[ACTIVITY] Apply Hierarchy and Dominance for Effective Design6:23
You will learn to apply hierarchy and dominance to a design in Photoshop and layout in InDesign to create an effective example visual communication.
Scale and Proportion for Relevance and Relation in Design2:13
You will learn how using scale and proportion can create visual relevance and comparison in designs.
[ACTIVITY] Use Scale and Proportion for Effective Designs2:40
You will learn how to effectively apply scale and proportion in Illustrator.
The Beauty of Symmetry, Asymmetry and Rhythm2:04
You will learn how rhythm, symmetry, and asymmetry can produce effects graphic designs.
[ACTIVITY] Use Rhythm, Symmetry, and Asymmetry in Design8:12
You will apply effective rhythm, symmetry, and asymmetry to produce effective designs in InDesign and Illustrator.
The Pleasing Effect of Repetition and Consistency2:00
You will learn how repetition of elements and consistency in design can create an aesthetically pleasing look to a design.
[ACTIVITY] Apply Effective Repetition and Consistency5:44
You will apply effective repetition and consistency in a design, using InDesign.
The Excitement of Variation and Contrast2:50
You will learn how variation and contrast can help a design become aesthetically pleasing. Adding a reasonable amount of different types of colors, photos, illustrations, and other elements, or varying spacing, placement, font styles, and other attributes, can add interest to a design
[ACTIVITY] Apply Effective Contrast and Variety in Graphic Design7:37
You will apply contrast and add variety to design in Photoshop and InDesign.
Unity and Gestalt in Graphic Design1:54
In this lesson, you will learn about unity and achieving a gestalt in graphic design.

Learning about Color and Applying Color in Graphic Design1:02
You will be introduced to the awesome power of color in graphic design and its applications.
Useful Color Terminology and Color Modes to Know and Apply8:02
You will learn color terminology and its applications in graphic design.
Note: Finding Legacy Color Swatches0:16
This is a quick note about where to find swatch collections like Pantone in the swatches panel in Photoshop.
Applying the Beauty of Color Harmony9:04
You will learn how to apply color harmony and create color schemes in designs in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
[ACTIVITY] Creating a Custom Color Wheel6:44
In this lesson, you will create a color wheel using Adobe Illustrator.

Communicating with Beautiful Type: Typography's Form and Function1:00
You will learn about the beauty and power of typography in a graphic design context in this section.
Type Terminology for Adjusting and Applying Type12:35
You will learn type terminology, including terminology related to adjusting and applying type.
Typefaces and Best Practices5:04
You will learn how relevant and effective fonts can improve a graphic design.
[ACTIVITY] Create a Quote Design for Type Adjustment Practice4:12
You will practice how to adjust type in Illustrator to create a type-based quote design.

Introduction to Practical Graphic Design Projects2:34
You will learn how Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator can work together to create effective and relevant graphic designs.
[ACTIVITY] Design a Clipping Mask Photo Text Online Ad6:53
You will apply effective proximity and spacing principles to create an effective clipping mask photo text online ad in Photoshop.
[ACTIVITY] Create an Infographic with Effective Color16:29
Using Illustrator, you will apply effective color and spacing principles to produce an infographic that communicates effectively.
[ACTIVITY] Create a Gig Poster with Type as a Design Component16:39
Using Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, you will apply effective design, color, and typographic principles to produce an effective gig poster that uses type as a design component.
[ACTIVITY] Create an Illustrative Postcard Design, Part 114:32
You will apply effective design, color, and typography principles to produce an illustrative postcard design using Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Techniques learned include drawing over a photo, adding effective gradients, and applying a clipping mask effect using a pattern and a photo.
[ACTIVITY] Create an Illustrative Postcard Design, Part 215:40
You will apply effective design, color, and typography principles to produce an illustrative postcard design using Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, in part 2 of this project. Techniques learned include drawing over a photo, adding effective gradients, and applying a clipping mask effect using a pattern and a photo.

Conclusion: The Beauty and Utility of Graphic Design0:53
Thanks for enrolling and completing Graphic Design Hero Course!
Bonus: Photos and Custom Brushes3:24
This is a free package of InDesign templates, custom Illustrator brushes, and custom Photoshop brushes created by the instructor for use your in personal or commercial projects.
Bonus: Learn Even More in My Other Courses!1:39
Learn even more in my other Udemy courses and follow me on various social media channels.

Requirements

You will need a subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud or have an older version of Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator if you want to participate in the activities to put what you learn intro practice. Note: You can also try a 30-day free trial of the Adobe Creative Cloud.

Description

Learn and apply graphic design principles, color, and typography for better designs! Are you frustrated with the quality of your graphic designs, or wonder how graphic designers create effective content? Or do you simply want to learn more about graphic design or get started as a graphic designer?

In this course, you will learn and then apply design principles to create various graphic designs, including an online advertisement, an effective infographic, a gig poster with type as a design element, and an illustrative postcard design. You will learn how color schemes can be created and applied in graphic designs. You will also learn how effective typography can improve your designs as well.

You will use the industry-standard software for photo and raster editing (Photoshop), illustration and vector art (Illustrator), and publication design (InDesign) in this course to apply what you learn.

Course Structure

In the first few sections, you will learn about the overarching benefits of this course and then learn about various design principles such as proximity, alignment, repetition, contrast, balance, negative space, and rhythm. You will apply these design principles right away so you more effectively learn them. This will also allow you to learn design techniques.

In the color section, you will learn about effective color and then how to create color schemes in Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. You will create a color wheel using Illustrator.

In the typography section, you will learn type terminology in order to know how to apply effective type. You will also learn best practices in editing and applying type.

All support files are included for the follow-along exercises and projects on design principles, color, typography, and projects. Bonus files are also included, such as photo and Photoshop brushes.

Instructor Qualifications

I've worked in graphic design at newspapers, magazines, and an award-winning advertising design firm. I've been managing editor of two graphic design magazines and a freelance graphic designer. For the past eight years, I've also taught graphic design at the university level.

Let's get started learning and creating!

This course will enable you to be come a better graphic designer, whether you're new to graphic design or simply want to improve. I'll see you in the course!

Who this course is for:

This course is for beginners who want to be introduced to graphic design principles and their applications or intermediate graphic designers who want to improve and learn even more.
This course is not for people with MFAs in Graphic Design or graphic designers already very familiar with design principles, color, and typography and who are experts at the Adobe design products.
This course is for anyone who wants to create awesome graphic designs in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

Graphic Design Masterclass: Learn Graphic Design in Projects

What you'll learn

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Course content

Welcome to the Exciting World of Graphic Design!6 lectures • 27min

Master Design Principles for Better Design: Part I10 lectures • 38min

Master Design Principles for Better Design: Part II11 lectures • 44min

Amaze with the Beauty of Color: Color Theory and Application5 lectures • 25min

Typography: Understand and Apply Typographic Design4 lectures • 23min

More Practical Graphic Design Projects and Exercises6 lectures • 1hr 13min

Conclusion: Graphic Design Summary and Extra Resources3 lectures • 6min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: