DigiSkills

DigiSkills 2.0 Batch-05

Graphic Design
Topic 01: Introduction to the Instructor
1. Every child is an artist (Pablo Picasso).
2. Fresh Mind and Mood is very important for a graphic designer.

Topic 02: What and how you will learn in this course?
1. This course has divided into three parts:
a. Theory
Rules of Graphic Designing.
b. Software
Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign
c. Practice
Designing logo, poster, business card, stationery design, broacher, website, etc.

Topic 03: Importance of Passion, Patience, and Practice

1. Passion:
Let the Passion drive your Profession (Oprah Winfrey)
a. To increase your passion, share your work with your friends and family and get feedback.
2. Patience
3. Practice:
a. Practice makes a man perfect.
b. Practice on different assignments.
c. Challenge yourself.
d. Try to draw things near you.

Topic 04: Introduction to Design and its Various Fields

1. What is Design?
a. Design is a problem-solving activity.
b. Design is a plan, map, or drawing.
c. Design is to present ideas in visual form.
d. Design is an arrangement of elements in such a way that it serves a function and holds a
specific form/shape.
2. Various Fields:
a. Architectural Designer – To design a building for shelter
b. Fashion designer
c. Product Designer etc.
Topic 05: What is the Process of Designing?
Design Thinking Process:
1. Define the Problem
2. Empathy (Target Audience)
a. What is Target Audience?
People for which you are going to make the
product.
3. Ideate
Meaning to analyze idea or to develop idea.
4. Prototype
Making a model of our design to give final shape of our design.
5. Feedback
Get feedback from people about the design
6. Improvement
Improve design with the help of feedback to eradicate problems in our design.

Topic 06: What is Graphic Design?

1. The Purpose of Graphic Design is to Convey a Message or to Communicate a Message
2. Graphic Design is also known as Visual Communication Design.
3. We Convey Messages through Visual.
4. The main purposes of conveying message are:
a. To Inform
b. To Educate
c. To Persuade
5. A Message can be about Service, product, business, brand, social problem, event etc.
6. We mostly work on product and service on freelancing marketplaces.
7. Difference between Product and Service
a. Product: Anything that we can touch and feel is a product.
b. Service: We cannot touch or feel Service
8. Tools to be used in conveying message
a. Text - Typography
b. Picture - Photography
c. Drawings - Illustration

Topic 07: History of Graphic Design

Topic 08: Scope of Graphic Design
1. Graphic Design is everywhere

Topic 09: Objectives of a Graphic Designer

1. Design should be fulfilling the Purpose.
2. Design should be Unique and Attractive.
 3. Design should be pleasure to eyes and should be easy to remember
“Design is not only how it feels and how it looks, Design is how its works”. (Steve Jobs)

Topic 10: Importance of Creativity and Skill in Graphic Design

1. Creativity plays a very important role in unique creation.
2. Creativity is to think new and different.
3. Present new Ideas.
4. 3 Important things for Creativity:
a. Observation
“Look at the usual things with unusual eyes”.
b. Curiosity
c. Inspiration
5. Creativity is contagious pass it on” (Albert Einstein)
6. You can’t us up creativity. The more you use the more you have”. (Maya Angelou)
7. Important Tips for Creativity:
a. Make Strong Visual Library in Mind.
b. Observe different things around yourself.
c. Take a picture of Attractive and colorful things.
d. Read Graphic Design books
e. Join Graphic Design Communities and read blogs.
f. Keep your mood always fresh.
8. To be an expert in any work is a skill.
9. A work done beautifully is a skill.

Topic 11: Important Graphic Design Projects on Freelance Marketplaces

1. Logo Designing
2. Stationary Design
a. Business Card
b. Letterhead
3. Brochure
4. Flyers
5. Leaflets
6. Poster
7. Billboards
8. Steamers
9. X-stands
10. Shop signs
11. Product packaging
12. Icons
13. Website Designing
14. Web Application Interface
15. Invitation Cards
16. Photo Retouching
17. Social Media Posts
 18. Pattern Design

Topic 12: Necessary Skills Required to work as Graphic Designer

1. Technical Skills
a. Typography
b. Photography
c. Illustration
d. Soft Skill
2. Professional Skills
a. Communication Skill.
b. Critical Thinking – Problem solving ability.
c. Analytical Skill.
d. Time Management Skill
e. Efficient and Updated
f. Quality Assurance

Topic 13: Importance of Research, Copywriting and Process of Concept Development

1. Research is very important in Graphic Designing.
▪ Research on Target Audience
▪ Research on Client’s Competitors
2. Idea Creation / Concept Development
▪ Idea is the base of our design.
▪ Strat form rough idea.
▪ Work on rough idea and make concept.
▪ Convert your concept in design.
We get help from drawing, graphics, sketches, images, and text to achieve design.
▪ What is Brain Storming?
i. When more than one people think and discuss about an idea.
ii. Communicate with people about idea.
3. Copywriting
▪ Infect Copywriting is a written text that we use to convey message about product,
service, etc.
▪ If you’re stuck on design, then try to make a slogan about product, company, or brand.
It will help you to create visual idea about your design. A slogan represents a company,
product, or brand.

Topic 14: Importance of Scale in Graphic Design

1. Scaling mean Measurement of any object.
2. Scale is very important in production and execution.
3. Every design should be made according to scale (where to use how to use).
For Example: A poster scale should be decided according to its execution place like wall,
billboards etc. Others example are the magazine, business card, websites, smart phones sizes.
Topic 15: Elements of Design
There are Two Fundamental Concepts about graphic designing:

1. Elements of Design – Ingredients

2. Principle of Design – Recipe

Elements of Design:
Elements of Design are Building Blocks. Structure of Design are Elements.

1. Dot / Point
▪ Every Drawing start with a single dot.
▪ A picture is also a combination of dots (Pixels).
▪ Video is also a combination of dots (Pixels).
▪ Pointillism Art and Design Movement in Europe is very popular.
▪ Dot may be differ in sizes and may be in black and white or colorful.
▪ Symmetry – Symmetrical Composition
When Dots combine in a sequence, creates a visual.
▪ Asymmetry – Asymmetrical Composition
When dots combine randomly, creates a visual.

2. Line
▪ What is Line?
i. Line is Distance between 2 points.
ii. When a dot moves from a point to another point, a line create.
iii. Combination of dots also create line.
▪ Line has itself length and direction.
▪ Function of line:
o Division
o Direction – Directional Signs -> Arrow
▪ Types of Line:
o Curve, irregular, dotted, wave, zigzag
o 2D Line, 3D Line, Unseen Lines
o Parallel Line and Perpendicular Lines
o Vertical, Horizontal and Diagonal Lines
▪ Use Vertical Lines to show Power/Strength
▪ Use Horizontal Lines to show Relaxation, Comfort.
▪ Use Diagonal Lines to show Movement or Motion.
3. Shape
▪ When Lines combine it creates a shape.
▪ When some actual or implied lines combine and surround an area then a shape is
created.
▪ 2D and 3D Shapes.
 ▪ We Draw shape on paper in 3 different ways:
i. Outline or Stroke
ii. Fill Color
iii. Negative Space
▪ Shapes provide interesting element in design.
▪ Shapes are also used as symbols / icons.
▪ Shapes are used to create textures and patterns.
▪ 3 Types of Shapes:
i. Geometric Shapes
• Basic Geometric Shapes are; Circle, Triangle, Rectangle, Square,
Parallelogram.
• Visual Meaning:
a. Circle – Movement or Motion
b. Triangle – Arrow, Direction
c. Rectangle – direction or length
d. Square – Weight or Strength
ii. Organic Shapes
• We can draw Organic Shapes on paper free hand. Related to
surrounding Nature.
iii. Abstract Shapes
• Abstract shapes are the combination of organic and geometric shapes.
▪ Proximity Principle:
i. When we see objects by placing near or far, basically we use the principle of
proximity.
ii. The relation between objects by placing them near to each other or far away.
iii. It is used to convey message.
4. Size
▪ The Variation between 2 or more objects or shapes is called size.
▪ Comparison is the important thing to observe size of different objects.
▪ Size creates attraction in Graphic Design.
▪ Size organizes the elements in Graphic Design.
▪ Size Justifies the function of element in Graphic Design.
▪ With the sizes we can break in our design, fit-in different element, make depth and
perspective.
5. Space
▪ Space is an empty or open area between, around, above, below or within objects.
▪ Space creates, when shapes composed to each other.
▪ Don’t add to much elements and shapes in your design. Space should be given in design.
▪ It is also called Breathing Space.
▪ Types of Space:
i. Positive Space – Draw with Stroke or Pencil
ii. Negative Space – Created by space around the stroke / drawing.
▪ Space can also be 2D or 3D.
▪ Minimalism:
 i. Minimalism is a movement / technic in which we a few shapes or elements to
convey a message.
6. Color
▪ Graphic Design is incomplete without Colors.
▪ Color is the Sensation of Light.
▪ We see Everything only because of their color.
▪ What is Pigment?
In Plant or Human Blood, a compound is found, called pigment. And because of this
compound leaves have green color and blood has red color.
▪ A surface that reflects light, show its color. (A Surface shows blue color, its mean it
reflects blue color).
▪ Some surfaces absorb lights and don’t reflect light, show themselves dark.
▪ White Surface: When a surface reflects all light color and our eyes observe/sense it, we
see white color.
▪ Black Surface: When a surface absorb all light color and Doesn’t reflect them and our
eyes don’t observe/sense it, we see Black color.

Color Wheel – Warm and Cool Colors

Isaac Newton Invented Color Wheel in 1706. A color wheel has 12 Colors. All these 12
colors are in the spectrum/rainbow. These colors are also called HUE.

Categories of Color Wheel:

1. Primary Color
Primary Colors are: Red, Yellow and Blue
2. Secondary Color
Secondary Colors are the combination of any two colors of Primary Color.
Secondary Colors are: Green, Purple, Orange
Example: Yellow + Blue = Green
Blue + Red = Purple
Red + Yellow = Orange
3. Tertiary Color
Tertiary Colors are the combination of primary colors and secondary colors.
Example: Yellow + Orange = Yellow Orange
Yellow + Green = Yellow Green
Blue + Green = Blue Green
Blue + Purple = Blue Purple
Red + Purple = Red Purple
Red + Orange = Red Orange

White & Black Color:

White & Black color are Neutral Colors / Earth Tones

We get lighter version of color when we add white color to it, known as Tint.
We get darker/shaded version of color when we add black color to it.
 We get Tone of color when we add gray color to it, known as Tone Color.

Warm and Cool Colors:

If we divide color wheel vertically in two parts, we get 2 sets of 3 color from primary and
secondary color.

Warm Color: Red, Yellow, Orange

Cool Color: Blue, Green, Purple

Effects of Warm & Cool Color:

1. The origin of warm color is also warm like sun and fire has red, yellow and orange color.
Warm Color has also Warm Impression.
Example: Red Color Express Passion, Energy and Danger

2. When we look into nature we found cool colors like Water, Trees and flowers has blue,
green and purple color which are cool colors.
Cool Color has also Cool Impression
Example: Blue Color Express Relaxation and Calmness

Impact of Color at our Mood, Surrounding and Its Application:

Color plays a very important role in our personality.
Every Color has its own Visual Meaning.
Baby Looks beautiful in cool colors dress like baby pink, and blue.
In the Whole World Pink color is considered as women color.
Gents wear mostly blue color dress, because it’s a cool color.
Red Color Considered as Passion, Excitement, Love, Anger, Danger.
Yellow Color is Considered as Happiness or Friendship.
Blue Color is Considered as Relaxation, calmness or coolness.
Red Flowers Used for Love, Yellow for Friendship.
Orange Color is Considered as Energy and Youth Color.
Green Color is Considered as Nature Color.
Purple Color is Considered as Loyalty and Trust Color.
Visual Meaning of Colors may differ with respect to culture.

7. Value
▪ Value is the Lightness or Darkness of any Object, Area, Shape or any Color.
▪ Value is used to create Depth, Dimension, Interest, and Drama in Visual, Image,
Photograph and Design.
▪ We use 9 Step Scale in Graphic Designing to measure Value. This scale is white color on
most left side (No. 1) and black color on most right side (No. 9). All Boxes represents tones.
▪ This 9 Step Scale is divided into 3 Parts:
1. First 3 Boxes are known as Highlights.
 2. Mid 3 Boxes are Known as Mid Tones.
3. Last 3 Boxes are Known as Shadows.
▪ If we Remove Mid Tones and combine Highlights with Shadows, we get Contrast.
▪ To Test Value on Colors to Check Tones, Place Pure Color at Mid Box. Then add white color
in it for highlights value or tones and add black color in it to get shadows values or tones.
▪ Value is neither a color nor a contrast, but value itself a tone. Different Tone are called
values. Value is the Lightness and Darkness.
▪ Contrast is monitored by value.
▪ We can add Contrast in our design to Create very interesting element.
▪ The form of any object or shape is presented by value.

8. Texture
▪ Texture is a very important visual element in graphic design.
▪ Feel of any surface called Texture. How a surface feels is actually its Texture.
▪ Texture can be Rough, Smooth, or Silky.
▪ Texture can be Organic or Non-Organic.
o Organic Texture comes from Nature. Like Leaf, Grass, Sand, Soil, Flower.
o Non-Organic Textures come from other than nature surfaces. Brick, cement.
▪ Texture can be Actual or Implied.
o If a surface has the same feel in appearance and touch is called Actual Texture.
o If a surface doesn’t have same feel in appearance and touch is called Implied.
Texture.
▪ Texture can be pattern Texture and Image Texture
o Pattern Texture: When different shapes repeat in specific patter.
o Image Texture: These Textures comes from Image source. Image Texture can be
Environmental Texture, Biological Texture, and Man-made Texture.
▪ Texture is very useful as a background for our design like poster, banner etc.

Topic 16: Principles of Design

Principles are rules for designing.

1. Balance:
▪ Equal Distribution of Visual Weight is called balance.
▪ Weight can be between two different things like colors, sizes and scale of objects,
placement of objects, etc.
▪ We try to manage visual weight in balance. And it’s very important.
▪ Visual Weight means how something looks heavy or light in our design.
▪ What is Eye Traveling?
o When we decrease or increase the weight of different elements in our design, we
are actually directing the viewer’s eye to where it enters and exits our design.
▪ Types of Balance:
o Symmetrical Balance
All Sides of our Design, Vertically or Horizontally looks the same in visual.
o Asymmetrical balance
 Visuals may not look both sides the same, but their visual balance is equal.
o Radial Balance
All elements are placed around a specific center point.
2. Proximity
▪ Proximity means Nearness.
▪ Proximity principle applies when we place different elements together.
▪ Proximity is a technic in which we organize different elements.
▪ Proximity is to organize elements of the same quality or properties.
▪ We feel cleanliness and unity in our design by proximity.
3. Alignment
▪ Arranging Elements of Design with a Straight Line is called Alignment.
▪ Types of Alignment:
o Edge, Center, Horizontal, Vertical.
▪ Text Alignment:
o Center, Left, Right, Justified.
▪ We use Grid for different Element Alignments.
▪ We use Alignment to:
o Create Order and Organization.
o Group Elements and create a Visual Connection.

4. Repetition
▪ Using the same elements in design again and again.
▪ It helps to create consistency and association.
▪ We can repeat Similar shapes, colors, or lines that are used more than once.
▪ It helps readers to navigate.
▪ Intelligently use of repetition pleasure to see.
▪ It is important in both single-page documents and multiple pages documents.
▪ Repetition plays a role in filling the Canvas.
▪ We can create balance through Repetition.

5. Contrast
▪ Arranging Opposite Elements Together is called Contrast.
▪ Examples: Light Color vs Dark Color, Large Scale vs Small Scale, Rough Texture vs Smooth
Texture.
▪ Contrast Creates interesting relationships between visual elements.
▪ Contrast can pull together or push away the Elements of Design.
▪ Contrast helps the human eye to differentiate among different elements.
▪ Contrast can be created by variations in Size, Different Shapes, changes in Value, opposite
color, and giving opposite directions of objects.

6. Emphasis
▪ Area or Object within the design that draws attention and becomes a focal point.
▪ It is where the primary concept / theme / story of the design is placed.
▪ Not more than one focal area/point.
 ▪ Different Ways to Create Emphasis:
o Contrast, Value, by breaking patterns, Sizes, placing and capturing object.

7. Unity
▪ Arrangement of Desing Elements in such a way that combined together, they give feeling
of a whole. (“The Whole is greater than the sum of its parts”)
▪ Unity creates order and organization in Graphic Design.
▪ Unity is Made by Repetition of any Element in a creative way that represents a single
image.
▪ Unity reduces the clutter or mess in our Desing.
▪ We can create Unity by Similarity, Continuation, Repetition.

8. Movement
▪ Movement is connected with Eye Traveling.
▪ We can control the viewer’s eye by ourself through Movement Principle. It means where
the viewer should start viewing our drawing and from where he should leave or drawing.
In other words, we can navigate viewer eye by Movement Principle.

9. Rhythm
▪ Repetition of Desing Elements in a specific pattern/with certain gaps or intervals is called
Rhythm.
▪ Types of Rhythm:
o Random Rhythm
Repetition of elements with no regularity and random intervals.
o Regular Rhythm
Repetition of Elements with regular/similar intervals/gaps.
o Flowing Rhythm
Repetition of Elements following bends and curves. Like river waves, cloud waves.
o Progressing Rhythm
Repetition of Elements with certain change and progress every time.

10. Pattern
▪ When we arrange or repeat design elements in such a way that repetition become more
regular and predictive, the Pattern create.
▪ Predictive mean understandable, digest able to human, readable, or observe able.
▪ Pattern can be made by combining organic and geometric shapes.
▪ Pattern can be made by repetition of colors in a regular way.
▪ Pattern can be made by Repeating different shapes in a regular way.
▪ Pattern can be used as background in websites, mobile apps, walls, paintings etc.
 11. Rule of Thirds
▪ In this Rule we divide our Design in 3 equals rows and columns. It makes a grid.
▪ We do arrangement in such a way that we align or place our most important element of
design with intersecting points.
▪ It helps us to create a good and balance composition and layout.
▪ We use Rule of Thirds in Illustration, photography, website designing, etc.

Topic 17: What is Typography? And its importance in Graphic Design

▪ Present, design, arrange, and manage of words on visual form is called Typography.
▪ Typography is a Greek work, which is a combination of two words Typo and Graphy.
o Typo: Impression
o Graphy: Write / Draw.
▪ Typographer should be kept in mind the readability of text.
▪ Selection of Fonts with respect to topic is very important. Font is relevant to the Topic.
▪ Right size of Fonts on right place.

Difference B/W Serif and San Serif Fonts:

• What is Typeface and Font?

o Typeface: Typeface is family. Like Helvetica, Arial
o Font: Font is a member of Typeface family. Like Helvetica Bold, Helvetica Light, etc.
Visual representation of text is called Fonts.
• Categories of Type Faces:
o Serif Fonts
A Serif is a small decorative flourish on the end of the strokes that make up letters
and symbols. Serif is a Douch word which means Line.
Example: Times New Roman, Cooper Black,
o San-Serif
“Sans” (to be without) Serif fonts do Not have any flourishes at the end of strokes.
Example: Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Verdana.
• Always select those fonts who are readable, clear, and understandable.
• Every Typeface has its own personality. Select a Typeface whose personality relevant to our
topic.
Examples: Fonts for Beauty Salon should be stylish, slim and smart.
Fonts for Construction should be Heavy, Bold, and Thick.
Fonts for Festival should be decorative.
Fonts for Technology should be simple and modern.

Topic 17: What is Photography? And it’s important in Graphic Design

▪ Photography is an art in which we capture moments, humans, places, etc. with the help of light.
▪ It is a Greek word – Photo means Light and Graphy means Write / Draw.
 ▪ If we want to create a design on a specific topic, the pictures should be related to that topic.
▪ Types of Photography:
o Fashion, Portrait, Landscape, Ceremonial, Editorial, Wedding, Sports, Wildlife, Product.

How to Choose Suitable Photo for the Topic and Stock Websites:

• Always use High-Quality Images.

• Use Relevant Images to your Desing.
• Use Human Elements in your Product Designs.
• Use Human Feelings and Memories in your Designs.
• Follow the Brand Policy in your Designs.

Photo Stock Websites:

Shutterstock – Paid
Unsplash – Free
Pexels – Free
Pixabay – Free

How to search good Images Efficiently at Google

• Search Topic Relevant keyword on Google.

• Tools -> Size, Usage Rights, Color, Time, Type, and more tools.
• Always use copyright-free images.

Topic 18: What is Illustration

▪ Illustration means explain.
▪ In Graphic Design Illustration means depicting/explaining something visually.
▪ We use illustration to make things interesting and easily understandable.

Topic 19: Mediums of Advertising

▪ Advertising can be brand, product, and service promotion.
▪ Mediums: Print, Outdoor, Electronic, Web Media, Mobile Devices
o Print Medium: Posters, Magazine Add, Newspaper Add, Company Profile, Visiting Card
and Stationery.
o Outdoor Medium: Billboards, Streets Banners, Steamers, and shops signs etc.
o Electronic Medium: Electronic Media related things who is related to Film & TV.
o Web Medium: Social Media Posts Design, Web Site Desing, blogs related visual.
o Mobile Medium:

Topic 20: Important Websites for Fonts, Vectors, Icons, brushes, and Actions
▪ Fonts: Visual Representation of Text.
Websites: www.fontsquirrel.com, www.dafont.com, www.abstractfonts.com,
 ▪ Vector: Set of Illustrations.
Websites: www.feeepik.com, www.vecteezy.com,
▪ Icons:
Websites: www.dryicons.com,
▪ Brushes:
Websites: www.brusheezy.com, www.brushking.eu,
▪ Actions:
Websites: www.brusheezy.com,

Topic 20: Important Freelancing Websites

▪ Upwork, toptal, freelancer, 99designs, fiverr, guru, peopleperhour

Topic 21: How and Where to create Online Portfolio Links

▪ Portfolio is very important for success on freelancing marketplaces.
Websites: www.behance.net, www.deviantart.com, www.dribble.com, www.coroflot.com.