Graphic Design Level 2 – Foundation Notes
Basic Knowledge & Practical Guide for Entry-Level Graphic Designers
Overview of Graphic Design Level 2
Graphic Design Level 2 focuses on basic design concepts, simple software operations,
fundamental typography, image handling, and entry-level design tasks. This level prepares
learners to assist in design work and build a strong foundation for higher levels.
Core Competency Areas (Level 2)
Basic Graphic Design Concepts
Elements & Principles of Design (Basic)
Introduction to Design Software
Basic Image Editing
Simple Layout & Composition
Workplace Practices & Safety
1. Introduction to Graphic Design
Graphic design is visual communication using text, images, shapes, and colors to convey
messages clearly and attractively.
2. Basic Elements of Graphic Design
Line
Shape
Color
Texture
Space
These elements are used to create all visual designs.
3. Basic Principles of Design
Balance
Contrast
Alignment
Repetition
Proximity
4. Color Basics
Primary colors
Secondary colors
Warm & cool colors
Basic color harmony
5. Introduction to Typography
What is typography
Serif & Sans Serif fonts
Font size & spacing
Basic font pairing
6. Introduction to Graphic Design Software
Adobe Photoshop (basic)
Adobe Illustrator (basic)
File opening & saving
Workspace overview
7. Basic Image Editing
Crop & resize images
Brightness & contrast
Simple color correction
Image formats (JPG, PNG)
8. Selection Tools (Basic)
Marquee tool
Lasso tool
Magic Wand
Quick Selection
9. Layers & Basic Layer Management
Create layers
Rename layers
Hide & lock layers
10. Simple Image Composition
Placing images
Background replacement (basic)
Using simple masks
11. Basic Layout & Composition
Simple page layout
Text and image placement
Use of white space
12. Introduction to Print Basics
Paper size
RGB vs CMYK (basic idea)
Resolution basics
13. Basic Digital Design
Social media post size
Simple banner design
Web image basics
14. File Management & Naming
Folder structure
File naming rules
Saving editable files
15. Workplace Safety & Ethics
Computer safety
Eye & posture care
Respect copyright
16. Basic Design Tasks at Level 2
Simple poster
Basic flyer
Social media post
Simple logo practice
17. Common Beginner Mistakes
Overusing fonts
Poor color choice
Low-quality images
18. Quality Check (Basic)
Spell check
Alignment check
Image clarity
19. Learning Progression
Level 2 learners should prepare for Level 3 by improving software skills and design
understanding.
20. Career Path After Level 2
Junior graphic assistant
Design trainee
Further study (Level 3)
Conclusion
Graphic Design Level 2 builds the essential foundation required to enter the design field. Strong
basics ensure success in advanced graphic design levels.