BEGINNER GRAPHIC DESIGN COURSE
Lesson Notes (Powered by Serenity Integrated Resources - SIR)
📓 Module 1: Introduction to Graphic Design
Lesson Title: Introduction to Graphic Design
Duration: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Objectives: Define graphic design and its role in visual communication.
Understand CRAP design principles.
Identify the main fields in graphic design.
Materials Needed: Projector, Canva access, sample designs, whiteboard
Lesson Content:
1. What is Graphic Design?
Introduction to Graphic Design (15 mins)
Definition:
Graphic Design is the art and practice of planning and projecting ideas and experiences with visual and
textual content. It is used to communicate messages clearly and effectively through visuals.
Examples in Daily Life: Posters, Book covers, Logos, Infographics, Social media posts
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2. Importance of Design in Daily Life
Builds brand identity
Enhances communication
Attracts attention
Increases engagement on platforms
Helps in storytelling and marketing
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3. Core Principles (CRAP)
C – Contrast: Use of differences in color, size, and fonts to highlight importance.
R – Repetition: Repeating design elements (colors, fonts, shapes) for consistency.
A – Alignment: Proper arrangement to create order and connection between elements.
P – Proximity: Grouping related items together to show relationships
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4. Types of Graphic Design (Branding, UI, Print, Motion, etc.)
Find below a breakdown of different design fields:
Branding – logos, identity kits
Marketing & Advertising – flyers, banners, social media posts
UI/UX – website/app design
Print & Editorial – magazines, newspapers, book covers
Motion Graphics – animated logos, explainer videos
Packaging Design – product boxes and labels
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Activities:
Analyze 3 designs using CRAP
Group critique exercise
Homework: Create a simple flyer using all four CRAP principles
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🔵 Module 2: Design Thinking & Visual Communication
Lesson Title: Creative Process & Target Audience
Objectives: Learn the 5 stages of design thinking
Understand visual communication and audience targeting
Materials: Sketchpad, sample ads, personas worksheet
Lesson Content:
1. Introduction to Design Thinking:
Empathize
Define
Ideate
Prototype
Test
2. Understanding Audience & Communication
3. Storytelling with Design
Activities:
Create a persona
Brainstorm 3 campaign ideas for a fictional product
Homework: Sketch a design concept for a youth campaign
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🔴 Module 3: Color Theory
Lesson Title: Understanding Color in Design
Duration: 1 Hour
Objectives:
Identify and apply color harmonies
Explain color psychology in branding
Materials: Color wheel handout, Canva, color sample sheets
Lesson Content:
1. Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Colors
2. Color Harmonies:
Complementary
Analogous
Triadic
3. Warm vs. Cool Colors
4. Color Psychology
Activities:
Create a mood board with 3 brand palettes
Class discussion on emotional impact of colors
Homework: Rebrand an existing product using a new color palette
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🟠 Module 4: Typography Basics
Lesson Title: Using Type Effectively
Duration: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Objectives:
Understand different font categories
Learn principles of legibility and hierarchy
Materials: Fonts poster, Canva/Google Fonts, printouts
Lesson Content:
1. Type Anatomy (x-height, ascender, etc.)
2. Typeface Categories:
Serif
Sans-serif
Script
Display
3. Pairing Fonts
4. Readability vs. Legibility
Activities:
Font pairing practice
Redesign a quote with proper hierarchy
Homework: Create a typographic poster
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🔸 Module 5: Layout & Composition
Lesson Title: Visual Structure in Design
Duration: 1 Hour
Objectives:
Learn basic layout structures
Apply grid and alignment systems
Materials: Grid templates, magazine cutouts, Canva
Lesson Content:
1. Visual Hierarchy
2. Composition Techniques:
Rule of Thirds
Z-pattern
F-pattern
3. Grids
🔸 Module 6: Tools of the Trade
Introduction to design tools (apps/softwares)
1. Picsart
2. Canva
3. Coreldraw
4. Adobe Photoshop
