Graphic Design Basics (CSIS 160)
General Introduction and Course Description
This course introduces you to the fundamentals of Graphic design, which involves a process of using visual content in communicating. Examples involve but are not limited to the use of Contrast, Repetition, common graphics design types, Branding, and Photography.
Course Objective – What you will learn
– You will learn the principles of graphic design using Adobe Illustrator
– You will learn how to make a logo
– You will learn how to manipulate photos and navigate the Adobe Illustrator environment.
– You will learn about the legal side of design and how to make sure you are following the proper laws of copyright and trademarks.
– In the last module (Module 4), you will also be briefly introduced to another graphic design application or tool called Photoshop, however, to explore the capabilities of photoshop, you will need to buy the course to complete the last module.
Requirements and Target Audience
The course is designed for both beginners who do not have any prior background in Graphics design, and for intermediate-level people who also wish to extend their practical/hands-on skills and knowledge.
To achieve or fully take advantage of this course, it is important you have a laptop or desktop computer with the Illustrator and Photoshop applications installed.
You can download a Trial Version of the Applications below:
Job Opportunities – The course also enables you to find jobs in the following areas:
- Advertising art director
- Animator
- Artworker
- Concept artist
- Creative director
- Graphic designer
- Illustrator
- Freelancer – creating graphic designs for other people and get paid based on hours spent
- Marketing jobs involving graphic designers to help promote sales, businesses, etc
- Education as a trainer/instructor in a primary school, secondary/high school, private firms, etc
- Start your own Graphic Design Training with little income/investment
Course Modules / Structure
The Course is divided into 4 Modules:
Week 1 – Module 1: Introduction to Graphics Design
This module will include The definition, Types of Design, Principles of Graphics Design, Composition and Layout
Week 2 – Module 2: Typography and Color
This module will include the Basic typography guidelines, Selecting type, Color theory, Color wheel, Colors, and their emotional meanings.
Week 3 – Module 3: Introduction to Illustrator
This Module will include an Overview of Illustrator’s interface, Creating a new project, Different Graphics Design file format, Different file saving options, Export a project Undo and History Functions
Week 4 – Module 4: Final Component and Assessment Leading to Award of a Certification (This final module included topics like Branding + Photography + Image Resolution in Graphic Design + Intro to illustrator + Photoshop Overview & All Tools explained + Quizzes)
This Module would include Logo design and Free high-quality photo resources.
It will throw some light on photoshop as another important graphic design tool from which you can follow a dedicated course called photoshop design and manipulation techniques (CSIS 161).
The module will also provide you access to the final project required for the award of a certification of completion for the course.
Finding the Course (Modules) Contents
For each module, course materials will be attached or provided which you can download. The material guides you step-by-step through the course using/showing specific examples to enable you to get a practical feeling on the spot. If you have issues downloading any PDF, please contact the instructor using the Instructor contact information below.
Modules Assessment
Each module also presents a quiz that you can take to test your own knowledge. This quiz takes a practical approach requiring you to practice using what you have learned. The quiz should be submitted to the instructor’s email (see below) and this will be assessed by the instructor to provide you with feedback and grading.
Final Assessment and Certification (Module 4 + Final Quiz) – Final Project
Modules 1 to 3 can be accessed and taken for free. To be able to complete the full course and obtain a certificate of completion, you will be required to pay for and take Module 4. You are required to score 70% and above for the ASSESSMENT (Module 1 to 4) to be eligible for the certification.
Instructor’s Contact
Instructor Name: Xavier Essien
Email Contact: xavier@osiriuniversity.org
