Basic Design
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of visual design and visual communication. Through practical exercises and guided projects, students develop an understanding of how design decisions influence clarity, aesthetics, and meaning. The course builds a strong base for further studies in digital arts, creative design, and visual media.
- Apply core design principles to create visually balanced and effective compositions.
- Use color, typography, and space to communicate ideas clearly and purposefully.
- Develop basic brand and advertising visuals aligned with audience and message.
- Create structured layouts for print-based and promotional design formats.
- Analyze and improve design work using fundamental design criteria.
The whole semester.
- 01Introduction to Basic Design
- 02Color Theory and the Color Wheel
- 03Tints, Shades, and Gradients
- 04Elements of Design
- 05Principles of Design
- 06Positive and Negative Space
- 07Visual Balance and Composition
- 08 · MidtermLogos, Symbols, and Insignia
- 09Corporate Identity Basics
- 10Typography Fundamentals
- 11Introduction to Print Advertising
- 12Press Advertisements: Structure and Technical Basics
- 13Posters: Format, Purpose, and Design Considerations
- 14Out-of-Home Advertising: Formats and Applications
- 15Editorial Design: Newspapers and Magazines
- 16Introduction to Advertising Campaigns
Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.
Students will design a cohesive set of visual communication materials for a single imaginary brand. The materials include one logo design, two posters, and one magazine spread (two facing pages).
Required Design Deliverables
Logo Design
One finalized logo for the imaginary brand
Must include
Primary logo (color version)
Black-and-white version
Poster Designs (2 Designs)
Two posters designed for the same brand
Standard size: A3
Magazine Spread
One two-page magazine spread (facing pages)
All designs must belong to one unified brand system.
The final project will be assessed based on application of design principles and elements and visual consistency across all deliverables.
- Graphic Design for Beginners: Typography, Color Theory, Layout & More by GCFLearnFree.orgCovers core graphic design fundamentals including color theory, typography basics, layout, and visual communication concepts.
- Mastering Design Theory: Colours, Layout & Typography by Yes I’m a DesignerExplains essential design theory with emphasis on color harmony, layout systems, hierarchy, and typography in practical design contexts.
- The ONLY Graphic Design Video On Space You Need To See! by Satori GraphicsFocuses on positive and negative space, visual balance, and how spatial decisions impact composition and clarity.
- Graphic Design Theory #5 – Typography: Legibility & Readability by The FuturIntroduces typography fundamentals, font selection, legibility, readability, and effective type usage in design.
- FULL 1 Hour Logo Design Course – Everything You Need to Know by Satori GraphicsProvides a complete overview of logo design, symbols, visual marks, and brand identity development.
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