You don't need a degree in graphic design to do desktop publishing. But an understanding of the graphic design basics, including the elements and principles of graphic design, will help you do better work as a designer, publisher, and visual communicator. Explore these lessons in the free Graphic Design Basics Course for Desktop Publishing.
NOTE: Lessons 2.3 through 2.7 are not yet available; however, self-study material is provided that covers each of those missing topics.
Introduction, outline, and descriptions for each of the classes or lessons in the graphic design basics course.
Introduction to the Elements of Design, 5 lessons on lines, shapes, mass, texture, and color, and a final assignment help build the foundation for the next 5 free graphic design basics classes in this section.
This free class focuses on the line, an element of design. 3 lessons explore the appearance, patterns, and uses of lines in desktop publishing and graphic design projects.
This class focuses on shape, an element of design. 4 lessons define geometric, natural, and abstract shapes with emphasis on the meanings and use of basic geometric shapes of square, circle, triangle.
Mass is the element of graphic design under scrutiny here along with size and measurement methods for desktop publishing. Only 2 lessons but many pages of auxillary material make this one of the more involved classes so far in this free series.
3 lessons contain numerous definitions and examples of types of textures used in design and publishing. Learn about paper finishes and the different ways to create visual textures.
3 lessons on value and color including color wheels, tints and shades, warm, cool, and neutral colors, and the meanings and use of different colors and color combinations. This free course is for motivated students.
The first class of Section 2 is an overview of the six principles of design. 2 lessons and a makeover assignment provide definitions and visual examples. (Note: most of this section of the course is not yet online.)
4 free lessons illustrate symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial balance in design along with some related concepts such as the 'rule of thirds' and 'visual center' of a layout.
Not part of the Graphic Design Basics class, this article describes and illustrates 5 types of alignment. Also see:
AlignmentNot part of the Graphic Design Basics class, this article explains the use of grids, one way to maintain consistency in document design. Also see:
Consistency and RepetitionNot part of the Graphic Design Basics class, this multi-part tutorial illustrates several ways to use the principle of contrast. Also see:
ContrastNot part of the Graphic Design Basics class, this tutorial describes seven ways to add white space to a document. Also see:
White Space
