Graphic Design
Graphic Design is the art of combining text, images, colors and layout to create visual communication for print and digital media.
Key Design Principles
- Balance: Symmetrical or asymmetrical distribution of elements
- Contrast: Difference in color, size, shape to create visual interest
- Alignment: Elements lined up to create order and organization
- Repetition: Consistent use of design elements throughout
- Proximity: Grouping related items close together
- White Space: Empty space that gives the design room to breathe
Color Theory
- Primary Colors: Red, Blue, Yellow
- Secondary Colors: Orange, Green, Purple
- RGB — for screen (Red, Green, Blue)
- CMYK — for print (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)
- HEX Codes: #FF0000 (Red), #00FF00 (Green), #0000FF (Blue)
Typography
- Serif: Times New Roman — formal/print
- Sans-Serif: Arial, Helvetica — clean/digital
- Script: Cursive/handwriting style
- Font size, weight (Bold), style (Italic), line height, letter spacing
Software Tools
- Adobe Photoshop: Photo editing, raster graphics
- Adobe Illustrator: Vector graphics, logos
- Canva: Easy online design tool
- CorelDRAW: Vector illustration
- GIMP: Free alternative to Photoshop
File Formats
FormatTypeUse
JPEG/JPGRasterPhotos, web images
PNGRasterTransparent background
GIFRasterAnimations
SVGVectorScalable logos
PDFBothPrint-ready files