A. Introductory Activities: 1. Begin this lesson by having each student complete a short survey about their background in graphic design. Ask them to provide examples of designs they have worked on, if any, artwork or textiles they may have used for projects, and any other examples that demonstrate their creative abilities. This survey will help the teacher understand the student’s current level of knowledge and find ways to increase their understanding.
-
Next, use discussion to summarize what students know about graphic design and the types of designs they may have heard of or have seen in books. This will give the teacher an insight into what students may have unveiled before facing a formal lesson on the topic of graphic design.
-
Then, have each student create a 3-2-1 graphic organizer consisting of 3 things they know about graphics design, 2 questions to ask about graphics design, and 1 way in which graphics design could be used. Ask them to share their responses with the class.
B. Define and Explain the Fundamentals of Graphic Design: 1. Explain to the students that graphic design is the process of using visual elements to communicate a message. The elements used in graphic design can include shapes, colors, text, and textures, but there must be a guided purpose behind them. Explain that the purpose can be to inform, persuade, or entertain.
-
Introduce the student to the colors, shapes and type of fonts used in design. Teach them how to use the right colors to convey a message. For example, bright colors convey a happy and positive message, dark colors convey a more serious and formal message. Explain how to use simple shapes and fonts with calming colors to create certain effects.
-
Explain that graphic designers usually use design principles to ensure that their work is effective and visually pleasing. Introduce the student to the principles of balance, contrast, emphasis, repetition, and unity.
C. Show Examples of Design Principles: 1. Show the students examples of how each of the principles can be used to create harmony and contrast to a design. Explain how balance can be achieved by using the same elements in similar or complementary positions, contrast can be used to create a dichotomy of forms, emphasis can be added to a composition to focus on a particular element, repetition can be used to repeat elements to create a pattern, and unity can be created by using all the elements together in a harmonious way.
-
Through visual examples such as images and artwork, explain how each design principle has been applied.
-
Once students understand the principles, ask them to create a design they feel fits their own style or preference.
D. Discuss Different Types of Graphic Design: 1. Let the students know that there are many different kinds of graphic design, such as motion graphics, typography, logo design, package design, web design, and much more.
-
Show examples of each type of design and discuss the ways in which the principles of graphic design are applied to them. For example, motion graphics combines audio, video, and still images to create a moving visual. Logo designs and typography use fonts, shapes, and patterns to create a recognizable brand.
-
Finally, assign the student a small project to create a basic design using the principles they have learned during the lesson. This is an opportunity for students to apply the design principles they have learned in a creative and interactive way.