Introduction to Graphic Design

This course examines the fundamentals of two-dimensional design in the digital age. Students will explore principle elements of design including composition, color, and typography through a series of projects that introduce Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop as primary graphic design tools. The importance of effective visual communication in both commercial and experimental design is stressed as students gain an understanding of the professional design process from the client brief to the finished digital project. 

Students will leave this course with a solid foundation in strategies for solving design problems, a basic design vocabulary, and an understanding of the specific role that Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop play in creating professional work. 

Before starting this course, students should be comfortable creating, deleting, renaming, and moving files and directories without assistance.

Access to a computer with the Adobe Creative Suite installed is required.

Note: Students in this course will be provided with an Adobe Creative Cloud License for the duration of the course. We recommend that you have a laptop that meets the minimum requirements for Adobe Creative Cloud.

A leader in educating artists, designers, and scholars since 1866, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers nationally accredited degree programs as well as Continuing Studies programs for adults and children, ages 4-18.  Considered one of the most influential art and design schools in the world, SAIC has continuing studies programs available to all skill levels.  Students develop their creative and critical abilities while working with renowned faculty, utilizing state-of-the-art resources, and visiting the breath-taking galleries at the Art Institute of Chicago.