Graphic Design School: The Principles and Practice of Graphic Design, Sixth Edition

The essential introduction to graphic design for the digital era

Graphic Design School provides a comprehensive introduction to visual design for modern media. From the fundamentals of design to advanced techniques and problem solving, this book is packed with practical advice and tutorials for a broad range of applications in any media. This updated sixth edition features a wealth of new guidance that reflects the evolution of the field, including extensive discussion of digital design and resourcing. New discussion tackles User Experience and User Interface Design, plus the latest tools, requirements, and resources for designing for the web, mobile apps, social media, and more. Updated assignments reflect the latest graphic design processes and guide students through the transition from simple solutions to starter portfolio pieces, while full-color illustrations, case studies, and designer biographies bring real-world perspective to this complex, multi-faceted skill.

As media continues to evolve, graphic designers must possess a core set of competencies that translate across all applications. This book teaches the critical concepts and essential skills that build the framework for successful, innovative design.

• Master the principles, elements, and tools of design
• Delve into typography, color, and layout for print and screen
• Understand coding requirements and information architecture

• Design for apps, social media, mobile devices, and more

Graphic design has never been a static field, and the continual honing of skills and techniques is an essential part of the job. Innovation comes from change, and today's design landscape is evolving at an ever-increasing pace—expanding diversity in media, audience, topic, technique, tools, and more offer unprecedented opportunity to make your mark. Graphic Design School equips you with a rock-solid foundation to support whatever your talent builds.

Abbie Vickress is a lecturer teaching at Buckinghamshire New University (in the UK) on the undergraduate Graphic Arts programme and at London's Royal College of Art on the postgraduate Visual Communications programme. She is also a freelance graphic designer. Abbie specialises in socially and politically engaged research and topics using a range of graphic mediums including print and e-books, websites, social media, films exhibitions and conferences.

Sandra Stewart is the Associate Dean for Academics at Drexel University's Westphal College of Media & Arts Design.

Introduction 6

Part One: Principles 8

Chapter One: Research and Concepts

Basics of research 10

Linear reasoning/lateral thinking 14

Exploratory drawing 16

Visualizing ideas 18

Theories of image and text 20

Audiences, markets, and concepts 24

Scheduling, organizing, and finalizing 26

Chapter 1: Assignments 30

Chapter Two: Fundamentals of Composition

Basics of composition 32

Form and space 36

Symmetry/asymmetry 38

Basic principles of design layout 40

Styles of layout 44

Pace and contrast 46

Size and format 50

Identity and extended systems 52

Photography and illustration 56

Chapter 2: Assignments 60

Chapter Three: Fundamentals of Typography

Typography and meaning 62

The anatomy of type 64

Understanding and selecting typefaces 66

Spacing 72

Readability and legibility 76

Typographic emphasis and hierarchy 78

Typographic rules/boxes and ornaments 82

Text as image 84

Chapter 3: Assignments 86

Chapter Four: Fundamentals of Color

Color terminology 88

Color legibility, contrast, and harmony 92

Color associations 94

Color as information 96

Chapter 4: Assignments 98

Part Two: Practice 100

Chapter Five: Tools and Technologies

Photography basics and sourcing images 102

Page-assembly programs 106

Photoshop 110

Illustrator 114

Animate and After Effects 118

Chapter 5: Assignments 120

Chapter Six: Print Production and Presentations

Preparing files for print 124

Creating a convincing presentation 128

Paper stocks and finishing 130

Printed color 132

Print media 134

Digital printing 136

Correcting color proofs and press check 138

Chapter 6: Assignments 140

Chapter Seven: Web Design

Project development process overview 142

Project structures 148

Web tools 150

Initial consultations 154

Information architecture (IA) 156

Flowcharts and wireframes 158

Common elements of a web layout 162

Designing for the web 164

Mobile application design 170

Working with content management systems 173

Banner ad design 176

Search engine optimization (SEO) 178

Online portfolios 180

Chapter 7: Assignments 184

Chapter Eight: Expert Paths 188

Glossary 198

Bibliography 202

Online resources 203

Index 204

Acknowledgments 208

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