Be a Graphic Designer: Project-Based Design Theory in Canva | Digital Art

Building upon the knowledge acquired in Be a Graphic Designer: Beginner to Advanced in 10 weeks, this Be a Graphic Designer: Project-Based Graphic Design Theory class delves deeper into the principles and elements of graphic design. Over the span of ten weeks, students will explore and master essential design elements, each week focusing on a different aspect and completing a project. This course will culminate in a final project that integrates learned principles.

Week 1: Introduction to Line
Time to get in line with your creativity! We'll start by exploring the wonderful world of lines in graphic design. From straight and sleek to curvy and quirky, we'll discover how lines can jazz up your designs. Then, it's off to Canva to whip up a project where lines take center stage!

Week 2: Exploring Shapes
Let's shape things up with the basics of geometric and organic forms! Get ready to delve into the delightful realm of shapes and uncover their significance in conveying meaning and emotion. Whether it's circles, squares, stars, or more intricate designs, we'll learn how to use these forms to spice up our designs. Then, it's your turn to shape the future with a Canva project that's all about putting these shapes in the spotlight.

Week 3: Understanding Form
Buckle up as we add some depth to our designs! In this session, we'll explore the wonderful world of form and how to make our creations pop off the page. Get ready to bring your designs to life in Canva with some cool techniques to convey form effectively.

Week 4: Harnessing Texture
Time to add some texture to the mix! Texture adds that extra oomph to our designs, so let's dive into the world of tactile goodness. After learning the ropes, it's texture time in Canva as you create a project that's as rich and textured as your imagination allows!

Week 5: Achieving Balance
Balance is crucial for creating visually harmonious designs. Students will study various forms of balance and then demonstrate their comprehension by designing a balanced composition in Canva.

Week 6: The Power of Color
Color is a potent force in graphic design, and we'll dive deep into its nuances. From exploring the color wheel to understanding hue, saturation, and value, we'll equip you with the tools to master color harmony formulas. Get ready to infuse your projects with vibrant and cohesive color schemes that captivate your audience's attention.

Week 7: Exploring Space
Space—the final frontier of design! We'll explore how to use space to our advantage, shaping relationships between elements to create designs that really pop. Then, it's off to Canva to show off your spatial savvy with a project that's out of this world!

Week 8: Understanding Size
Size influences perception and emphasis within a design. After learning about the impact of size, students will create a project in Canva where they manipulate size to convey hierarchy or importance.

Week 9: Exploring Scale
Get ready to think big (or small) as we explore the power of scale! From tiny details to larger-than-life elements, we'll discover how scale can take your designs to the next level. Then, it's your turn to experiment with scale in Canva and create a project that's sure to make a statement.

Week 10: Final Project
It's time for the grand finale—the final project! This is where all your hard work and creativity come together in one epic design masterpiece. Under the guidance of your instructor, you'll showcase everything you've learned as you create a polished project using Canva that's sure to wow the crowds!

By the end of this class, students will have developed a deeper understanding of the principles and elements of graphic design and the ability to apply them effectively using Canva's digital platform.

In this class, we believe in empowering learners to unleash their creativity and express themselves freely through their projects. Each week, you'll have the creative freedom to design the type of project that speaks to you. Whether you would like to create invitations, posters, flyers, social media graphics, brochures, logos, infographics, or any other visual masterpiece, the choice is yours. So, get ready to let your imagination run wild as you craft unique and personalized projects that reflect your individual style and vision while incorporating graphic design theory. The sky's the limit—let your creativity soar!

*Before embarking on this exciting journey it's essential that learners come equipped with a solid understanding of how to navigate and utilize the Canva platform effectively. As our primary tool for creating stunning graphic designs throughout the course, participants should be comfortable with Canva's features, functions, and interface to fully engage in the learning experience. So, if you're ready to dive deeper into the world of graphic design with us, make sure you're Canva-savvy and prepared to unleash your creativity!

Parents will need to sign learners up for a free Canva account before class.  Learners will need to be logged into their Canva account prior to the start of class.  (The learners can fully participate in the class with the free account.  The teacher will demonstrate some of the things that can be accomplished with premium features).