There are three things you need to know about computer graphics design. Firstly, it is not easy to learn. Secondly, other people have mastered it and you can too. And, thirdly, you will never stop learning.
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Become Familiar With The History Of Graphic Design
Nothing will give you a better taste of graphic design than seeing how it has developed from its earliest beginnings to now. You will start to discern good from bad design. Additionally, you will discover which areas appeal to you that are likely to shape what type of designer you become.
Processes and techniques have evolved and will continue to do so. You will become aware of past movements that have shaped the field and contemporary styles, and methods of print and digital design. This will help you find your niche.
You can research the topic by exploring books, podcasts, and documentaries.
Learn And Understand The Five Key Principles Of Design
The five key principles of design are balance, hierarchy, contrast, repetition, and alignment. They ensure that the design has consistency, demonstrates organisation, is coherent, stable, and impactful and that it conveys a message. By bringing a design in accordance with these principles, it can be improved from the initial idea to the end solution. It is also important to make sure that it is aligned with the brief from the client. These diagrams will give you a clearer idea of what each principle entails. Use them to examine various designs and try to identify how each principle has been included.
Typography
Typography includes typesetting, typeface design, and lettering. Typesetting determines the hierarchical structure for headings and captions and fitting text to a layout. Typeface design prepares type characters of the alphabet in upper and/or lowercase, punctuation marks, numbers, etc. This can be created using Adobe Illustrator and further refined using specific apps like Fontographer. Lettering may be done digitally or free-hand for customisation. Typography has a big effect on the tone and feel of the design and how it will be interacted with.
Learn The Science Of Colour
There is actual science to colour because it evokes certain moods. Thus, you need to know what each colour means according to the theory and how to use colours in combination. You also need to pay attention to branding and the audience being targeted. Be practical in coming to grips with colour by experimenting with different combos and using a good support app like Adobe’s Color CC. Also, examine the work of various designers and how they have used colour.
Use A Suitable Desktop Or Laptop For Design
Graphic design requires the use of digital applications in the modern world. Choose a suitable device that can handle the graphics you need to work without the computer lagging. Look at Intel Arc™ to get an idea of what is available.
Learn the Essential Design Programmes
The most important design programmes you need to master are Sketch and Adobe Creative Cloud. The latter consists of Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. Start practicing.
You can also keep up to date by following the top graphic design blogs for 2022.
Don’t be afraid to experiment but understand the theory behind what you create.
