Graphic/Visual Design

What is Graphic Design? Roles of a Graphic Designer Print vs Digital Design Understanding Visual Communication Overview of Design Tools (CorelDRAW & Photoshop) File formats: JPG, PNG, PDF, SVG, CDR, PSD

• Set Up CorelDRAW and Photoshop

  Launch CorelDRAW and Photoshop, or verify access to both applications, and identify each application on your computer.

• What Graphic Design Is and What Designers Do

  Describe graphic design and identify common tasks performed by a graphic designer.

• Communicate a Message Visually

  Identify the intended audience and main message in a simple graphic design example.

• Compare Print and Digital Design

  Classify common design examples as print or digital and state where each will be used.

• Choose Between CorelDRAW and Photoshop

  Select CorelDRAW or Photoshop for a simple design task and explain the choice.

• Create a Simple Promotional Graphic

  Create a basic promotional graphic in CorelDRAW for a specified audience and message.

• Choose the Right File Format

  Match JPG, PNG, PDF, SVG, CDR, and PSD files to their common uses.

• Capstone: Prepare a Graphic for Print and Digital Use

  Export the promotional graphic as a print-ready PDF and a web-ready PNG while retaining its editable CDR source.

• Elements of Design o Line, Shape, Color, Texture, Space • Principles of Design o Balance, Contrast, Alignment, Repetition, Hierarchy, Proximity • Color Theory o RGB vs CMYK o Color psychology • Typography Basics o Font categories o Font pairing & readability

• Set Up CorelDRAW and Photoshop

  Install or access CorelDRAW and Photoshop and create a correctly sized blank document in CorelDRAW.

• Explore Line and Shape

  Create a simple composition using lines and basic shapes in CorelDRAW.

• Use Texture and Space

  Arrange textured shapes and empty space to make a composition easy to read.

• Understand Color Modes and Color Psychology

  Choose an RGB or CMYK color setup and select colors that communicate a stated mood.

• Project: Design a Colorful Event Poster

  Create a one-page event poster using a readable pair of font categories and the design elements introduced in this module.

• Apply Balance and Contrast

  Adjust the size and placement of poster elements to create a balanced layout with clear contrast.

• Use Alignment and Repetition

  Organize poster text and shapes with consistent alignment and repeated visual details.

• Capstone: Create a Clear, Eye-Catching Poster

  Design a finished poster that uses hierarchy and proximity to guide viewers through its information.

• CorelDRAW workspace overview • Toolbars, dockers, and property bar • Page setup and document settings • Rulers, grids, guidelines, and snapping • Keyboard shortcuts & productivity tips • Shape tools (Rectangle, Ellipse, Polygon) • Bezier & Pen tools • Node editing and curve control • Weld, Trim, Intersect, and Shape Builder • Object alignment and distribution

• Install CorelDRAW and Explore the Workspace

  Open CorelDRAW and identify the drawing page, toolbox, menu bar, and workspace.

• Use the Property Bar, Dockers, and Basic Shortcuts

  Use the property bar, a docker, and basic keyboard shortcuts to manage a simple document.

• Set Up Pages, Rulers, Guidelines, and Snapping

  Configure a page and use rulers, guidelines, and snapping to position an object accurately.

• Draw and Arrange Basic Shapes

  Create and align rectangles, ellipses, and polygons on a page.

• Project: Design a Geometric Badge

  Create a balanced badge using basic shapes and alignment tools.

• Draw Curves and Edit Nodes

  Draw a custom curve with the Bézier or Pen tool and refine its nodes.

• Combine Shapes with Weld, Trim, and Intersect

  Apply Weld, Trim, and Intersect to turn overlapping shapes into a single design.

• Capstone Project: Create a Vector Logo

  Create a vector logo that combines basic shapes, edited curves, and shape-combining operations.