Many people have a misconception that graphic design is a practical field where theoretical knowledge doesn’t play a big role and is not necessary to become a qualified graphic designer. Well, let me tell you that a graphic designer should have proper knowledge of practical as well as theoretical aspects of graphic design in order to make hands-on projects in graphic design. The theory aspect of graphic design helps in better communication of the brand’s message to the target audience.
Important note:
With proper alignment, font, typography, and color combination, the correct message can be easily conveyed to the target audience. Moreover, along with knowledge of design theory, you need to have command over software applications that are used for preparing graphic designs.
Practicing skills that you learn is important, especially in the creative field. To become an expert in software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and other graphic design software, you must practice to become better day by day.
Who this blog is for and what exactly it covers?
This blog is crafted by our experts for all creative minds who have interest in graphic design. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, this blog will elaborate on the importance of hands-on projects in graphic design training and how they will be beneficial for graphic designers.
Further, it will shed light on the importance of design theory and why every graphic designer must have a deep understanding of design principles and theory.
Additionally, this blog will also determine some examples of hands-on projects on which graphic designers can work along with the practices that can implement for designing graphics.
Lastly, the blog also includes some of the best designs of our students at ADMEC Multimedia Institute.
Theoretical Foundation of Graphic Design Education
As mentioned earlier, the importance of theoretical aspects cannot be ignored if you want to make your mark in the graphic design industry. Design theory is like a must to include part in knowledge to setup your foundation of graphic design education.
Role of principles and fundamentals
Design theories mainly focus on design fundamentals and principles. It is the foundation on which graphic designers build the structure of a truly inspiring and appealing design. The design includes the common language that connects everybody everywhere irrespective of the place they are in.
A problem-solving approach
A perfectly crafted design includes a problem-solving approach and follows the rules and areas of design theory too. It sets a clear example of the usage of each and every design element from shapes, colors, textures to space and forms.
Elements
Not only is this but it also provides e a glimpse of an idea that binds all of these elements perfectly so that there is a balance, pattern, and rhythm throughout the design.
This meets the very main objective and it is to convey the message of the brand as exactly it is in the form of designs.
How institutes like ADMEC making the true graphic design training possible?
At ADMEC Multimedia Institute, we know how much importance design theory holds in a designer’s life as well as their career. Therefore, we have the best faculties who are graphic design experts. They conduct special classes on design theories so that students learn these design elements and theories and can apply them in the designs later.
With special workshops and seminars, we make sure to provide real-life theory to practical examples of designs.
Moreover, our graphic design courses also include classes on visual grammar and sketching.
Under the visual grammar sessions, students not only master the theoretical aspect of graphic design but also get practical training on leading applications like Photoshop and Illustrator.
With this method of training, students become better in designing and eliminating mistakes thereby connecting more with the target audience.
Benefits of Hands-on Projects in Graphic Design Courses
Hands-on projects in graphic design courses are highly beneficial for students as they can have strong command over software and will be able to keep on creating better designs.
A. Enhancing practical skills and techniques
Working on projects, enhances your practical as well as creative skills. You can be better with time by working on the projects. The projects help you in learning the right steps to create a perfect balance in your designs with the use of proper design elements and color combinations.
B. Promoting creativity and innovative thinking
When you keep working on your skills and practice them regularly, your creativity gets improved after a certain point and you become more creative with your designs. You get to learn new ideas and with new and innovative ideas you tend to create better designs and master the skill of designing graphics.
C. Fostering problem-solving abilities
With more command over software, you communicate the message of the brand in a more meaningful way. It further enhances your problem-solving skills as your ability to solve problems keeps on improving.
D. Enhancing the students’ portfolio
With hands-on projects in graphic design training, you can easily build your portfolio by working on live projects. Ignoring portfolio development can be a big mistake as it is best way to grab the desired job in the field. Even, if you are a freelancer, you can show your portfolio to your clients which can further build their trust and you will end up getting better projects to work on.
Examples of Hands-on Projects in Graphic Design Courses
If you want to work on projects, this is how you can start.
Take a look at the top examples of hands-on Projects in Graphic Design Courses by students
A. Creating a branding package for a fictitious company
You can start by creating a branding package for a fictitious company. It includes various aspects such as:
- Logo
- Poster
- Visiting card
- Letterhead
- Envelope
- Calendar
- Press-ad
- Banner
- I-card
- File folder
- Tri-fold brochure
- Bi-fold brochure
- Magazine
- Books
- Newspaper
- Illustrations
- Merchandise
B. Designing a poster and web ad campaigns for a social media
As a beginner, you can also start by designing a poster for the social media of a company. You can create web ad campaigns for companies.
C. Developing a UI design for e-commerce website
UI designing for websites especially for e-commerce stores is a very popular type of project for graphic designers. With these types of projects, there are lots of things to observe, learn and practice. This will help you in providing a deeper understanding of UI designing as well along with graphic design.
D. Designing packaging for a new product
You can also design packaging for a new product. For this, you can create Illustrator to create beautiful shapes and elements. This will make your design more creative as your designs get more innovative.
E. Working on photo retouching and compositing
After learning graphic design skills, you can also work on editing images, photo retouching and composting. You can work on different tools that are available in the software and have command over those tools.
Best Practices for Implementing Hands-on Projects at ADMEC
Still got on how to implement hands-on projects, follow the best practices given below.
A. Plan for targeting audience and set up clear objectives
Starting a project without setting up the clear goals and targets will take you to the state of being unsuccessful. So, make a habit of planning always and marking the goals to achieve. If you are starting a project on a new brand then start by conducting research on the characteristics of the target audience.
B. Following the essential design planning and research
Once the first part is done then you can focus on proper planning and research on the type of design you are going to create. The design elements must be in proper balance. Color combination, font, and typography should be in a synchronized manner and used in a balanced way to convey the message of the brand efficiently.
C. Working on the visual grammar principles
It is also crucial to work on visual grammar so that the graphics that are created convey proper meaning and the message is accurately delivered to the target audience. Therefore, the elements in our graphic design must include design principles.
Follow this video to under design principles in a better way.
D. Following best practices of software applications
You should have advanced knowledge of the graphic design software. A skilled designer must have a good command of the graphics and must have a sound understanding of the tools.
When we say graphic design software applications, we mainly mean by the following.
Conclusion
Hence, it can be concluded and determined that hands-on projects in graphic design courses are highly beneficial and can enhance the creative skills of the students. It helps the students in mastering graphic design tools and software. This also develops the soft skills of the graphic designer making them more innovative and creative.
Therefore, it must be a part of the graphic design courses so that students get complete knowledge of graphic design after their courses are completed. After working on the projects, students also gain confidence and their skills get better with time.
