Graphic designs are visual images created to communicate an idea or message. They are made using elements of typography, color, illustration, photography and texture. Graphic designs are produced for a variety of media including print, electronic, the Internet, video, movies, environmental graphics and signage. They are used for corporate logos, T-shirts, books, magazines, websites and dozens of other things. You can create graphic designs for your own projects in a few steps.
Instructions
1. Think of a message or idea that you want to communicate using graphic design. The message could be a simple advertisement or logo for a club or business, or a finished design for a magazine or website. Use pencil and paper to write an overview of your design project and the message you would like to communicate.
2. Make a series of rough sketches for your design in pencil, including simplified typography, photos, and illustration. Colors can be indicated by writing them in the area where they appear or sketching them in with markers. Arrange the elements in your design in an eye-pleasing manner that communicates your message quickly and effectively. Consider using strong shapes such as circles, ovals, squares and rectangles to draw attention to key elements in the design. Try several visual solutions for your graphic design idea. Choose your favorite rough sketch to execute as a graphic design.
3. Collect any photo or illustration files you need for your graphic design. If you intend to use paper illustrations or photos instead of digital image files, scan them into a computer. Scan them at a resolution of 300 pixels per inch and save the files.
4. Open a file on a computer in a word processing, photo editing or illustration program. Name the file and save it. Size the file as needed for your graphic design project. The most common size is letter size, 8.5 by 11 inches. Keep your rough sketch by the computer to refer to as you create your graphic design.
5. Open any photo or illustration files you intend to use in your design. Resize them to the dimensions that you need for your graphic design. Copy and paste them into the file for your design.
6. Use drawing and shape tools to add any shape elements to your design. Use color tools to change the shapes to the color you need for your design.
7. Use the type tool to add any typography you need for your graphic design. Choose a type style that reflects the spirit of your design. Sans Serif-type styles like Verdana give a modern feel to a graphic design. Serif faces like Times Roman give a classic feel to a graphic design. Decorative faces like Comic Sans give a lighthearted feel to a graphic design. Select the type, and change the point size of your type face according to your rough sketch. Change the color of the type if desired.
8. Print out a copy of your work. Check your graphic design to see if the elements work together to effectively communicate your idea or message. Make changes as desired. Your finished design can be printed using a computer printer. You can also contract with copy shops, print shops and T-shirt printers to print multiple copies of your graphic design.
