*Let's start from what is graphic design?

Graphic design is the act of planning and creating visual content to communicate ideas and messages.

Graphic design is everywhere you look in the digital age; from billboards to cereal boxes to mobile apps.

Through incorporating different elements and principles, these designs can influence our perception and
emotions.

Graphic Design is an act of *communication*

*What Are the Elements of Graphic Design?*

The elements and principles of graphic design include line, color, shape, space, texture, typography,
scale, dominance and emphasis, and balance.

Together, they work to create visually appealing work that conveys a message.

These elements are what we use in graphic design

While the principles are the rules we apply on these elements

The fact that you are creative doesn't mean you would automatically understand design elements and
principles.

These things take time

Once you commit to learning, you get better each day

Here are some elements of graphic design

Line

Lines are present in nearly every design, whether they are straight, curved, thin, thick, dashed, long, or
short.

Lines connect any two points.

They are useful for dividing space as well as directing the viewer’s attention in a specific direction.

*Color*
Color is perhaps the most important and obvious element of a design.

It can create impact right away, and it is noticed by everyone, even those without a design background.

Colors can be used in backgrounds or within other elements like lines, shapes, or typography.

Colors create emotions and moods.

For example, red can represent passion and green can represent nature.

*Shape*

Shape, also known as form, is the combination of lines.

Shapes can be circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, or other abstract forms.

Most designs include at least one shape. Similar to color, shapes have different associations.

A circle may be used to represent unity, whereas a square could represent structure.

The color, style, background, and texture of a shape can all influence the viewer’s perception.

*Texture*

Textures are becoming more commonly used, replacing single-color backgrounds.

Textures can include paper, stone, concrete, brick, and fabric.

They may be subtle or obvious and be used sparingly or liberally.

Textures can be helpful to create a three-dimensional appearance.

*The principles of design:*

In addition to the elements of design, there are also principles of design that guide how those elements
are used.

These principles are:

*Balance:*

Balance refers to the distribution of visual weight within a design.

Any element placed on a page carries a visual weight. It can range from form to size, color, and texture.

In order to make a design feel stable or have balance, the elements need to have a certain scale.

*Contrast:*

Contrast refers to the difference between two design elements. It can be used to create visual interest
and draw attention to important elements.

The differences makes certain elements stand out more than others. You can apply contrast by using
colors, textures, sizes, and shapes.

*Emphasis:*

Emphasis refers to the focal point of a design. It can be created through size, color, and placement.

This is a strategic way to get the viewer’s attention to a specific design element.

*Pattern:*

Patterns are created by repeating elements within a design. They can create visual interest and a sense
of rhythm.

In principles of design, pattern is the repetition of more than one design element.

While repetition focuses on a single element being repeated, pattern refers to multiple elements
repeated throughout a design

Note: *You would learn faster when you study other people's designs*

Types of graphic design:

Each type of design requires specific graphic design skills and techniques.
*Visual identity graphic design*

Visual identity graphic design focuses on the visual elements of a brand.

It aims to communicate a brand’s identity through images, shapes, and colors.

*Graphic Designers within this area create elements like logos, typography, color palettes, and image
libraries that represent a brand.*

They also develop visual brand guidelines to ensure brand consistency across all uses.

*Marketing and advertising graphic design*

This type of design is used to sell products or services.

This may involve print advertisements, such as posters, billboards, flyers, catalogs and packaging, or
digital advertisements, such as television ads, video ads, or social media posts.

If Graphic Designers work in this area, they spend a lot of time creating assets for marketing strategies
and campaigns.

They develop ideas, research consumer habits, and create designs that speak to the target audience.

This type of design involves a strong knowledge of how to sell a product and how to entice consumers.

*Publication graphic design*

This design focuses on creating layouts and selecting typography and artwork, including photography,
graphics, and illustrations.

Graphic Designers in this area work with books, newspapers, magazines, and catalogs.

They need to understand color management, printing, and digital publishing.

*Packaging graphic design*

Packaging not only protects products, but it is also an important marketing tool.

Graphic Designers in this area develop concepts, mockups, and print-ready files.
Packaging graphic design requires an understanding of print processes, as well as industrial design and
manufacturing.

Packaging Graphic Designers need to track trends and competitors so they can create packaging that
stands out to consumers.

Evening:

*A Graphic Designer* communicates ideas and information through visuals concepts.

Primarily using design software, they create compelling visuals that inspire and captivate audiences.

Graphic Designers strategically combine design elements to develop aesthetically appealing layouts,
advertisements, reports, logos, packaging, and more.

A graphic designer is an important part of every business that wants to succeed in this new *Digital Age*

*Learn Graphic Design Principles*

To become a Graphic Designer, you first need a solid understanding of the principles of graphic design.

Good design is carefully crafted. It involves a lot of planning and requires an expertise in applying design
theory and principles.

Graphic Designers need to consider elements such as lines, color, shape, space, texture, typography,
scale, dominance and emphasis, and harmony.

All of these elements impact a design and can shape how an audience feels.

*Enroll In a Graphic Design Course*

A graphic design course teaches you the fundamentals of design and helps you build your skills through
working on projects.

Graphic design courses will also introduce you to mentors and peers, who will be invaluable as you grow
your network.

Most graphic design courses will cover topics such as color theory, typography, layout, and graphic
design tools and software.

*By the end of this training I would introduce you to my 30 days graphic design academy*
*Learn Key Graphic Design Tools*

There are a variety of tools that Graphic Designers use.

Most commonly, you will work with graphic design software.

Adobe Creative Cloud is the standard for most Graphic Designers.

You will want to become familiar with tools like

Photoshop

CorelDraw

Illustrator

Figma

Canva

InDesign

Etc

*Work on some projects*

After you’re equipped with knowledge on graphic design principles and tools, it’s time to practice.

The best way to grow your skills and master graphic design software is to work on your own design
projects.

To get started, you can create mock ads and logos for real or made-up companies.

You can also take a company’s existing designs and try creating a new design — this is good practice for
identifying and designing for target audiences.

Another option is to volunteer with local non-profits or brands.

Offer your design skills to these organizations so you get more practice, as well as gain real-world
experience.

*Develop a Portfolio to Showcase Your Graphic Design Work*

A strong portfolio is essential for any Graphic Designer.

Focus on quality over quantity.

Your portfolio is the first impression that potential employers or clients will see, so select work that
demonstrates your design skills and interests.

Day Two:

*The Abundance Mindset:*

Believe in the abundance of opportunities that await you.

Money is everywhere, and it's time for you to claim your share.

Recognize that there's a vast market eager to embrace your unique design style and skills.

*Here are a few actionable steps:*

*Research:*

Explore different niches and industries where graphic design is in high demand.

Look for potential clients, both locally and online, who align with your design aesthetics and vision.

*Networking:*

Attend industry events, join online communities, and connect with fellow designers, entrepreneurs, and
potential clients.

Engage in conversations, share your work, and build relationships that can open doors to exciting
opportunities.

*Portfolio Enhancement:*

Continuously refine and update your portfolio to showcase your best work.

Highlight projects that demonstrate your versatility and ability to meet client needs effectively.

*Remember*

It's not just about the money

Your services needs to be top-notch

*The Sales Mindset:*

To monetize your skills, you must embrace the art of selling.

Recognize that your designs hold value and mastering the sales process will help you communicate that
value to potential clients.

*Here's how to develop a sales mindset:*

*Value Proposition:*

Clearly articulate the unique value and benefits your designs offer to clients.

Identify your target audience's pain points and position your services as the solution.

You are not for everybody

Along the line in your career as a graphic designer you would need to find those sets of people that are
yours and focus on them

*Pricing Strategy:*

Research industry rates and establish fair pricing that reflects the value you bring.

Be confident in charging what your skills are worth and communicate your pricing with transparency.

*I Say my price* and I sleep well at night.

This is only possible when you are confident in your skill.

Success is not only about creating beautiful designs; it's about recognizing the value of your creations
and confidently sharing them with the world.

Dream big, set ambitious goals, and believe in your ability to achieve them.

Your skills deserves to be rewarded.

Leverage your creative mindset not only in your designs but also in your entrepreneurial approach.

Embrace your creativity as a tool to stand out and attract clients.

*Here are some actionable steps:*

*Branding:*

Develop a strong personal brand that reflects your unique style and personality.

Create a compelling brand story and visually appealing brand assets that resonate with your target
audience.

Let what you want to help your clients achieve in their businesses be seen in yours

*Marketing Strategies:*

Use your creative skills to develop innovative marketing campaigns.

Utilize social media platforms, create engaging content, and showcase your work through visually
captivating mediums like videos, infographics, and animations.

Do for yourself what you want to do for others

Once your clients see how beautiful your brand is, they would trust that you could do the same for
them.

I am a graphic designer, but I help my clients with brand and marketing strategies.

I know my onions

*Diversification:*

Explore different avenues for generating income beyond client work.

Consider offering digital products, such as design templates or online courses, that cater to the needs of
fellow designers or aspiring creatives.
 Each design you create has the power to inspire, provoke emotions, and make a difference in people's
lives.

Your graphic design skills are not just an expense for clients; they are an investment in their success.

By adopting the abundance mindset, mastering the art of selling, and leveraging your creativity, you can
transform your passion into a sustainable and rewarding career.

Remember, success may come with challenges, but with consistent effort and unwavering faith in
yourself, you have the power to create a prosperous future from your design prowess.