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Coursera

Graphic Design Theory - Space

via Coursera

Overview

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Your instructor Martin Perhiniak, states: As a graphic designer, most of the designs you work on will end up being flat. Not in the sense that they won’t look good, but in the literal sense: they will be printed on sheets of paper, fabric, or displayed on flat screens of TVs, monitors and mobile devices.So you might be wondering how we can even talk about space without three dimensions, but we can! Besides the width and height of your artwork, to create compelling designs you will need to also imply depth. In this course we will cover that can help you to make your designs inviting, engaging and spacious. We will also analyze hundreds of amazing designs from all areas of graphic design to help you easily visualize and understand all the terms and rules that are covered in the course. What will you learn from this course: We will cover crucial design principles and techniques including: * Overlap and Overlay * Perspective * Negative Space * Proximity * Shape and Form * Texture * Leading Lines * and so much more. By the end of this course you will be ready to take on any creative projects with confidence knowing that you will make an impression as a seasoned professional clients will love to come back to and endorse. Who is this course for? * Anyone planning to get into the creative industry * Creative professionals aiming to improve their compositions * Marketing managers working with agencies & printing services * Practical advice with invaluable industry insight This is not an abstract, in-theory course at all, but a very practical one. As a professional freelance designer myself I, Martin Perhiniak, will give you all my 20+ years of experience of managing 100s of high-paying projects from simple to complex, from small shops to global brands like Disney and Lego. In fact I was working in a special consultant role for Adobe for more than a year, teaching design workflow and process practices to their most esteemed clients. And I can promise you with confidence, this part of the Graphic Design Theory Series, will literally elevate you to the next level as a designer, giving you a huge advantage whether you're just starting out, or already working as a designer for years. Come, join me on this exciting journey, let’s explore the amazing world of Graphic Design together! Instructor bio: Martin Perhiniak is a Certified Adobe Design Master and instructor with extensive experience working for top companies including Disney, Warner Brothers, Cartoon Network, Sony Pictures, Mattel, and DC Comics. Based in London, he teaches design and provides live online training and consultancy services to students and professionals worldwide. Martin’s teaching emphasizes hands-on learning and personal growth, guided by his motto: “Do not compare yourself to your role models. Work hard and wait for the moment when others will compare themselves to you.”

Syllabus

  • Principles of Space in Graphic Design
    • Start your journey into spatial design by exploring the foundational concepts of space and depth. This module breaks down how designers use open space and layering to create visual hierarchy and enhance clarity in layout. You’ll gain a working vocabulary for analyzing and applying spatial strategies in your own work.
  • Form, Flow, and Layering Techniques
    • This module dives deeper into form and layering. You'll explore how curves, shadows, and object positioning impact visual depth. Learn how to combine primitive and compound shapes to create dynamic, layered layouts that guide the viewer’s eye and enhance narrative flow.
  • Texture, Fluidity, and Perspective
    • Explore the textural and fluid aspects of spatial design. This module teaches how tactile elements and perspective tools such as vanishing lines and liquid movement can be used to enhance realism, energy, and immersion in your design work.
  • Spatial Storytelling and Visual Meaning
    • In the final module, you'll learn how to use space as a tool for storytelling. From subtle meaning embedded in negative space to the deliberate use of visual proximity, you’ll discover how spatial decisions influence how a viewer reads, feels, and understands your work.

Taught by

Skillshare

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