Students can design birthday cards for their friends and family members.
Graphic design is both a creative and technical field that requires in-depth learning and information on design principles, fonts, photographs and computer software. Various programs used in modern graphic design include Adobe Photoshop for the design of posters and photo manipulation, and InDesign for layout purposes. During the learning process, class projects that incorporate all the design principles and fundamentals are essential to help teach the students methods required to become a successful graphic designer, and provide the students with a hands-on experience.
Before and After Photographs
Have the students use photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop to manipulate photos. Use an image such as a black and white image, so students can practice making selections and colorizing the images. Allow the students to use the tools in the software to cover up blemishes and acne, as well as any other portion of the image that requires manipulation, such as high-resolution images of their favorite actors or actresses. Present before and after shots of the images that each student has produced to the class.
Annual Report
Although graphic design may seem like it involves no more than photo manipulation, a graphic designer can be asked to create a company's annual report. Acquire an annual report online of the desired company. Give a copy of the annual report to the students and allow the students to redesign the cover page, financial highlights, as well as a page that contains a letter from the president of the company. Pages that include graphs and financial elements should be included in the redesign, because knowing work with graphs, text and numbers is an essential part of graphic design. Working with an annual report allows the student to be technical and creative simultaneously.
Advertisements
Graphic designers work closely with the marketing and advertising departments in large companies. A graphic designer can be asked to create an advertisement for a given product or client. Choose a product such as pet food, or a business such as a spa to have the students create an advertisement. Provide several images to the students, and only allow them to use the provided images. This will allow the students to learn to work with restrictions, and come up with creative ideas on manipulate the images to function in their layouts.
Logos and Business Cards
Some graphic designers are hired for logo production and reproduction. Provide the students with examples of logos that they can recreate in Adobe Illustrator to help teach the tools in the software. Create a name for a mock-up business, and have the students create a logo for the business. When they have a logo, allow the students to create a business card for the company with information such as an address, phone number and other contact information.
Packaging
Most packaging for food and electronics, as well as many other items have been created by a graphic designer. Have the students create packaging for food items such as orange juice bottles and cookie boxes. Other projects can include candy wrappers and DVD cases, as well as packaging for electronic items. This will allow the students to understand the fundamentals of die lines and cuts, as well as comprehend imposition for printing purposes. When the project is completed, allow the students to print out a mock-up version of their packaging. Ask them to fold and glue their packaging to create a three-dimensional model.
Websites
Creating websites can be a valuable part of advertising as well as self-promotion. Have the students chose pieces that they have created such as posters, brochures and logos to add to their portfolio when they are nearing the end of their graphic design class. Ask the students to create a portfolio website that can be used for self-promotion, or to present to a future employer when going for an interview. Allow the students to have full creativity on their website with no restrictions, as the websites created will represent each student's individuality and personality.
Tags: students create, annual report, graphic designer, Adobe Photoshop, allow students