GD100: Introduction to Graphic Design

This survey course provides students with a foundation in basic graphic design concepts and skills using a hands-on approach. Topics include drawing, design elements, color theory, typography, illustration, and layout techniques. Upon completion of this course, students should have the ability to demonstrate visual problem solving skills using various graphic tools, techniques, and processes.

Drawing

Drawing and Sketching Lessons and Tutorials
Resources from About.com

LearntoDraw.com
Drawing basics

Color Theory

Color Matters
How color affects people on an emotional level

Color Theory: Overview
From Worqx.com

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Entry on the philosophy of color

Symbolism of Color: Using Color for Meaning
Informal study of color meanings in different cultures with extensive color theory links

VisiBone Webmaster's Color Lab
Compare and match colors from the palette; results will include the html tag for each color

Illustration

Illustration Works
Stock illustration and stock art

Mastering Illustration Programs
Deneba Canvas, Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and Macromedia FreeHand

Open Directory
Directory of illustration websites

Theispot.com
Stock illustration, spot illustration, commercial art, and illustrators

Additional Sites of Interest

ActionFX Photoshop Resources
Tricks and downloads for Adobe Photoshop

Adobe
Official website

Adobe CS3 Learning Center
from the National Association of Photoshop Professionals

All Graphic Design
Graphic design resources directory

CMYK Magazine
Magazine for graduate work in advertising, design, photography, and illustration

Communication Arts Network
Leading trade journal for visual communications

Design Graphics
Magazine devoted to digital publishing

A Digital Dreamer
Graphic design career information

Digital Photography Blog
Digital camera reviews, ratings, tips, and comparisons

Digital Photography Weblog

Electronic Publishing
Graphic arts, digital printing, and publishing

Game Developer
Publication written specifically for creators of entertainment software

Graphics.com
Shared resource for creative design

How
Graphic design books, magazines, competitions, and conferences

Kaliber10000
The Designers' Lunchbox

Mike's Sketchpad
Photoshop tutorials, free fonts, QuarkXpress, and graphics tutorials

Open Directory
Directory of stock photo websites

PhotoFoolery Tutorial Links
Photoshop tutorials

Photoshop Cafe
Photoshop tutorials and resources

Photoshop911
Resources for help with Photoshop

Planet Photoshop

Photoshop Roadmap
Photoshop tutorials

PhotoshopSupport.com
Photoshop tutorials and photoshop plugins

Print
Graphic design magazine

STEP Inside Design
Publication that explores the impact of design in our lives

Design Elements

All Graphic Design
Portal for graphic design resources

Composition and Design Principles
Formal aspects of composition and design by Marvin Bartel

Elements of Design
Defining and using the elements of design in graphic design and desktop publishing from About.com

Typography

EsperFonto
Typeface selection system from Will-Harris.com

fontBROWSER
Preview active fonts on your system

Mike's Sketchpad
Font tutorials

Planet Typography
Typography resources

Layout Techniques

Design and Layout
Web design tutorials, tips, and resources from WebsiteTips.com

Graphic Design Layout Templates
From All Graphic Design

Page Layout Lessons and Tutorials
Page layout techniques from About.com