Introduction. Objectives -- Defining graphic design -- The graphic designer's job -- The design procedure -- Critique guide -- Looking at the illustrations -- Fundamentals of graphic design. Part 1. Formal elements: Line, shape, color, suggestions, value, texture, format -- Part 2. The principles of design: balance, emphasis: focal point and hierarchy, rhythm, unity -- Part 3. The manipulation of graphic space: positive and negative space, illusion, 12 exercises, 12 projects.

Overview of graphic design. Four components of graphic design solutions -- Strategy -- Concept -- Suggestions -- Design -- The graphic elements -- Suggestions -- Craft -- Suggestions -- Critique guide revisited -- The design profession -- Designing with type. Message, audience, and format -- Letterforms -- Nomenclature -- Typographic measurement -- Basic type specifications -- Classifications of type -- Suggestions -- Type and visuals -- The principles of design and type -- Type and expression -- Designing with type -- Tips from designers -- 2 exercses -- 2 projects.

Layout. The grid -- 1exercise -- 1project -- Logos, symbols, pictograms, and stationery systems. 7 exercises -- 4 projects -- Posters. 1 exercise -- 2 projects -- Book jackets and CD covers. 1 exercise -- 2 projects -- Packaging and shopping bags. 2 exercises -- 3 projects -- Visual identity and branding. Turn your brand into an icon! -- Inventing a company name -- 1 exercise -- 1 project -- Advertisements. The creative team -- Types of ads -- Elements of an ad -- Four components of an ad -- The creation of a print ad -- Advertising concepts: what's the big idea? -- Where do big ideas come from? -- The ad campaign -- Advertising stratagems -- Television commercials -- Critique guide -- Expression -- Creative approaches -- Stimulation -- 8 exercises -- 6 projects.

Annual reports. Themes -- Design principles -- 1 exercise -- 1 project -- Web design. Major elements -- Design considerations -- Approach to promotional sites -- 1 exercise -- 1 project -- The portfolio and job search. Advertising portfolio -- Advice from three graphic design professors -- Self-promotionals -- Suggestions -- Projects: HangTag designs -- Book jacket series -- Logo -- Snowboards or skateboards -- Brochure -- Contents of a generalized graphic design portfolio -- The career search process -- Preparing for the interview -- The interview -- Appendix A. Graphic desing materials, tools, and processes. Tools and equipment -- Papers -- Drawing tools -- Adhesives -- Processes -- Production.