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Graphic Design Syllabus
A comprehensive study of visual communication covering design principles, typography, color theory, layout, branding, and industry-standard tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. The full Graphic Design syllabus: 8 subjects, 45 chapters and 162 topics, with 400 flashcards written against it.
Graphic Design subjects
Graphic Design has 8 subjects. Each one is listed below with its chapters in syllabus order; open a subject for every topic and sub-topic inside them.
Foundations of Visual Design
- Elements of Design · 6 topics
- Principles of Design · 7 topics
- Gestalt Principles of Perception · 4 topics
- Composition and Layout Basics · 5 topics
- Drawing and Sketching Fundamentals · 3 topics
- Design Thinking Process · 5 topics
Typography
- Anatomy of Type · 3 topics
- Type Classification · 4 topics
- Typesetting and Spacing · 4 topics
- Typographic Hierarchy · 4 topics
- Readability and Legibility · 4 topics
- Typography in Practice · 3 topics
Color Theory
- Color Fundamentals · 4 topics
- Color Harmonies · 4 topics
- Color Models and Systems · 4 topics
- Color Psychology and Meaning · 3 topics
- Color Management and Accessibility · 3 topics
Adobe Photoshop (Raster Graphics)
- Photoshop Interface and Workspace · 3 topics
- Selections and Masking · 4 topics
- Layers and Compositing · 4 topics
- Photo Retouching and Correction · 4 topics
- Image Manipulation and Effects · 3 topics
- Painting and Digital Illustration · 3 topics
- Exporting and File Formats · 3 topics
Adobe Illustrator (Vector Graphics)
- Vector Fundamentals · 3 topics
- Drawing Tools · 4 topics
- Working with Color and Fills · 3 topics
- Type and Text in Illustrator · 3 topics
- Advanced Vector Techniques · 4 topics
- Vector Export and Output · 2 topics
Layout and Print Design
- Grid Systems · 4 topics
- Page Layout with InDesign · 4 topics
- Editorial and Publication Design · 3 topics
- Prepress and Production · 4 topics
- Print Production Methods · 3 topics
Branding and Identity Design
- Brand Strategy Fundamentals · 3 topics
- Logo Design · 3 topics
- Visual Identity Systems · 3 topics
- Brand Guidelines · 3 topics
- Brand Collateral Design · 3 topics
Digital and Career Skills
- Design for Digital Media · 3 topics
- Image Sourcing and Rights · 3 topics
- Portfolio Development · 3 topics
- Working as a Designer · 4 topics
- Design History and Movements · 3 topics
Graphic Design flashcards
400 question-and-answer cards across 8 subject decks, each shown in full on its subject page.
Graphic Design syllabus FAQ
What subjects are in the Graphic Design syllabus?
Graphic Design covers 8 subjects: Foundations of Visual Design, Typography, Color Theory, Adobe Photoshop (Raster Graphics), Adobe Illustrator (Vector Graphics), Layout and Print Design, Branding and Identity Design and Digital and Career Skills.
How many chapters and topics are in the Graphic Design syllabus?
45 chapters and 162 topics, across 8 subjects. Foundations of Visual Design is the largest subject, with 30 topics in 6 chapters.
Are there Graphic Design flashcards?
Yes — 400 question-and-answer flashcards in 8 subject decks. Each deck is printed in full on its subject page here, and the same cards are in the Examius app with spaced repetition. The free plan covers one exam of your choice, including its flashcards; Examius Pro, a one-time purchase, unlocks every other exam and deck.
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