Graphic Design Fundamentals – Build a Strong Creative Foundation
Want to explore the fundamentals of graphic design and learn how to create impactful visuals? This training is the perfect introduction to the core principles of visual design, while helping you sharpen your creative eye and design instincts.
Through a step-by-step, hands-on approach, you’ll learn how to analyze, structure, and build graphic compositions tailored for both print and digital media. Key concepts such as typography, color theory, visual hierarchy, and layout design will be covered — essential skills to grow in today’s creative industry.
Whether you’re a complete beginner, switching careers, or simply curious, this course is the ideal starting point to build a strong foundation in graphic design and start bringing your ideas to life through clear, cohesive, and visually engaging content.
Course Details — Introduction to Graphic Design
Learning Objectives
- Understand the fundamentals of graphic design and its professional applications.
- Master the core principles: color, typography, layout, composition, and stylization.
- Learn how to create a complete visual identity (logo, brand guidelines, color palette…).
- Complete hands-on projects to solidify your skills: moodboards, logos, mockups, brand systems.
Modules & Content
Module 1 — Graphic Design Fundamentals
- What is graphic design?
- The 4 essential pillars: color theory, imagery, typography, composition
Module 2 — Color & Palettes
- Color theory (contrast, harmony, symbolism…)
- Create cohesive and accessible color palettes
- Tools and inspiration to choose the right colors
- Project 01: Design moodboards and color palettes for various brands
Module 3 — Stylization & Visual Simplification
- Image stylization: schematization, visual expression, abstraction
- Techniques for graphic simplification
- Project 02: Deconstruct and stylize imagery for a brand identity
Module 4 — Typography & Hierarchy
- Type anatomy, typographic styles, font families
- Hierarchy, readability, spacing, kerning
- Choosing fonts based on brand identity
- Project 03: Create a font and type system for a brand
Module 5 — Layout & Composition
- Layout basics: grids, alignment, whitespace, contrast, repetition
- Grid systems: rule of thirds, spiral, Fibonacci
- Project 04: Build a layout based on a client brief
Module 6 — Logo Design
- Understanding logo types: logotype, symbol, monogram, emblem
- Construction lines and visual consistency
- Project 05: Design a logo from a stylized image
Module 7 — Brand Guidelines
- Build a complete brand style guide (visual identity system)
- Integrate color palette, fonts, logo usage rules
- Project 06: Create a full brand guide for a fictional company
Learning Format
- Balanced mix of theory, live demos, and hands-on workshops
- Step-by-step projects to build a complete brand identity
- Visual supports, online resources, analysis grids
Who is this course for?
- Beginners in graphic design
- Self-taught creatives seeking structure and foundational theory
- Entrepreneurs, students, content creators
Other course(s) in this category
→ Typography Fundamentals: Mastering the Art of Visual Communication
This course is perfect for beginners, students, freelancers, communication professionals, or anyone curious about learning the fundamentals of graphic design. No prior experience is required.
No. This training focuses on the core principles of graphic design, such as layout, composition, and visual hierarchy. It’s the perfect foundation before diving into tools like Photoshop or Illustrator.
Absolutely. Through a structured learning path, you'll gain the skills to create effective, visually consistent content for both digital and print media — including posters, banners, social media posts, flyers, and more.
This course provides a strong foundation for entry-level roles such as junior graphic designer, visual communication assistant, or assistant art director. It’s also an ideal stepping stone toward further studies in design, UI/UX, or digital creation.
Yes. This course is available online with live instruction. It includes interactive demos, downloadable learning materials, and real-time Q&A, making it fully accessible and effective from a distance.
Prerequisites:
This course requires no prior technical skills. It is ideal for beginners, creatives in career transition, or anyone looking to discover the fundamentals of graphic design in a structured and accessible format.
If you have a curiosity for visual creation, an artistic sensibility, or an interest in visual communication, this training is for you. Basic computer literacy is all you need to get started.
Objectives:
This course provides you with the essential foundations to start or strengthen your practice in graphic design—whether you're a creative, entrepreneur, communicator, or in a career transition.
- Understand the fundamentals of graphic design and their impact on visual communication.
- Learn how to use color, typography, composition, and hierarchy to create compelling visuals.
- Gain a professional methodology to design a consistent visual identity (logo, style, brand guidelines).
- Translate a message or concept into a clear, aesthetic, and functional visual.
- Develop a critical design eye and boost your creativity through hands-on exercises.
By the end of the course, you will be able to produce graphic designs tailored to market needs—ready for both digital and print distribution.
Online
- 22/12/2025
- 23/12/2025
- 21/01/2026
- 22/01/2026
- 04/02/2026
- 05/02/2026
- 04/03/2026
- 05/03/2026
- 18/03/2026
- 19/03/2026
- 15/04/2026
- 16/04/2026
- 29/04/2026
- 30/04/2026
- 27/05/2026
- 28/05/2026
- 10/06/2026
- 11/06/2026
- 13/07/2026
- 14/07/2026
- 27/07/2026
- 28/07/2026
Montreal
- 07/01/2026
- 08/01/2026
- 01/04/2026
- 02/04/2026
- 29/06/2026
- 30/06/2026
Quebec City
- 18/02/2026
- 19/02/2026
- 13/05/2026
- 14/05/2026
- 10/08/2026
- 11/08/2026
Pricing
Practical information
- Duration: 2 day(s)
- Schedule: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (2 coffee breaks + 1-hour lunch)
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Format:
- Online (live virtual classroom)
- Or in person, depending on availability
📄 Download course outline (PDF)
Registration detailsInterested in this training?
Free quote with no obligation
Registration with credit card payment
Why Take This Graphic Design Course?
Graphic design is at the heart of every successful communication strategy — whether for branding, digital marketing, social media content, or print materials. Mastering its fundamentals is a valuable asset in today’s job market.
By taking this course, you will:
- Build essential visual culture and learn how to decode the language of design;
- Learn to create impactful, well-structured visuals for both print and digital platforms;
- Boost your creativity while applying a proven, professional design methodology;
- Lay the groundwork for a future in graphic design, communications, or visual marketing;
- Enhance your profile with a highly sought-after skill across all industries.
Whether you're a beginner, student, entrepreneur, or considering a career shift, this course is your ideal gateway into the dynamic world of graphic design.
FR
« Je tiens à vous remercier tous les deux d’avoir offert à mes ressources une excellente formation COBOL au cours des trois derniers jours.
Mamadou, merci d’avoir été si accommodant malgré le court préavis et d’avoir envoyé votre formateur à Gatineau pour ce cours personnalisé.
Nous avons hâte de poursuivre notre collaboration pour de futurs besoins de formation. »
(Traduit de l’anglais)
EN
“I want to thank you both for providing my resources with excellent COBOL training over the past 3 days. Mamadou, thank you for being so accommodating on such short notice and for sending your facilitator to Gatineau for this customized and personalized training course. We look forward to continuing our partnership for future training needs.”
FR
« Mamadou est venu nous aider à réorganiser notre panneau d’arrêt via un outil de rapport, Crystal Reports. Mamadou a réussi avec succès le travail de précision, au pixel près, puisque nous voulions un rapport similaire au design graphique original. Il nous a aidés à découper le projet par cycle et à intégrer le rapport à notre logiciel corporatif. La qualité que nous avons appréciée était le souci du détail et la constance. Mamadou a été très professionnel et connaît plusieurs autres technologies. Merci. »
EN
“Mamadou helped us reorganize our stop panel using a reporting tool, Crystal Reports. He successfully delivered precise, pixel-perfect work,
as we needed a report that matched the original graphic design. He helped us break the project down into cycles and integrate the report
into our corporate software. What we appreciated most was his attention to detail and consistency. Mamadou was very professional and
is knowledgeable in many other technologies. Thank you.”
(Translated from French)
FR
« Ce fut un plaisir de faire affaires avec Doussou Formation. Ce qui fait LA différence est le service personnalisé totalement à l'écoute des participants ainsi que l'adaptation aux besoins de formation. Flexibilité / Adaptabilité / Professionnalisme / Courtoisie. Merci ! »
EN
“It was a pleasure doing business with Doussou Formation. What truly makes THE difference is the personalized service, fully attentive
to participants, as well as the ability to adapt the training to their needs. Flexibility / Adaptability / Professionalism / Courtesy. Thank you!”
(Translated from French)