Illustration: Graphic Design Fundamentals course

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.

2 days 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Online, Montreal, Quebec City

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The Graphic Design Fundamentals course at a glance

Length
2 days
Schedule
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Format
Live virtual class or in person in Montreal and Quebec City
Audience
Everyone
Price
$449 per participant, or $381 for public bodies and non-profits (plus taxes)
Language
English

Doussou Formation and Graphic Design Fundamentals: key facts

Upcoming Graphic Design Fundamentals sessions

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Graphic Design Fundamentals course outline

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.

Graphic Design Fundamentals

  • What is graphic design?
  • The 4 essential pillars: color theory, imagery, typography, composition

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

Stylization & Visual Simplification

  • Image stylization: schematization, visual expression, abstraction
  • Techniques for graphic simplification
  • Project 02: Deconstruct and stylize imagery for a brand identity

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

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

Logo Design

  • Understanding logo types: logotype, symbol, monogram, emblem
  • Construction lines and visual consistency
  • Project 05: Design a logo from a stylized image

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
  • 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
  • Beginners in graphic design
  • Self-taught creatives seeking structure and foundational theory
  • Entrepreneurs, students, content creators

Your Graphic Design Fundamentals trainer

Portrait of Louis

Louis

Louis is a graphic and web designer specializing in visual communication, digital design, and content creation. He holds a diploma in Graphic and Web Design from Collège Salette, as well as a DEC in Communication, Art and Media from Vanier…

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Prices and practical information

Preferred rate

$381 / participant

Public bodies and non-profits · plus taxes

Standard price

$449 / participant

Businesses and individuals · plus taxes

Practical information

  • Length: 2 days
  • Schedule: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Format: Live virtual class or in person in Montreal and Quebec City
  • Payment: online (PayPal or card) when registering, or by invoice for organizations

Corporate Graphic Design Fundamentals training

Train your whole team as a private group, on your own documents, at your premises or in a virtual class, on the dates that suit you.

Request an offer

Participant reviews

97% satisfaction (end-of-course evaluations, 120 evaluations) · Read all testimonials

Frequently asked questions about the Graphic Design Fundamentals course

Who is this graphic design course for?

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.

Do I need to know how to use design software (Photoshop, Illustrator) before taking this course?

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.

Will I be able to design professional visuals after completing this course?

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.

What career opportunities does this course open up?

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.

Is the course available online?

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.

Why take this Graphic Design Fundamentals course

Objectives: what you will be able to do

  • 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.

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.

What is included

  • Course materials and exercise files for each participant
  • Certificate of attendance
  • Optional personalized coaching after the course
  • In public in-person sessions:
    • Tea and coffee
    • Lunch at a nearby restaurant
    • Parking (in some cities)
    • Wi-Fi access

Interested in the Graphic Design Fundamentals course?