An introduction to this course!

Learn what this course will teach you, and how it can help you.

Learn how to use this course most effectively as both a learning experience and a resource.

Learn what graphic designers actually do, and what specialties exist within the field.

Learn what skill sets most graphic designers have, and which may be more specialized.

Find out what other vendors typically require graphic design language and knowledge.

Learn why an understanding of files is fundamental to your work with designers.

Learn how a thorough understanding of file types can make our break your role in the design process.

Learn what a designer does and doesn't mean when they ask for an "editable" file.

Learn all about resolution – what it is and what it means for you.

Learn the difference between vector and raster files – and how it affects your work with both designers and design files.

Learn where to start your hunt for the files you need to get the job done.

Get a preliminary introduction to the most common file types and their categorizations.

Learn exactly how each file type is used, what sets them apart, and what it means for you.

Learn everything you need to know about PDFs and how to work with them.

Learn what files you're looking for when you need to edit a project.

Learn how to request and receive the files you actually need from – or for – your designer

Lean what file types to request for most common projects, so you get deliverables you can actually use.

Learn how file types can and can’t be converted (including a full reference table!)

Learn how to make changes to files that can’t be edited.

Learn whether vector and raster files can contain each other.

Learn how to source assets that yield high quality results.

Learn the importance of implementing brand standards correctly and consistently.

Learn key concepts to guide your implementation of brand standards.

Learn the non-negotiable components of a brand kit – and the extras that bring it to life.

Learn how to use your brand standards to build brand equity and establish a powerful brand.

Lean how – and when – to deviate from your brand standards without sacrificing brand equity.

Learn how to identify brand standards that don’t work for you, and update them to meet your needs.

Learn how an understanding of typography can make or break a design’s look and function.

Learn key concepts to your understanding and implementation of good typography.

Learn the fundamental concepts of typography – or designing with type.

Learn the typography terms you need to know to communicate effectively with your designer.

Learn the fundamental principles of good type design.

Learn the pros and cons of different font types so you and your designer can choose fonts that best represent your brand.

Learn how to use good type to create an information hierarchy that makes sure people actually read your message.

Learn the fundamental concepts of fonts – the actual files used for type design.

Make sure your fonts are set up for usage in print, on the web, and anywhere else you need.

Learn about how to license your fonts, and what to look out for in the process.

Learn what to do when you can’t use your brand fonts – and how to maintain consistency even in the worst case scenario.

Learn the critical importance of understanding and implementing color correctly.

Learn how color usage changes based on print, digital, or other contexts, and how to make sure it’s set up correctly.

Learn all about color usage onscreen, and how to set up and use it correctly.

Learn how to set up color correctly for print and other real-world settings.

Learn what Pantone color actually is – and how it applies to your brand and designs.

Learn how to maintain consistent color standards in other contexts and color spaces.

Learn how to make sure your colors look consistent across print, digital, and other settings.

Learn why you need to know the mechanics of consistent color implementation.

Learn the mechanics of implementing your brand colors across contexts.

Learn the basics of color theory and associations – and how it applies to your work with designers.

Learn the limits of relying on color theory to choose your colors – and how to use it wisely.

Learn how a thorough understanding of logo usage is fundamental to your design’s success.

Learn what you need from your designer to make sure your logo is ready to use where, when, and how you need it.

Learn what variations you need to make sure your logo physically fits in every context.

Learn what variations you need to make sure your logo colors are visible wherever they’re used.

Learn what variations you need to make sure your logo can be used in both print and digital contexts.

Learn what minimum file types you need to make sure you can actually use your logo files where and how you want to.

Learn how to organize your logo files so you can find the variations you need.

Learn what it means to design correctly with your logo.

Learn how to manage your logo’s aesthetic integrity and build brand equity across a wide variety of contexts.

Learn how to make sure your logo is placed and sized correctly — and how to optimize both placement and sizing to build and support your brand.

Learn the stakes of creating accessible content for all users – disabled or not.

Learn some of the guiding principles of accessible design – and why this course looks at accessibility from a principle- rather than rule-based perspective.

Learn the principles that guide choosing and implementing accessible colors.

Learn the principles of creating widely-readable text.

Learn the principles that guide making your message accessible.

Learn the principles that guide accessible asset creation and implementation.

Learn some of the tools you can use in creating accessible design – and resources to learn more.

Learn the stakes of understanding the print process and ensuring your files are correctly set up for print.

Learn the overarching concepts and vocabulary that will guide your understanding of the print process.

Learn how to effectively source, read, and decode print specifications.

Learn what dielines are, how they’re communicated, how to source the right ones, and how to understand the information they contain.

Learn in-depth what bleed and margins are, how they affect your project, and how to ensure both are set up for both technical and aesthetic success.

Learn how resolution works in a print context, and how to ensure your designs are set up to print in full detail.

Learn how to make sure your project implements color correctly for your aesthetic, technical, and cost needs – and how to integrate fun print techniques.

Learn your options for previewing a project before ordering a full print run, the pros and cons of each.

Learn some bonus tips to make your print projects look even more professional, and reduce the likelihood of error.

Learn how to make sure your files are saved and sent correctly so your printer can produce the final product you envision.

Learn how to communicate and collaborate effectively with your printer to make sure your print projects come out as expected.

Learn the stakes of understanding the web design and development process, and setting up your web projects for success.

Learn what sets print and web design apart, and what essential principles should guide your work with web designers.

Learn — and fully understand — the essential vocabulary and concepts of web design.

Learn the various roles required in the web-design process.

Learn about coding languages — which ones you need to know about, what you need to know about them, and how they affect your work.

Learn the technical terms your designer will use through the web design process so you can make informed decisions and engage fully in the process.

Learn how to make sure your website is both usable and good-looking in every context.

Learn how to ensure your images and other assets are optimized for both quality and speed.

Learn how to set clear and specific expectations from the start, so your web project delivers exactly what you expect within your timeline and budget.

Learn how to choose a web platform that’s optimized for your aesthetic, budget, function, and usability requirements.

Learn the stakes of knowing how, when, and if you can edit design files yourself.

Learn the benefits and risks of editing your own design files — and some considerations to set yourself up for success.

Learn the pros and cons of editing your own designs, or creating editable design templates.

Learn how to responsibly update an existing final design product while maintaining aesthetic integrity and future editability.

Learn how to work with your designer to create foolproof templates you can use to create your own designs.

Learn the pros and cons of various programs you can use to edit designs yourself.

Learn the stakes of preparing informed briefs, RFPs, and creative requests.

Learn the difference between various types of creative requests, and what situations likely call for each.

Learn what you need to begin preparing your creative requests, no matter the scale or scope.

Learn all about RFPs — when to write them, how to write them, and what information to include.

Learn all about creative briefs – what situations call for them, how to build them, and what information to include.

Learn all about simple creative requests — when to send them, how to communicate essential information, and how to use your time efficiently.

Learn how to formulate a project request when you don’t totally know what you need.

Learn the stakes of giving clear, informed, and well-presented feedback.

Learn the essential principles that guide effective and clear feedback to get the results you want.

Learn how to approach communicating feedback with your designer — and what you should expect from your designer in the process.

Learn the logistical mechanics of presenting feedback to your designer to make sure they understand what you need, all asks are met, and nothing gets lost in the shuffle.

Learn how to formulate feedback to get the results you need.

Learn the stakes of understanding the content creation and development process, and your role in it.

Learn the categories of content projects may require, and how roles are typically allocated in the creation and sourcing process.

Learn the basics of original content creation and making sure your result is optimized for your message.

Learn what your designer needs at the start of a project to make sure the design is optimized for both your communication priorities and aesthetic needs.

Learn what to do when your original content is not ready, but you need to get the project started.

Learn how to effectively share real content with your designer to make sure it is accurately and efficiently integrated into your designs.

Learn how to work with your designer to develop original content optimized that’s optimized for both your message and the project’s aesthetic needs.

Learn the function, benefits, and drawbacks of stock content and how, correctly used, it can support your project.

Learn how stock content is sourced, what roles everyone takes in the process, and what considerations go into finding the perfect content for your needs.

Learn some of the common things you need to look out for, and be very careful of, in the stock sourcing process.

Learn about some of the best resources to source stock content — including photos, music, illustrations, icons, and more — and what each one has to offer.

Learn the logistics of the stock content purchasing process, and how to develop a process that works best for you and your team.

Learn the basics of AI content creation, as well as some of the benefits and drawbacks.

Learn the possibilities and pitfalls of AI copy creation, and how (or if) you can use AI copy programs to your benefit in the content creation process.

Learn about the current state of AI image generation and how (or if) it might factor into your design process.

Learn the stakes of effectively working with your designer to set an unambiguous and actionable scope.

Learn how to set project expectations with your designer upfront and how to negotiate scope effectively.

Learn how to refine and communicate your project needs with your designer.

Learn how to work with your designer to set a realistic timeline that meets both your deliverable needs and schedule.

Learn how to work with your designer to establish project budget and set a price-point that works for you.

Learn the stakes of understanding the principles that make good design and being able to judge how a design meets your needs.

Learn some of the overarching, and often missed, principles that govern good design.

Learn the necessity of balancing form and function, and how to determine what to prioritize for your designs.

Learn the pros and cons of “beautiful” design, what beauty really means, and how to figure out what your project needs.

Learn about the principle of minimalism, what it actually means (it’s not what you think!), whether or not it’s mutually exclusive with ornament, and how it applies to your project.

Learn how to balance clarity and detail to make sure every aspect of your message comes through.

Learn the benefits and drawbacks of capturing the moment vs. creating long-lasting design – and what is and isn’t possible!

Learn whether to prioritize design theory and technique or appealing design that may not be as “correct.”

Learn how to judge both the function and aesthetic of a design from an accessibility perspective.

Learn some essential considerations for hiring a graphic designer that will support your project needs.

A wrap-up of everything we’ve learned, and some thoughts for the future!