Graphic Design Education and Training Key Terms

Learn graphic design education and training key terms when planning your graphic design career

By Rachel Davy, Writer/Editor

For those who are planning to receive an education in graphic design, it is vital to learn and understand the key terms for all of the various facets of a graphic design education. Whether you plan to work as a traditional illustrator or work with computer graphics, there are key terms for each discipline that describe every aspect of graphic design. Take the time to learn the key terms for graphic design education as you prepare to become a graphic designer.

Typography

Typography is the craft of arranging type or fonts on a page so that they are visually appealing. Typographers design typefaces or fonts and use them in graphic design, printing and other aspects of publication.
Try: Brian Cray offers 8 helpful tips for typography on the web.

Composition

Composition is the placement of type, photographs, art and other visual elements on a page. There are many creative ways of using composition to add visual excitement to graphic design projects from using large bold type to the placement of art and images. Composition is a huge part of graphic design and it is a vital area of study for all graphic design students.
Try: Learn about the importance of composition in graphic design at Design Skills.

Desktop publishing

Desktop publishing is the ability to use computer software to layout and design a project. Those who work in desktop publishing must have knowledge of many aspects of graphic design including layout, typography and page composition. Those who choose to do this type of work must have a graphic design as well as computer background.
Try: Read information about the history of desktop publishing at Design Talk Board.

Visual hierarchy

Visual hierarchy includes arranging images or type on a page to give importance through contrast, styling and placement. Visual hierarchy grabs your attention with visual elements that create an impact.
Try: Gather information about visual hierarchy in graphic design at Graphic Design the Basics.

Package design

Package design is the ability to create exciting packages for products with fonts, art or photographic images. Package design includes everything from grocery store boxes, perfume boxes and paper bags. Graphic designers who work in package design learn how to use certain colors and patterns to draw consumer attention to product packaging. Package design is a specific area of study for graphic design students.
Try: Browse through the examples of package design at Abduzeedo.

Photo retouching

Photo retouching removes blemishes and problems and may also add new elements to photographs. Magazine publishers, newspaper publishers and editors use photo retouching for advertisements of models and celebrities as well as images of places and things.
Try: Read the overview of photo retouching and how it is used in graphic design at Go Freelance.