I’ve taught two semesters of introduction to graphic design. Surprisingly, few of the students in that class have been graphic design majors. While it might seem challenging to teach industrial design or photography students what graphic design is and how to get started doing it, I’ve found it to be an exciting challenge.
So, how do you teach graphic design to non-graphic design students?
I approach it through the idea of formstorming. I first stumbled across the term in Ellen Lupton’s Graphic Design: The New Basics, where it’s described as “an act of visual thinking — a tool for designers to unlock and deepen solutions to basic design problems.” In my own words, it’s the act of doing something over and over again so that you push creative boundaries and get comfortable with outside-the-box thinking.
Here’s how we approach the class — and it will become your creative brief. You may choose to pursue one, a few, or all of the deliverables.
Your formstorming brief:
Pick one word from our trusted picker wheel. You will use the same word for each of the deliverables below.
100 sketches. You will sketch your given word 100 times. Yes, 100 times! The objective is to encourage experimentation and risk-taking in composition. It will also test your creative endurance and resourcefulness. The requirement to have so many initial ideas can be intimidating (and exhausting). However, by completing this task you will begin to push your creative boundaries and start to flex your creative muscles. Use a sketchbook and pencil for this.
10 vectors. You will create 10 vectors of your given word, inspired by your 100 sketches. The objective is to build upon the foundation you've set, and the compositions you have explored in sketch form. Now, you will practice going from paper to pixel by choosing design solutions to further explore. Use Adobe Illustrator for this.
3 posters. You will create 3 posters of your given word. Combine textures, images, and type. Go abstract, go minimalist, go maximalist. Use type alone, shapes alone, or a combination of all (or few) alongside photography. The composition is up to you. The objective is to continue exploring different interpretations of your chosen word while expanding on its form. Use Adobe Photoshop for this.
1 book. You will create a single 12-page book, including front and back covers. Include various iterations and representations of your chosen word. You may use illustrations, icons, photography, and type. You will continue to expand foundational knowledge while combining different graphical elements and applying basic design principles. Use Adobe InDesign for this, in combination with Illustrator and Photoshop as needed.
Ready to share?
There is no deadline to complete the work. Start, finish, and share whenever you’re ready. Can’t wait to see what you create!