Design Foundations

Description

Dreaming to be a great designer? This course explores the successful two-dimensional art techniques needed for students to communicate effectively in the visual arts. The principals and elements of art explored in this course is a creative journey, developed to include the industries perspective. That way, the student is able to take what they have learned in the class to their related field, art of gaming, graphic design, animation, or illustration. The student will understand the need for quality, craftsmanship, and mastery in the discipline of their art. We hope this course will encourage our students to aspire to high artistic standards that they will be applied to all their creations. This is an on-ground course. You can find details about the campus location [here](https://www.artsatelier146.org/campus-location).

Course Author

William Morse

Program AreasFoundations, Graphic Design

IntensityBEGINNER

Duration8 weeks

Course Outline

Module 1 • Elements of Art

The student will begin to learn how to design using the Elements of Art, Line, Shape, Form, Space, Value, Texture, and Color to effectively communicate their visual ideas. With skill the student will strategically dive into the form and function of light and shadows, color and structure, hue and simulated and invented textures that can enhance the quality of the work illustrated.

Module 2 • Principles of Design

Similar to week one, the Design Foundations such as the Principles of Design: Balance, Rhythm, Emphasis, Movement, Variety, Proportion, Harmony, and Unity will be explored. The student will learn to unify the Elements with the Principles to create strong cohesive harmonious compositions that are well designed.

Module 3 • Figure Ground Confusion

Mastering lights and darks is the key for an effective designer, animator or illustrator. The figure/ground relationships taught this week help to lay that foundation for the student’s success. The student will understand and learn the balance between positive and negative space that create striking and memorable compositions.

Module 4 • Color Theory: Monochromatic / Analogous

The entertainment industry uses Monochromatic compositions because they create a mood and striking movie shots that help convey a story. Students are introduced to this color theory and learn how to develop simplicity with a limited color palette. Also, the student will explore the harmonious unity in analogous color schemes to add more elegance to their compositions and designs.

Module 5 • Color Theory: Complementary / Split Complementary

The student’s studio work is escalated by creating dynamic contrasts of complementary hues projects. The student will also understand how the relationship of split-complementary color schemes can effectively empower an image to convey an idea and add depth to a composition.

Module 6 • Color Theory: Triadic Color

Moving forward we will explore triadic color schemes by using three harmoniously hues to enhance the energy in a composition.

Module 7 • Color Theory: Warm Colors

Warm colors are everywhere. In this module the student will explore creative ways to convey the idea of energy and passion by using warm hues in their compositions.

Module 8 • Color Theory: Cool Colors

Cool colors have a calming effect on the viewer. By manipulating the cool hues, the artist can help change the mood of the viewer. Students will learn how to use cool colors to develop sophisticated compositions and how they relate to a commercial product line as well.

Available Courses

William Morse

Instructor

Location

ONGROUND

Begins

Aug 24, 2026

Ends

Oct 18, 2026

Meets on

Tues, Thurs

Class times

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET

$849.00