In today’s digital age, the demand for design-related positions is skyrocketing. Because of this increase in demand, I think it’s important to incorporate digital design and graphic design projects in the art room. This will give students hands-on experience with design-based careers that could interest them in the future.
Below, I’ve compiled some of my favorite digital design and graphic design projects for beginners that engage students, are relevant, and teach skills they can use in real-world settings. These types of graphic design projects are perfect for upper middle school or high school-aged students.
If you are looking to hit the easy button and get everything you need to teach digital and graphic design projects in your art class. You can get the full curriculums I taught or check out individual project links below, each website link has a buy on TPT button if you prefer to purchase on TPT.
EASY BUTTON
- Introduction to Design, Semester Long, Adobe Suite
- Introduction to Design, Semester Long, Free Programs
- Design II, Semester Long, Adobe Suite
- Design II, Semester Long, Free Programs
- Design I & II, Year-Long, Adobe Suite
- Design I & II, Year-Long, Free Programs
DESIGN AESTHETIC GRAPHIC DESIGN PROJECTS
- Developing Design Aesthetic (using Adobe CC Express): Teaching students to develop their design aesthetic is fundamental. This project utilizes Adobe CC Express, a free online program, which allows students to explore fonts, colors, and images to design an image to go with a quote or word.
- Developing Design Aesthetic Vision Board, Style Guide (using Canva): Have students explore their favorite fonts, colors, and images to include on a three-page document outlining their style. Style guides are often used to set graphic design standards in companies, this is a great way to introduce a real-world project to students.
These are the perfect starting graphic design projects in an intro to design or intermediate design course. Students will have more buy-in because this project is tailored to their tastes. Whether it’s exploring minimalist design with clean lines and muted tones or embracing maximalism with bold colors and intricate patterns, students have the opportunity to experiment and define their unique design style. This hands-on approach not only introduces students to digital design and layout but also encourages self-expression and creativity.
Check out the quote design project on my TPT here, check out the vision board, style guide project ion website here.
WATER BOTTLE DESIGN
- Industrial Design, Water Bottle Design: With the Stanley cup craze going on this topic is relatable and topical. The project tasks students with designing their dream water bottle using Adobe Illustrator or Vectr. By merging industrial design principles with digital tools, students not only learn program basics but also gain a deeper understanding of product design.
In an Introduction to Design, media tech, or digital art course, learning program basics is an essential part, but adding something they are familiar with by incorporating water bottles will give students more buy-in with the project. Students delve into the principles of industrial design, considering factors such as ergonomics, functionality, and aesthetics. From sketching concepts to refining designs using vector graphics, students learn the design process. By the end of the project, students not only have a digital representation of their water bottle design but also an understanding of industrial design and a base knowledge of the program they used to design it.
Read more about this on my blog here. Check out this project on my TPT here.
BOOK OR ALBUM COVER REDESIGN
- Graphic Design Projects: Encourage students’ creativity with an open-ended redesign project. Students choose to revamp a music album or book cover, applying their skills in Adobe Photoshop or Pixlr. This project provides a perfect balance of structure and freedom, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
This album or book cover design project tasks students with designing a cover for an already existing book cover or album cover while also teaching them the basics of Adobe Photoshop or Pixlr. In an Introduction to Design course, learning program basics is an essential part, and by adding a pop culture theme students will have more buy-in with the assignment. Analyzing the original cover art, students gain insight into design principles such as composition, typography, and color theory. They then apply this knowledge to create their own interpretations, considering themes, mood, and target audiences.
Check out this project ready to go on my TPT here (Adobe Photoshop version) and the Pixlr (free online program) here.
MOVIE POSTER REDESIGN
- Pop Culture Engagement: As an alternative to the book or album project or to build off of the redesign concept, have students redesign a movie poster. Students can use Adobe Photoshop or Canva for this assignment. By offering a range of movie options, this project caters to diverse interests, enhancing student buy-in and motivation.
This movie poster redesign project tasks middle or high school art students with designing a film poster for an already existing movie using Canva or Adobe Photoshop. In an Introduction to Design course, learning program basics is an essential part, but adding a pop culture theme by incorporating a project with options will give students more buy-in with the assignment. Students explore the art of visual storytelling, considering elements such as composition, typography, and imagery to captivate viewers and convey the essence of the film. By engaging with popular culture, students connect with the material on a personal level, making the learning experience both relevant and enjoyable.
Check out the Adobe Photoshop version of this project on my TPT here. Check out the Canva version of this project on my TPT here or website here.
SHOE DESIGN
- Fashion Design Exploration: Design a Shoe with Adobe Illustrator or Vectr. Introduce students to fashion design while exploring Adobe Illustrator or Vectr with this exciting project. From sketching to digital rendering, students create custom shoe designs, honing their design and problem-solving skills while learning about the program they are using.
Looking for a fun and engaging way to introduce your students to design? Look no further than this “Design a Shoe” project! Not only will they learn the basics of design and Adobe Illustrator or Vectr, but they’ll also develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they work through the project. Perfect for teachers looking to inspire creativity and introduce real-world design skills, this fashion design project is a great way to bring fashion and graphic design projects into a middle school art and high school art classroom.
Check out this project on my TPT here (you will see Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, and Vectr options).
CHARACTER DESIGN
- Gaming and Illustration: Delve into the realms of game design, animation, and illustration with this character design project using Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, or Vectr. With just an iPad and an Apple Pencil or computer, students can learn the process professionals go through to create new characters.
This middle or high school art, character design assignment tasks students with designing their own character using Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, or Vectr. All you need is an iPad and preferably an Apple Pencil or a computer. In an introduction to design or media art course, learning program basics is an essential part. This activity introduces students to basic tools and functions in the program as well as tasking them with a larger project, designing a character.
Check out this project on my TPT, or on my website (Procreate version).
Incorporating design projects into art programs is vital for nurturing creativity, fostering critical thinking, and equipping students with real-world skills. With a range of programs available, from professional tools to free online platforms, these graphic design projects can be accessible for a range of classrooms.
By integrating these projects into the curriculum, you can show students what real world creative jobs look like. Through hands-on exploration, students not only develop technical skills but also cultivate their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and visual literacy (great buzz words to plug in with your administrators).
MORE GRAPHIC DESIGN PROJECTS:
Interested in other technology-focused art lessons? Check out how I incorporate AI with an art history and art-making-focused project here.
Looking for more Canva projects? Check out a bundle of 6 Canva projects here.
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and TikTok for weekly visual journal demos and other project ideas. Subscribe here to get freebies, project tutorials, and more straight to your inbox. Until next time!
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