Tools and Techniques

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This page specifically focuses on the techniques, conventions, and tools that relate to print media. For elements where you are using Photoshop or Illustrator, see the Graphic Design tools and techniques page

Key techniques (conventions)

Composition

5 laws of layout and composition

So so important for printed media design!

Elements of Design:

The elements of design are largely the same as those used for art, namely line, shape, texture, form, space, colour, and value . We normally also consider typography as an element of graphic design. The big difference is that in design we use these for a purpose.

Here's a good guide and video to the elements and principles of art:

https://artincontext.org/elements-of-art/

And a great video too...

Principles of Design:

The principles of design refer to how the elements are used and composed. the seven most widely used are: Emphasis, Balance and Alignment, Contrast, Repetition, Proportion, Movement and White Space.

A good guide and video to design principles: 99designs.com/blog/tips/principles-of-design/

And another great video...

Key Tools

InDesign

Relevant tools and techniques (Level 1)

InDesign Tools:

Effectively use the 5 essential tools:

Selection Tools
Type Tool
Frame Tools
Shape Tools
Page Tool

Advanced tools and techniques (Level 2)

Advanced InDesign Tools include:

Type tools: Use more complex text effects
Drawing tools: Draw and style simple and complex objects
Transform tools: Reshape, reorient, and resize objects
Modification tools: sample colours, change palettes

Complex tools and techniques (Level 3)

Complex InDesign Tools include:

Advanced illustration techniques
Footnotes, Table of Content, Bookmarking, Cross-Referencing
Interactive elements (Buttons, Forms and Links)
Tables and Table Styles
Data Merge to import outside data