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California Institute of the Arts

Introduction to Imagemaking

Designed for serious makers and aspiring designers, Introduction to Imagemaking is a process-driven laboratory for expanding your visual vocabulary. Moving beyond basic software tutorials, this course treats imagemaking as a fundamental pillar of graphic design—one rooted in fearless experimentation and the rigorous study of visual semiotics. Through a series of hands-on prompts, you will master the relationship between denotation and connotation, learning how to intentionally drive meaning through compositional contrast, scale, and hierarchy. You will synthesize your experimental research into a professional-grade image-based book, transforming loose investigations into a cohesive narrative. By the end of this course, you will have moved from simply 'making stuff' to orchestrating complex visual relationships that define a unique, job-ready creative voice.

Status: Layout Design
Status: Design Research
BeginnerCourse19 hours

Featured reviews

RJ

5.0Reviewed Aug 18, 2018

This is more challenging that it seems. It forces you to think creatively and critically with a seemingly simple subject. I recommend this course for anyone who wants to work with their hands a bit

HA

5.0Reviewed Jan 15, 2020

harder than other courses of the specialization which makes it more important and valuable, I didn't know about designing images but now i'm confident I can make cool designs with images

SH

5.0Reviewed Sep 7, 2020

The pacing of the course was just right, the instructor was knowledgeable, and the presentation of the subject matter was very pleasant, due to Gail Swanlund's easy-going demeanor.

SW

4.0Reviewed Apr 19, 2020

Awesome course, great content! I wish there were more videos to learn about compositions and the third assignment was a bit hard to follow. Overall I learned a great deal. Thanks!

BS

5.0Reviewed May 21, 2017

My most toughest course so far. But it was such fun creating design by my hands. My design perspective truly has expanded and I am more appreciative of what I have accomplished.

TT

5.0Reviewed Feb 27, 2018

This course is more self-driven than others I have done on Coursera, but if you are open to exploring different techniques for yourself it is a great course providing a creative stimulus.

DH

5.0Reviewed Sep 10, 2020

Great course. It really made me focus in on composition and how the slightest movement of elements can give your layouts a whole new dialogue. Thank you so much! --Darlene

HN

4.0Reviewed Jul 4, 2020

The voice and lecture is quite sleepy, I had to take extra coffee for the course. And the assignment is still confusing. But in overall, the content and the knowledge has provided me a lot. Thank you!

LC

5.0Reviewed Oct 8, 2017

I'm so happy i did this course. Gail, you're amazing and you made my imagination go wild with just your words. I can see you love your craft and that's very inspiring. Enjoyed this course all the way!

YH

5.0Reviewed Mar 20, 2023

I am so happy that I can complete this course. Learned some simple but inspiring ideas of make good layouts. I used PPT for all the homework, and it's managable! Very happy :D

JE

4.0Reviewed Nov 21, 2017

I really like the course, I learn a lot of thingsI think that some instructios for the assigments are not fully explainedand also I think the voice of the theacher in the videos is low monotonous

AF

5.0Reviewed Oct 8, 2016

I really loved this course. Useful information presented in an attractive format. Hands on approach. It opened my mind regarding a lot of possible applications in different areas of life.

All reviews

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Jeannie Nadja
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Reviewed Aug 30, 2016
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Reviewed Sep 16, 2017
Dave Lang
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Christine
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Reviewed Jun 12, 2016
Mary A Vecchio
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Reviewed May 22, 2020
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Reviewed Dec 24, 2019
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Reviewed Jun 29, 2017
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Reviewed May 22, 2019
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2.0
Reviewed Sep 11, 2017