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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: Aesthetics
Status: Design Elements And Principles
BeginnerCourse19 hours

Featured reviews

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

LS

4.0Reviewed Sep 23, 2019

The assignments are really fun and put the videos into practice very efficiently! The only thing that troubles me is sometimes the "design language" is too unfamiliar for beginners.

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

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.

GA

5.0Reviewed Sep 5, 2020

Great course indeed, it tackles the true spirit of image-making. Personally, I have reached new heights in design thanks to this course and the clear explanation of the teacher.

TA

5.0Reviewed May 22, 2023

In fact i am very much glad for this because before taking this course, i know nothing about Indesign but i can now use it and more, Thank you for this financial aid opportunities, Blessings coursera

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!

NM

5.0Reviewed Feb 23, 2017

Really enjoyed this course and it pushed me to think about the application of the design. In this case, I learned a lot about composing spreads for books which was something very new to me.

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.

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

SM

5.0Reviewed Jan 24, 2021

Unexpectedly difficult, full of discoveries, and surprisingly useful course. Many thanks @Gail Swanlund - I wish I could take a 'live' book- and image-making course with her. Thanks!

HL

5.0Reviewed May 21, 2019

The instructor had such a soothing voice and explained everything very well! The videos were very helpful in showcasing the concepts and providing examples, plus the assignments were super fun!

All reviews

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Jeannie Nadja
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Reviewed Aug 30, 2016
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Christine
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Reviewed Jun 12, 2016
Mary A Vecchio
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Elzbieta Zdunek
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Holly Hilson
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Dries Nollet
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Reviewed May 22, 2019
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2.0
Reviewed Sep 11, 2017