assignments for graphic design students

Assignment Packages

Video Projects
Podcast Projects

Graphic Design Projects

TimelineJS Assignment Package
Source Evaluation Assignment Package

The following package of materials provides everything you need to get started designing your own graphic design assignment and implement into your class. There is a mix of resources addressed to instructors, as well as links to student-facing resources, that are also linked on other pages of this guide. To discuss customizing these materials for your own assignment, contact Amanda McCollom ( [email protected] ). All the materials on this page are licensed under a CC-BY-NC 4.0 license.

For Instructors

Instructor's Guide to Graphic Design Assignments Tips for instructors to build a graphic design assignments into their course; includes learning objectives, information about tools, and a sample timeline for the assignment.
Social Media Campaign Assignment Prompt (E110) E110 graphic design assignment with a focus on Instagram and TikTok campaigns; shared with the permission of the instructor.
Assigning and Assessing Multimodal Projects Tips and resources about multimodal projects with a focus on assessment from Georgetown University.
Evaluating Multimodal Assignments Includes suggested grading criteria for a visual argument assignment.
Evaluating Multimodal Work, Revisited Great suggestions for questions to consider for evaluative criteria

Canvas Module

Go to Canvas Commons and search “Library Resources for Multimedia Projects”; download and import into your Canvas course. This module contains separate pages for video projects, podcast projects, and graphic design projects. If your project is only graphic design-based, you can un-publish the other two pages. If your students can choose what they create, leave all pages published. Feel free to rename the module and customize content as needed.

For Students

Graphic Design Planning Worksheet (Google Doc) You will be required to make a copy of the google doc.
Graphic Design Libguide Provides information and resources on design principles, color, accessibility, free tools, and software tutorials.
Design Principles video 7 minute video covering four design principles and how to apply them; created by the Student Multimedia Design Center.
Canva Online graphic design platform that allows users to create social media graphics, presentations, posters and other visual content. Free and paid versions available.
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Last Updated: Aug 12, 2024 10:57 AM
URL: https://guides.lib.udel.edu/assignmentpackages

FakeClients

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13 Graphic Design Practice Exercises: Build Your Skills and Portfolio

Starting out as a graphic designer can feel overwhelming, but with regular practice, you’ll quickly gain the confidence and skills needed for real-world projects. Here are a few creative and practical exercises to help you get started, build your portfolio, and refine your workflow.

The more time you dedicate to practicing graphic design, the more streamlined the process becomes for you. Not only will you develop a designer's mindset, but you'll also become proficient in using keyboard shortcuts and other productivity tools that save you time and effort. View graphic design practice exercises as a strategic investment in your career, rather than a tedious chore. Yes, it may take some time upfront to commit to regular practice, but the payoff is substantial - you'll gain invaluable experience, refine your skills, and become more efficient in your workflow. As your expertise grows, so will your confidence in tackling complex design projects with ease.

Design something for an imaginary client

Utilizing tools like FakeClients.com can be a game-changer for graphic designers looking to hone their skills in a realistic setting. These brief generators allow you to create authentic-sounding client briefs from fictional businesses, making it easy to practice responding to design requests and developing your portfolio at the same time. By incorporating these resources into your weekly routine - even just 15-30 minutes a few times a week - you can gradually build confidence in tackling real-world client projects. While there's no substitute for working with actual clients, FakeClients.com and similar tools provide a valuable training ground to help you develop the skills and mindset needed to succeed as a freelance designer or in-house creative professional.

example of generated a graphic design brief from fakeclients

If you're ready to take your graphic design skills to the next level, you can also embark on a daily design challenge. During this challenge you commit to creating a new project each day for a set period of time - say 2 months. FakeClients is a fantastic tool to help you achieve this goal, generating fresh briefs and exercises tailored to your needs.

The process of working through these daily challenges will have several benefits. You'll become increasingly comfortable with the design process, from conception to completion, as well as develop your problem-solving skills and creativity. Although it's not identical to working for real clients, FakeClients.com/DailyBrief provides a realistic simulation that mimics the experience of deadlines and having to stay consistent.

Perhaps the most exciting outcome of this type of challenge is the sheer volume of work you'll accumulate over time. While some pieces may not be up to your usual standards, you'll still have an impressive portfolio of diverse projects that showcase your growth as a designer. In fact, with enough dedication and persistence, it's entirely possible to build a stunning portfolio even if you're just starting out.

Practice by redesigning an existing brand

Redesigning an existing brand can also be a fantastic way to hone your design skills, and it's especially beneficial when you do it for smaller brands that may need a refresh. By taking on a redesign project, you'll gain hands-on experience in reimagining a brand's visual identity, while also learning how to balance aesthetics with functionality. This approach can also serve as a great opportunity to build relationships with potential clients, as many brands appreciate the effort and creativity you bring to their project.

When approaching a redesign for design practice, consider reaching out to existing brands that may benefit from an update. You might be surprised by how receptive they are to your offer, especially if you're willing to work pro-bono or at a reduced rate. Not only will this experience help you grow as a designer, but it'll also give you a tangible case study to showcase in your portfolio. Remember, you don't have to limit yourself to traditional branding exercises; think outside the box and imagine new applications, like designing an app for a brand that doesn't yet have one.

A key aspect to keep in mind when redesigning for an existing brand is ensuring that form follows function. It's easy to get caught up in the creative process and overlook the practical implications of your design decisions. By prioritizing both aesthetics and usability, you'll create a more effective and engaging visual identity that resonates with the target audience.

Redesign your own brand

As a new graphic designer, it can be tempting to try and jump straight into design projects for clients. However, starting with your own personal branding is also essential. By designing a logo, business cards, website, and other designed materials for yourself, you'll gain invaluable experience as your own "client". This process allows you to identify your needs, target audience, and mission - all essential steps in creating an effective brand identity. To make the most of this exercise, treat it like any other high-stakes design project: research your goals and objectives, define your unique value proposition, and conduct market research to understand your ideal client. Only then should you begin designing, ensuring that your own personal branding is well-crafted, professional, and consistent with your values and vision.

Drawing and sketching

For many experienced designers, sketching out a design is a crucial step in the creative process. It allows them to visually bring their ideas to life on paper, sparking new insights and perspectives that might not have been possible through digital means alone. By incorporating regular drawing exercises into your workflow, you can develop this essential skill and get into the habit of sketching out designs before diving into the computer. This simple yet powerful approach can help you refine your concepts, explore different visual directions, and ultimately arrive at a more polished final product. Take inspiration from the world around you – like a leaf, for instance – and see how you can distill its essence down to a clean, simplified logo or icon that conveys the same message with clarity and impact.

Offer graphic design work to family and friends

One other great way to hone your graphic design skills is by offering your services to friends, family, or even neighbors who may need a visual solution for an event or business project. Perhaps a friend is planning a birthday party and needs eye-catching flyers or posters, while another might require a professional-looking business card. By volunteering to create these designs for free, you'll not only gain valuable experience but also spread the word about your skills. As people see the quality of your work and appreciate the effort you put into it, they're likely to recommend you to others who may need similar services. Before long, your portfolio will grow, and so will your reputation as a talented graphic designer.

Other design exercise games

The thrill of creating new designs can sometimes wear off, leaving you feeling uninspired and eager to refresh your skills. But don't worry – there's no need to rely solely on personal projects or client work for stimulation! Graphic design exercise games have become increasingly popular in recent times, offering a fun and engaging way to challenge yourself and keep your skills sharp.

Pixel guessing game for graphic designers

Pixel Guesser - Test your sense of pixels

Think you're a pixel master? As a graphic designer, you've likely spent countless hours working with pixels to create stunning digital designs. But can you really gauge your accuracy when it comes to pinpointing exact pixel sizes? The Pixel Guesser game is here to put your skills to the test! By drawing boxes and trying to hit the exact size target, you'll challenge yourself to refine your precision and see just how good your sense of pixel sizes really is. Give it a try and see how low you can score – will you be the ultimate pixel pro or stumble into a digital disaster?

Font Quiz - Guess the right font

While more experienced graphic designers may find this font quiz a breeze, it's still a great challenge for even the most seasoned professionals. After all, no matter how often you work with fonts, can you recall every single one you've used? Our quiz takes the guesswork out of font selection by presenting over 450 popular fonts from Google Fonts - and each time you play, the list is randomized, keeping things fresh and exciting! Your goal: beat your previous score by correctly matching the font name to its perfect match. Will you emerge as a true font connoisseur?

HEX color guessing game for graphic designers

HEX Guess - Guess the right color from the HEX code

HEX codes are widely used in all fields of design, comprising six characters preceded by the "#" symbol. Most designers have likely used HEX codes at some point, but do you truly understand how they're constructed? By playing this interactive HEX guess exercise, you'll get to test your color vision and see if you can accurately match colors with their corresponding HEX codes. Take a stab at it and challenge yourself to identify the exact shade that belongs to each code - it's a fun way to refine your color sense and maybe even discover some new tricks up your sleeve!

Hue line-up game and exercise for graphic designers

Hue Test - Test your ability to differentiate colors by lining them up correctly

Color is a fundamental aspect of any design, and as a graphic designer, it's essential to possess a keen eye for color. Small variations in hue can have a profound impact on a design's overall look and feel, making it crucial to be able to detect these subtle differences. Whether you're working with a specific palette or creating an entirely new design, being able to identify the perfect shade of green (or any other color) is vital to achieving the desired aesthetic. This exercise will help you refine your ability to spot these small but significant variations in color, enabling you to make informed decisions and take your designs to the next level.

Good kerning is incredibly important when you are designing something that involves text. Kerning is the spacing between letters or characters in a piece of text. If a design has bad kerning, a design can quickly look awkward. If you already are an experienced designer, you’ll likely already have a good eye for kerning but if you just started out, it can’t hurt to get some more practice. ‘Kern Type’ is the perfect exercise for practicing kerning, it’s a beautifully designed online exercise where you have to align the letters in a word as good as possible.

The Bezier Game

The pen tool is probably one of the most important and most used tools by any designer. It is also a tricky tool to learn and master. You gradually get better at using it when you use it in your work but it can also cause some problems when you want to work on more complex designs. That’s why practice with the pen tool is crucial and often overlooked. You can do this in Illustrator or your program of choice, but there’s also a fun game for it that can help you. In the Bezier Game, you try to follow certain predefined shapes with the pen tool so you can try to get better at it.

Munsell Hue Test

Lastly, this is a fun and simple game to test your color acuity. You simply try to get the colors in the right order. When you think you’re finished, you fill in your gender and age and you get to see how you compare against others.

13 Graphic Design Project Ideas for Your Portfolio

Whether you are a beginner, students or an experienced graphic designer, having a diverse and well-designed portfolio is crucial in the competitive world of design.

An impressive portfolio lets your work speak for itself, highlights your versatility, and illustrates your problem-solving ability through design. It's your ticket to landing that dream job or securing high-profile clients. So, let's dive into these graphic design project ideas and start building your ultimate graphic design portfolio!

Graphic Design Projects for Portfolio

Before we start, don't forget to check out Pixcap's collection of design templates and assets to help you kick-start your projects easier.

#1. Logo Design

Logos are a brand's face, conveying values and identity in a simple design. Try creating distinct logos for fictional companies. Pick different industries to showcase your range.

Start with a brief, pinpointing the brand's mission and target audience. Sketch ideas, then refine your best ones digitally. Or you can redesign existing logos and show how you can improve them.

Pay attention to color psychology and typography. This project demonstrates your ability to encapsulate brand essence in a visually appealing and memorable way. Remember, a great logo is more than just attractive—it communicates a brand’s story in an instant.

This is quite a challenging project, requiring creativity and a marketing mindset, a skill set highly sought after by clients.

#2. Brochures and Flyers

Print materials still have a place in marketing. Designing brochures or flyers can show off your ability to create aesthetically pleasing designs while also conveying important information.

Think about the target audience and purpose of the material. Is it for a real estate company, promoting a new development? Or a food truck, advertising daily specials?

This project demonstrates your understanding of marketing strategies and how to implement them through design. It also highlights your ability to work within specific guidelines and create cohesive branding elements.

#3. Packaging Design

Packaging is a crucial aspect of product design, as it can make or break a customer's decision to purchase. This project allows you to showcase your skills in creating eye-catching packaging that not only looks good but also functions well.

Consider the product and its target market when designing the packaging. For example, baby products would require a different design approach than luxury skincare items.

Pay attention to details such as materials, dimensions, and sustainability. This project not only demonstrates your design skills but also your ability to think critically and problem-solve.

Icons are essential elements in digital design. They guide users through a product experience and help communicate certain actions without relying on text.

Crafting unique and intuitive icons that harmonize with the overall design is an excellent way to showcase your creativity and understanding of user experience.

Whether it's for a mobile app or a website, icon design tests your ability to distill complex ideas into simple, visually appealing symbols. This project will significantly boost your portfolio by highlighting your skills in digital design and visual communication.

#5. Book Cover Design

Book cover design is an art that combines creativity, marketing, and storytelling. It's about creating an appealing visual summary for the story inside the pages.

A well-designed cover can intrigue potential readers and persuade them to delve into the book. It's your chance to communicate the book's essence, captivate the target audience, and stimulate their curiosity. You can use this project to showcase your skills in typography, layout, and composition.

#6. UX/UI Design

User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design are critical components of digital product design. UX focuses on the overall experience of using a product, while UI deals with the visual elements and interactions.

Designing an intuitive and visually appealing UX/UI is crucial in creating a successful digital product that users will enjoy using. This project will allow you to demonstrate your understanding of human-centered design, information architecture, and usability testing.

Graphic Design Projects for Beginners

Design is a constantly evolving field, and beginners need to consistently learn and practice to improve their skills. Here are some beginner-friendly graphic design projects that you can try:

#1. Social Media Graphics

Social media graphics are quite popular since businesses and individuals use them to promote their brand or products. You can start by designing simple graphics for your social media profiles, such as cover photos and profile pictures.

Once you get comfortable with the basics, you can challenge yourself by creating more complex designs like infographics or Instagram posts. These projects will allow you to practice design fundamentals and experiment with different styles and techniques.

#2. Business Cards

Designing business cards is an excellent project for beginners since they have a straightforward layout and minimal design elements. You can use this project to practice typography, color theory, and layout.

You can also experiment with various printing techniques and materials to enhance the design. Plus, having a well-designed business card in your portfolio will impress potential clients or employers.

#3. Mockups

Mockups are a great way to showcase your designs in a realistic setting. You can create mockups for various products like t-shirts, packaging, or digital interfaces.

There are many free mockup templates available online that you can use, or you can create your own using software like Pixcap .

Graphic Design Projects for Students

If you're a student looking to enhance your graphic design skills, here are some projects that can help you:

#1. Invitation Design

Designing invitations for events like parties, weddings, or even school functions is an excellent project for students. It will allow you to practice design elements like typography, color, and layout while also considering the target audience and event theme.

You can also experiment with different types of invitations such as digital, print, or interactive.

#2. Presentation Design

As a student, you will likely have to create presentations for projects or assignments. Use this opportunity to practice your design skills by creating visually appealing and engaging presentation slides.

You can experiment with different layouts, themes, and graphics to make your presentations stand out.

#3. Sticker Design

Designing stickers is not only a fun project but also a great way to showcase your creativity.

You can create stickers for personal use, such as decorating your laptop or phone, or design them for a specific purpose like promoting an event or brand.

We have an article to help you quickly get started with sticker design and ideas .

#4. Food Menu Design

Designing a food menu is an excellent way to polish your creativity and portfolio when you're still a student.

Remember every detail matters — the pictures, the font, the color scheme, and even the logo's readability. Doing this right can draw more customers to restaurants, bars, or fast food chains.

Stand Out With 3D Graphic Design

3D graphic design is increasingly becoming popular in the design industry and it will set you apart from other designers.

Pixcap has made 3D design easier for everyone, whether you're a beginner or an expert, to create stunning 3D graphics with our user-friendly interface.

More than 10,000+ 3D elements, illustrations and mockups are fully customizable, giving you endless possibilities to create unique designs for any project.