# Design Foundations

- **Part of:** [Graphic Design](/en/tracks/graphic-design) — learning path 1 of 4
- **Length:** 2 chapters · 7 lessons · 6 hours a week
- **Level:** Beginner

::route
1. **Design Foundations** — 2 chapters · 6 hours a week · 1 checkpoint
2. [Raster Design with Photoshop](/en/paths/graphic-design-photoshop) — 2 chapters · 8 hours a week · 1 checkpoint
3. [Vector & Brand with Illustrator](/en/paths/graphic-design-illustrator) — 2 chapters · 8 hours a week · 1 checkpoint
4. [Layout, Applied Work & Portfolio](/en/paths/graphic-design-applied-portfolio) — 3 chapters · 6 hours a week · 1 checkpoint
::

::cta https://app.artimend.com/tracks/graphic-design Start this track

## Syllabus

### 1. Design Principles & Visual Language

- 4 lessons
- **Skills:** Visual Hierarchy · Composition · Colour Theory · Gestalt Principles

### 2. Typography

- 3 lessons
- **Skills:** Typography · Type Pairing · Kerning · Visual Hierarchy
- **Checkpoint:** Foundations Gate

## Checkpoints

To pass each checkpoint you hand in a piece of real work. What each one asks for:

- **Foundations Gate:** Produce a one-page poster applying hierarchy, a deliberate palette, and a typographic pairing — no software mastery required, principles only.