The Accidental Designer: How to Design Images Like a Pro
Presenter: Idealware
Cost: $135 or $108 with 2019 NDANO Member Discount (Login to Members Only Portal for code)
We all know this intuitively—websites or flyers that are balanced, colorful, and visually interesting get more attention. But if you work at a small nonprofit, chances are you don’t have much money to spend on a graphic designer. Fortunately, anyone can learn graphic design. Whether you’re already creating visuals for your nonprofit’s communications or are interested in taking this on and know nothing about it, we can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to wow your followers with interesting and attractive designs.
Join Idealware for a three-part course that will walk you through the fundamentals of design and show you how to get started with the right tools.
During this course, you will learn:
- Learn about theories of line, shape, form, and space.
- Explore the theories behind why colors affect the way we think and feel.
- Discover the sneaky importance of typography.
- Review layout dos and don’ts.
- Learn a few basic tricks for using Adobe InDesign.
- Find out about low-cost alternatives to InDesign.
This three-part course takes place Thursdays, Dec. 5-19, 12-1:30 p.m. Central Time.
The Elements of Design - Dec. 5
Begin by delving into the ideas behind good design. Explore how designers use lines, shapes, form, and space as the basic tools for showing depth, movement, or other visual ideas. Time will also be spent talking about the importance of color and how to use it to achieve the right effect. And learn how typography can affect both what the viewer sees and feels within a design.
Layout in Action - Dec. 12
Review some basic principles of graphic layout. Then take it a step further and see in real time a design being created—explaining the thinking and decisions being made during the process.
Technology Tools - Dec. 19
Adobe InDesign is the industry standard and is recommended for anyone creating designs that need to live on beyond the immediate moment. That’s why it’s important that you learn a few useful tricks for doing basic design work in InDesign. However, there are a number of alternatives that offer similar functionality and many simpler tools that are free and easy to use. Spend some time reviewing those tools and discussing their strengths and weaknesses.
About the Presenter
Cary Walski is an entrepreneur using her background in psychology and the arts to create positive online experiences for mission-driven organizations. Passionate about nonprofits making informed decisions, Cary has delivered presentations locally and nationally for organizations including NTEN, Idealware, The Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, Minnesota Council on Foundations and Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. As owner and nerd-in-chief at Copilot, she works with small to medium-sized nonprofits to produce websites, email campaigns and social media communities that connect with and inspire individuals to action.
NDANO offers live in-person and online learning opportunities for nonprofits, often with partners. Members receive discounted rates on all NDANO events. All times are Central unless otherwise indicated.
Do you have a learning opportunity or event for North Dakota nonprofits to add to our calendar? Email NDANO with the details.
