“
i love this course. Martin is a great teacher as well as an awesome designer.. he’s really added to my career. he’s always very clear and right to the point.. and his videos are never boring.
"WHat Am I missing?"
You might be good at using design applications like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign — the 'how.’ It is now time to learn the elusive side of graphic design, beyond skills — the 'why.’
The secret ingredient that can elevate your work is Graphic Design Theory. It’s the 'why' behind every decision you make as a graphic designer. It is the key to make a lasting visual impact on your audience.
The Graphic Design Theory Series was made to help you evolve from a mere user of design applications to a true expert of effective visual communication. The knowledge you can acquire here will help you whether you are a seasoned creative professional or just starting out as a graphic designer, and it will serve you for the rest of your life.
You might be good at using design applications like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign — the 'how.’ It is now time to learn the elusive side of graphic design, beyond skills — the 'why.’
The secret ingredient that can elevate your work is Graphic Design Theory. It’s the 'why' behind every decision you make as a graphic designer. It is the key to make a lasting visual impact on your audience.
The Graphic Design Theory Series was made to help you evolve from a mere user of design applications to a true expert of effective visual communication. The knowledge you can acquire here will help you whether you are a seasoned creative professional or just starting out as a graphic designer, and it will serve you for the rest of your life.
Control the balance, rhythm and visual hierarchy to amaze your clients
This course will give you the knowledge to always make the right choices and make every single project a success.
You will clearly understand how to use focal points, proportions, contrast, colors, harmony, and rhythm—every element to create the exact effect you want for your viewers.
Learn how people react to visuals, what they find appealing, what grabs their attention and what will motivate them to buy or make a decision.
The most in-depth resource
What makes learning about design theory so difficult is not only that it is a vast subject, but that everything is related.
This is why I worked for more than a year on this series, creating the most extensive library on graphic design theory you will ever find, explained in a clear, to-the-point and practical way.
Within the course, there are about 100 creative exercises, with more than 80 inspiration boards. We also cover over 500 definitions and analyze more than 1000 design examples.
You can also test your knowledge with analysis worksheets, term glossaries and quizzes.
12
courses
100+
exercises
500+
terms
1000+
references
Training series, handbook or resource library — your choice!
The most unique feature of the Graphic Design Theory Series is that you can pick any lesson from any of the 12 courses and it will make sense on its own. You don't have to watch the lessons in any particular order.
You can use this vast resource of knowledge as your own graphic design theory library, where you will always find answers and inspiration whenever you feel stuck with a creative project.
Boost your confidence by understanding how to make engaging, clear and effective compositions and learn the language of design in order to communicate with clients, printers, developers and other creative professionals.
Liam C. Kelley
I've taken courses from Lynda, Skillshare, etc. and know my way around the various Adobe products. However, I am really learning a ton from Martin. Even when I watch basic videos like "drawing" in Illustrator, I find myself saying "Oh! I did not know that!!" This series is very well designed, and Martin is an excellent educator.
Whether you are starting out or want to make sure that you are really getting everything you can out of Adobe products, this is a great place to do it. Yes, Martin has a lot of stuff on YouTube, but the information in this series is structured and organized, so you can clearly progress and learn skills in an efficient manner.
Main topics we cover in this series:
Color & Contrast
Hue, chroma, saturation, value, tone, shade, tint, color spaces, color wheel, color temperature, meanings of colors, color harmonies, perception of color, color blindness, types of contrast, etc.
typography
Type anatomy, pairing fonts, legibility, readability, alignment, justification, ligatures, calligraphy, handlettering, leading, tracking, kerning, rags & rivers, orphans & widows, using text for visual interest, etc.
psychology of design
Gestalt principles: closure, continuity, figure-ground, common fate, simplicity, symmetry, past experience, similarity, uniform connectedness, common regions, proximity, etc.
unity & harmony
Repetition, consistency, visual tempo, random rhythm, alternating rhythm, flowing rhythm, progressive rhythm, variety, framing, pattern, motif, grouping, containers, holding devices, etc.
space
Depth, overlap, overlay, shape, form, texture, perspective, leading lines, negative space, white space, proximity, foreshortening, implied space, vanishing point, volume, micro/macro space, etc.
composition & layout
Rule of thirds, golden ratio, golden spiral, direction, flow, silhouette, contour, outline, profile, line, tangent, reading gravity, primary optical area, open/closed composition, masthead, running head, etc.
balance
Visual weight, reflectional symmetry, radial symmetry, asymmetry, alignment, modular grids, spatial zones, colum grids, baseline grid, optical movement, medium disturbance, illusory motion, orientation, viewpoint, etc.
hierarchy
Focal point, entry point, information prioritization, dominance, emphasis, scale, position, proportion, exaggeration, propositional density, accent color, deep propositon, etc.
process of design
Stages of creative process, tools of the trade, creative brief, contract, research, moodboards, sketching, brainstorming, ideation, mind maps, presentation, client feedback, iteraton, delivery, design contests, creative portfolio, etc.
print design
Resolution, color separation, bleed, offset printing, digital printing, screen printing, foil stamping, coating, embossing, bindery, paper types, color management, logo design, brochures, posters, editorial design, packaging, etc.
web & digital design
Navigation, usability, file formats, screen sizes, responsive design, UX/UI design, app design, design systems, icon design, banner ads, social media design, digital publishing, motion design, AR & VR, etc.
graphic Design theory series
Available as a bundle for single purchase:
or access with our
Pro Membership
Monthly
subscription
Annual
subscription
Nunzia Terminiello
When I started this series three months ago, I had no experience in Graphic Design but thanks to Martin’s lessons and his advice, I’ve really learnt a lot. All the lessons are well organised and clearly explained and this has definitely given me confidence of developing the skills I needed.
Besides, I love the fact that he dedicates his time to review our works and gives a lot of precious insights. I’m really happy to be part of this group!
creatives, artists, bloggers, marketers -
PROFESSIONALs & HOBBYISTS
alike
who would benefit the most by learning Design Theory
This training series is a perfect fit for any field where visual communication and aesthetic harmony are important.
For graphic designers in particular, this knowledge will begin to elevate everything you already do well, making your workflow more enjoyable and your end result much more satisfying. This course will suit you if:
The Graphic Design Theory Series is available as a single bundle purchase with Lifetime Access to all chapters. It is also included in our Plus and Pro Memberships.
Plus Membership
Access to all of our MasterClasses and Theory series
$35/ month
Included in the Plus Membership
* These Applications have both a desktop and iPad version with seperate MasterClasses for each
Single purchase
Lifetime access to the entire
Graphic Design Theory Series
$197
What you will get
30 Days Money Back Guarantee
We want you to get the most from your learning experience with Yes I'm a Designer. However, if you change your mind for whatever reason, we offer a full refund within 30 days of purchase. Just get in touch with us so we can either help you get the results you need or give you a swift refund.
(We cannot process refunds to students who have completed more than 10% of any selected course.)
“
Brilliant course. Well-structured introduction to Lightroom, clearly delivered and super easy to follow along. Highly recommend.
Jousianne Propp
Which Membership is the best for me?
Please keep in mind that the Theory MasterClass Series is only available in the Plus and Pro tier.
Features | $19 / month | $35 / month | $67 / month $670 / year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Access to the Graphic Design Starter Bootcamp & Starter CommunityThe Bootcamp is a 3-months-long guided learning program for beginner students or hobbyist designers with fun projects and a supportive community of like-minded students. | ||||
Certification for each completed courseBoth Martin (graphic design) and Ozgur (motion graphics) are renowned masters of their field, and among the best Adobe Certified Instructors globally. You will get a signed certificate for each course you complete. | ||||
Quizzes, downloadable exercise files & resourcesTest your knowledge by taking quizzes and practice everything you learn with structured exercises and useful training materials. | ||||
Creative communityBe inspired by joining a thriving community of creative spirits. Share your work to get valuable feedback from fellow students. | ||||
All our MasterClasses and the | N/A | |||
Access our entire course libraryIn addition to our Masterclasses, you will have access to project-based courses such as the Character Design course or the 365 Days of Creativity, which help more experienced students improve their portfolios and create stunning design pieces. | N/A | N/A | ||
Creative projects with personalised feedbackChoose from various Career Paths like (Graphic Design, Illustration, UX & Web Design, Logo etc.) and get monthly feedback and guidance on your work from us. | N/A | N/A | ||
Interactive webinars and priority supportTake part in monthly live events and speak with Martin and his team of creative professionals. | N/A | N/A | ||
Start Your Membership now ❯ | $19 / month | $35 / month | $67 / month $670 / year | |
What our students say
“
I purchased the Illustrator Master Class and am nearing the end of the course. I have really enjoyed Martin's clear and straight to the point explanations. I have tried other courses but never found them to be of this caliber. I would certainly recommend either Illustrator, or any of his other courses for that matter, to anyone looking to get up to date with Adobe applications. Sr. Sabina Tokyo
Sabina
“
Very professional and didactically very well explained learning content. Even though English is not my native language, I can easily follow the exercises. I have been working with Adobe software for 20 years, but mostly with Photoshop. The courses on the other Adobe programs are an absolute enrichment for my further education.
Andreas
“
YES are an amazing company that can help absolute novices or, as in my case, recent graduates. Having learned the basics of design, I was astonished about how much more there was to learn. YES give you so many projects and exercises to put what you learn into practice and the feedback is always helpful. You won’t be disappointed if you sign up.
Graham
“
I haven't changed my mind on the course since I first started. Although not a PS veteran, I was already familiar with the program, but there was so much that I didn't know, or better ways to do what I was already doing. Martin is a great teacher who's injected a lot of personality, thought and care into these course. Very easy to follow and I highly recommend this course as well as all the others!
Allegra B
“
I've completed 2 Martin's big courses this year - Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop Masterclass and I really enjoyed them. I've learned many new things and got excellent explanations on how certain things work. I would recommend to anyone interested in the design to check out I'm a Designer website and find suitable courses for them. Thank you Martin
Juri No987
“
The Master Courses are awesome! The Teacher (Martin Perhiniak) is the professionalist, explains every detail calmly and clearly, with a lot of examples. It’s a real pleasure and fun to learn from you! Within the Standard membership I’ve received not only the Masterclass courses but also a bunch of Free welcome gifts (thank you Shumi :), exercise-files to fix the knowledge and just practice, and also quizzes - great way to test myself if I understood everything properly :) I’m in the middle of the Illustrator Master Class 2021, I can’t wait to go further with other courses! :) Thank you “Yes I’m a designer team”! I recommend your courses to everyone, not only beginners but also more advanced users to strengthen their designer’s skills and have a great fun with graphic programs. Wiewiorka_ojoj
Wiewiorka_ojoj
“
I actually took Martin's InDesign Masterclass course several years ago when I started working in communications, and I came out of it with the ability to be extremely efficient with one of my recurring tasks (monthly PDF newsletter). When the opportunity for professional development came up at work this year, I decided to go back to Martin's courses after having tried to up-skill other Adobe software using our company's Pluralsight subscription and not being too happy with the results. I was so glad to find out that Yes I'm a Designer now offers Premiere Pro and After Effects courses along with Illustrator and Photoshop, which made the monthly subscription a better sell for me at work (when I took InDesign, I only signed up for that course instead of going with the subscription, since there were much fewer courses back in the day). I just finished the Illustrator Masterclass and am working my way through Photoshop, and I can recommend the Masterclasses even for people who already use the software regularly but were initially self taught, so perhaps didn't know all the tips and tricks that can end up saving a ton of time on a project and make the tasks more fun. Obviously, if you're a beginner (like I was with InDesign back in the day), these courses are also perfect.
Layla
“
I Want to learn dominate Illustrator, and Later , At least, continue with Photoshop and InDesign.
I love that I can learn at my own pace and I have a flexible schedule. The course and subscriptions are not expensive. And Martin, you really explains it very well. I found your course, when I was looking for tutorials on youtube and I found a conference of yours and I can copy the Celtic cross without problems. Emails and certificate preparation are advantages. And I found other courses, (even in Spanish), but that little I saw, they didn't explain so clear that you make. Really I think the best it's your offers a whole.
Lilia R. Afonso Puerta
“
Martin is a fantastic teacher. I have been using Illustrator for 25 years, but often felt that I didn't know it particularly deeply, and wasn't using it as efficiently or fully as I'd like. I learned so much from the Illustrator Masterclass - part of a large collection of courses included in the subscription - and immediately started working better and more confidently as a result. I feel like I know the software much better and was surprised to discover whole tools and techniques that I didn't previously know existed. The course has inspired me and made me excited to create again. I'm looking forward to exploring the course library further.
Jason
“
Yes I'm a Designer is a great platform that helps creatives grow and master graphic design skills in an effective way. I had the opportunity to take courses with Martin on Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign and I 100% recommend it! They have a great community and their feedback to help you improve your designs is valuable.
DUSSAN CEVALLOS
Some of the brands learning from our courses
Find out more about our other Membership options:
Are you a beginner and Want to
learn for free first?
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More experienced?
Martin hosting a Behance Portfolio Review
Meet Your Instructor...
Martin Perhiniak
Martin is a graphic designer, illustrator and an Adobe Certified Instructor. He was recently voted one of the Top 10 Adobe Instructors in the World.
Before launching Yes I'm a Designer, Martin worked as a designer for Pixar, BBC, Mattel and Accenture, and taught teams at Transport for London, Google, Ben & Jerry's and Oxford University Press.
Martin regularly speaks at industry events; most recently Adobe MAX, the ultimate creative conference.
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