Graphic Design Principles

An exploratory workshop that demystifies key graphic design principles like contrast and hierarchy through hands-on worksheets, helping adult learners understand why some designs grab attention while others fall flat. This 60-minute session is designed for adult learners in a Tier 1 environment and equips them with practical skills to analyze and improve visual layouts.

Focus on creating balanced compositions in art, which mirrors finding balance in life. Students will learn to apply these principles for personal development. This lesson is designed for 10th-grade students and will be conducted in a 45-minute session, providing individual support to help students integrate artistic balance into their personal growth.

In this individualized 20-minute session, students unlock the power of the golden ratio and the rule of thirds to craft visually harmonious illustrations. This targeted lesson equips a 12th grader with composition strategies that elevate their art from good to breathtaking.

In this lesson, students will learn to design and create their own 3D pop-up cards for various occasions. This activity will enhance their paper engineering and design skills, encouraging creativity, precision, and craftsmanship. By engaging in this hands-on project, students will develop fine motor skills and an understanding of spatial relationships, which are crucial for their cognitive development.

This lesson introduces 7th-grade art students to the concept of perspective in drawing. Understanding perspective is essential for creating realistic and proportionate drawings. This lesson will help students learn the basic principles of perspective and apply them in their artwork.

Students will learn the basics of drawing with perspective, creating 3D illusions on a 2D surface. This lesson will enhance their understanding of spatial relationships and geometry, helping them visualize and artistically represent objects in a more realistic manner.

In this lesson, students will explore how art can be a powerful motivator by creating their own motivational posters using different art techniques. This lesson is important as it encourages creativity, self-expression, and the ability to inspire others through visual art. Students will learn to convey positive messages and emotions through their artwork, fostering a sense of accomplishment and boosting their confidence.

Unleash creativity by having students create artwork using their knowledge of area. This lesson blends artistic expression with mathematical precision, making learning vibrant and fun for a 4th grade class in a 70-minute session.

In this 3-session lesson for 2nd and 3rd graders, students will explore their creativity by using visual resources and their imagination to create multiple linear character drawings. These drawings will serve as the foundation for an overlapping design project. This lesson is important as it encourages artistic expression, enhances creativity, and develops fine motor skills in young learners.

In this Tier 3 individual lesson, 10th grade students will explore core animation principles—timing, squash and stretch, and anticipation—through targeted exercises in a single 30-minute session. This lesson builds foundational skills for creative media & design projects.

In this brief lesson, students will explore geometric shapes and their applications in real-world design. By watching a video and engaging in a short discussion, students will gain insights into how geometry is used in art and architecture. This lesson aims to spark interest in the intersection of math and art, encouraging students to think creatively about geometric concepts. For 8th graders, the discussion will focus on critical analysis and the practical application of geometric patterns in various designs.

This lesson introduces students to the art of pattern creation as a means of fostering peace and tranquility. Students will learn about rhythm and repetition in both art and life. Through this, they'll develop mindfulness, patience, and focus, ultimately creating their own calming pattern artworks to share and discuss.

Using art as a medium to express emotions and practice mindfulness, encouraging creativity and relaxation.

In this quick 6-minute warm-up, 10th-grade students individually trade one-word posters to critique font choices, exploring typeface personality and readability. This Tier 3 activity builds critical design analysis skills and peer feedback confidence.

In this 30-minute lesson, 9th-grade students will explore the intersection of science and art by designing an eye-catching poster. Students will practice visual communication, scientific reasoning, and creative expression. This Tier 1 classroom lesson builds interdisciplinary skills and creativity.

In this lesson, students will explore the differences between using photo references for inspiration versus committing copyright infringement. They will analyze examples, discuss ethical implications, and apply their understanding through a creative project. This lesson aims to teach students the importance of respecting copyright while encouraging their artistic creativity.

In this lesson, students will explore their creativity by redesigning book covers for their favorite Dr. Seuss stories. This activity will focus on graphic design principles and encourage students to think about how visuals can represent a story. By engaging in this creative process, students will develop their artistic skills and gain a deeper appreciation for visual storytelling.

A 7th-grade small-group lesson where students explore ink pens and brushes to master contrast, texture, and bold design. Using hands-on experiments and peer feedback, this 50-minute Tier 2 session boosts fine motor skills, creativity, and collaborative critique.

This lesson engages students in combining simple breathing techniques with expressive art. Students will learn to focus on their breathing while creating fluid, abstract drawings, serving as both a stress-relief exercise and a form of creative expression. This lesson is important as it helps students develop mindfulness and emotional regulation skills, which are crucial for managing stress and enhancing creativity.

In this lesson, students will design their own prayer cards, expressing their personal prayers through art. This activity encourages creativity and personal reflection, helping students connect with their faith in a tangible way. It also provides an opportunity for students to share their prayers with others or keep them as personal reminders.

This lesson focuses on building self-esteem and creative problem-solving through practical, hands-on group projects. Students will learn to identify their individual strengths, collaborate in diverse teams, and develop innovative solutions to everyday challenges.

In this 20-minute, one-on-one lesson, 12th-grade art students learn how to harness dynamic line weight to convey mood and emphasis in their drawings. This targeted session deepens illustration skills and builds greater artistic control through hands-on line variation exercises.

Explore how digital art has transformed the art world, drawing parallels with the Renaissance period. Students will gain an appreciation for the innovation in digital art. This lesson is designed for a 9th-grade class and will be conducted in a single 50-minute session.

Explore careers in commercial art and advertising, focusing on how art is used in marketing and branding. This lesson is designed for high school students and aims to provide insights into the creative processes behind advertising. Duration: 2 hours.

In this single 30-minute lesson, 11th graders will learn essential principles of designing clear, engaging slide presentations. By mastering slide structure, visual hierarchy, and effective text/image balance, students will confidently create slides that communicate ideas with clarity and impact. This Tier 1 lesson equips all students with a vital communication skill they’ll use across subjects and beyond.

In this 45-minute lesson for 11th graders, students learn time management by building a personal weekly schedule balancing academics, work, and wellness. They’ll design a digital “life dashboard,” share ideas in a gallery walk, and commit to testing their system—helping them develop organization, prioritization, and self-discipline skills.

In this 10-session, 45-minute each Tier 1 middle school career class, students will explore the fundamentals of business branding—understanding logos, voice, and audience—and apply their learning to create an authentic brand for a chosen product. This engaging unit will empower 8th graders to develop real-world marketing skills, culminating in a branded product showcase.

Dive into the history and techniques of street art and graffiti. Students will learn about the significance of street art in culture, and create their own graffiti tags and murals using safe, classroom-friendly materials. This lesson emphasizes creativity, self-expression, and cultural appreciation.

In this lesson, students will engage in a guided art activity to express their feelings and aspirations. They will select words and colors that represent positive emotions and goals, creating vibrant, motivational art pieces. This exercise fosters creativity and a hopeful outlook, helping students develop emotional awareness and artistic skills. The lesson aligns with ASCA Mindset and Behavior Standards, promoting self-confidence, positive attitudes, and effective communication.

In this 45-minute 11th Grade lesson, students learn to build a weekly planner that balances academic, work, and personal tasks while exploring prioritization, time management, and accountability. By designing their own system, learners develop self-discipline and actionable planning skills applicable beyond the classroom.

In this engaging 60-minute session, 9th-grade students in a small-group setting will explore mixed-media self-portraiture, aligning with the French Cycle 4 Arts Plastiques programme. They will learn about composition, color harmony, and material experimentation to express personal identity. This lesson strengthens creative techniques and fosters self-reflection.

Perfect for Pre-K to 1st Grade, this lesson introduces mindfulness through the art of origami. Students will learn to fold paper into various simple shapes while practicing deep breathing and focus techniques. It's a unique way to blend calmness and creativity, enhancing fine motor skills and concentration.

This lesson engages teens in exploring leadership qualities through art. By participating in a discussion and a collaborative art activity, students will learn to express leadership traits creatively. This approach helps students understand leadership in a tangible way, fostering both personal growth and teamwork skills.

In this lesson, participants will create vibrant collages using magazines, newspapers, and other materials, inspired by springtime themes. This activity encourages creativity and resourcefulness, allowing students to express themselves artistically while learning to repurpose everyday materials. It helps develop fine motor skills, visual literacy, and an appreciation for art and nature.

This lesson combines art with basic math concepts like shapes and patterns to create unique artworks. Students will learn to recognize and create different shapes and patterns while expressing their creativity through art. This lesson enhances both mathematical thinking and artistic expression.

In this one-session Grade 3 art lesson, students will explore shapes, patterns, and color schemes by designing their own “pattern pals” – imaginative animal drawings filled with repeating motifs. This engaging project helps students develop observational skills, fine motor control, and an understanding of color harmony in a fun, hands-on way.

In this lesson, students will learn how to set realistic and achievable goals for their academic and personal lives. Using creative exercises like vision boards and SMART goal frameworks, students will articulate their aspirations and create actionable plans, fostering motivation and self-efficacy. Intended for middle school students over one 45-minute session.

Targeted at grades 6-9, this lesson focuses on creating a calm and reflective environment through artistic expression. Students practice mindfulness as they engage in drawing, painting, and crafting, channels for processing emotions and discovering inner peace, encouraging a holistic sense of well-being.

In this lesson, students will learn about basic shapes and how they can be transformed into different objects through drawing and cut-outs. This lesson will enhance creativity and fine motor skills, which are crucial for young learners' development.

Students will use natural materials to create unique art pieces, learning about textures and patterns found in nature. This lesson helps students appreciate the beauty of nature and develop their creativity and observational skills.

In this lesson, students will engage in a creative drawing activity called 'Switch and Sketch,' where they will draw based on prompts that change every few minutes. This activity is designed to foster cognitive flexibility and creativity by encouraging students to adapt their thinking and artistic expression quickly. By participating in this activity, students will enhance their ability to think on their feet and embrace change, which are essential skills for problem-solving and innovation.

Ignite creativity and social-emotional learning as students create colorful characters using various art materials. Discuss and explore the personalities, emotions, and actions of their characters, promoting emotional literacy and artistic expression.

Explore digital art software tools and techniques for creating digital artwork.

This lesson engages students in a creative art challenge using markers. Students will participate in a game-based activity where they create art pieces based on random prompts. This lesson encourages creativity, teamwork, and active participation, making art fun and interactive for young learners.

An introductory art session that helps 4th graders discover their unique creative strengths through fun self-assessment and group sharing. This Tier 1 classroom lesson builds self-awareness and community in a 45-minute session.

Students will learn to create their own unique creatures using various art materials. This lesson aims to promote creativity and teamwork among students while providing a fun and engaging art-making experience. Art aids in the development of fine motor skills and encourages self-expression.

In this lesson, students will be given a variety of art supplies and tasked with creating a unique piece of art based on a given theme. The lesson encourages creativity and self-expression, helping students to explore their artistic abilities and build confidence in their creative skills.

In this lesson, students will learn about different types of patterns and create their own patterned artwork using stamps and templates. They will also explore the concept of symmetry. This lesson is important as it helps young learners develop their understanding of patterns, which is a fundamental concept in mathematics and art.

In this lesson, students will design a short comic strip that visually represents a storyline where they achieve a personal goal. This activity encourages creativity, visual storytelling, and goal-setting skills. By focusing on minimal text, students will learn to convey messages through images, enhancing their ability to communicate ideas visually.

Students will research historical leaders and create art pieces inspired by their achievements and leadership qualities. This lesson combines history and art, effectively allowing students to learn about significant leaders while expressing their creativity through art. It also fosters research skills and an understanding of leadership and its impact.

In this lesson, students will delve into the history and techniques of street art, focusing on graffiti and murals. They will then apply their learning by collaboratively creating a spring-themed mural. This lesson encourages self-expression and teamwork, helping students appreciate art as a form of communication and cultural expression.

In this lesson, students will engage in a creative art activity using markers to create unique masterpieces. The lesson is designed to encourage creativity and self-expression through a game-based approach, where students will participate in a drawing challenge. This lesson helps students develop fine motor skills, creativity, and the ability to follow instructions while having fun.

In this lesson, kindergarten students will explore various art mediums to express their emotions and thoughts creatively. This lesson is important as it encourages self-expression, boosts self-esteem, and allows students to explore their creativity in a supportive environment.

In this lesson, students will engage in a hands-on activity to build a pyramid that helps them visualize task prioritization. They will learn to distinguish between essential and non-essential tasks in their lives. This lesson is important as it equips students with the skills to manage their time effectively, which is crucial for their academic success and personal development.

Students will express their creativity through various art projects, learning about different art techniques and mediums. This lesson will help students explore their artistic skills, build confidence in their creative abilities, and develop a deeper appreciation for the arts.

In this two-session lesson, high school students will explore the importance of mental health awareness by designing their own posters. This lesson empowers students to creatively express their understanding of mental health issues and promote awareness among their peers. The project encourages artistic expression and critical thinking, while fostering empathy and understanding of mental health challenges.

Students will learn about one-point perspective through an engaging video, interactive discussion, and a hands-on drawing activity followed by a worksheet. This lesson is important as it helps students understand the concept of perspective in art and enhances their spatial awareness and artistic skills.

In this workshop, teens will learn to create their own graphic novel pages, combining visual storytelling with narrative skills. This lesson is important as it enhances creativity, understanding of story structure, and character development, which are essential skills in both academic and personal growth.

In this 120-minute, whole-class Tier 1 art project, 7th graders explore surreal landscape techniques by blending imagination and composition skills to create their own dream-inspired scenes. This lesson fosters creativity, critical thinking, and artistic expression through guided instruction and hands-on practice.

In this single 30-minute Tier 3 lesson, 8th grade students will visually map how they spend their time each day, using charts to illustrate their busyness and consider if they can fit in new activities. This critical self-reflection helps them make informed decisions about workload and personal balance.

Focuses on using painting as a method for expressing emotions and exploring personal narratives.

In this lesson, children will create colorful mosaics using paper or tiles, exploring patterns and symmetry. This activity enhances fine motor skills and artistic creativity, allowing young learners to express themselves while understanding basic geometric concepts. The lesson is designed to be engaging and hands-on, providing a fun way for children to learn about art and design.

In this lesson, teens will learn the basics of creating a short documentary, including storytelling, filming, and editing. They will work in small groups to produce a 2-3 minute documentary on a topic of their choice. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential media production skills, encourages teamwork, and enhances their ability to tell impactful stories.

Students will learn about famous optical illusions and create their own using art supplies. This lesson aims to enhance their understanding of perception and visual tricks, fostering creativity and critical thinking.

In this lesson, students will create vision boards to represent their hopes, goals, and dreams for the coming year. This artistic exercise encourages future planning and self-reflection, helping students articulate their aspirations in a tangible form. By visualizing their goals, students can better focus on achieving them, fostering a sense of purpose and motivation.

In this lesson, students will create vision boards to illustrate their dreams and aspirations. This artistic and reflective activity helps students visualize their goals and consider the steps needed to achieve them, fostering both creativity and motivation. By engaging in this activity, students will enhance their ability to set personal goals and develop a positive mindset towards achieving them.

In this lesson, students will explore their creativity through a collaborative art project. They will watch a short video to inspire their artistic ideas and then work together to create a group mural. This lesson is important as it encourages teamwork, creativity, and self-expression among young learners.

Students engage in creative projects that encourage them to design 'bridges'—both literal and metaphorical—representing connections and understanding between diverse perspectives. This lesson fosters inclusivity, empathy, and collaborative problem-solving.

In this lesson, students will explore the concept of goal setting by creating vision boards. This activity encourages students to visualize their aspirations and think critically about the steps needed to achieve their objectives. By engaging in this creative process, students will develop skills in planning, organization, and self-reflection, which are essential for personal and academic success.

Created for students in grades 6-8, this activity invites them to craft personal vision boards highlighting their goals, values, and aspirations. This reflective exercise encourages strategic thinking and self-discovery as they articulate ambitions and map out steps to achieve them.

In this engaging 30-minute lesson, 9th graders will explore the intersection of health and art by creating visually compelling posters that promote healthy habits. This lesson fosters creativity, reinforces wellness concepts, and empowers students to apply artistic techniques for real-world health messages.

In this engaging 30-minute lesson, 9th graders will explore the intersection of health and art by creating visually compelling posters that promote healthy habits. This lesson fosters creativity, reinforces wellness concepts, and empowers students to apply artistic techniques for real-world health messages.

In this 3-session art series, K-5 students will explore garden-inspired art using paint and chalk. Through observation, sketching, color mixing, and texture techniques, they’ll bring the beauty of flowers, leaves, and insects to life—building creativity, fine motor skills, and confidence in a supportive small-group setting.

Support an individual student in visualizing their idea through sketches and diagrams, enhancing their ability to communicate complex concepts clearly. This lesson is crucial for developing visualization skills that are essential in many fields.

Introduce mindful drawing exercises to enhance focus and reduce anxiety.

In this lesson, students will learn how to set personal goals and visually represent them through the creation of vision boards. This activity encourages creativity and self-reflection, helping students to clarify their aspirations and stay motivated towards achieving their goals. By the end of the lesson, students will have a tangible representation of their goals to inspire them.

In this lesson, students will create personal reflection boards to visually represent their personal goals, values, and achievements. This activity encourages self-reflection and helps students stay connected to their personal development and aspirations. By engaging in this creative process, students will enhance their self-awareness and motivation, which are crucial for personal growth and success.

In this workshop, students will explore art as a medium for stress relief by engaging in activities such as painting, sketching, and doodling. This lesson is important as it provides students with a creative outlet to express their emotions and find relaxation, supporting their mental well-being.