Introduction to Invitation Design: From First Brief to Final Print
A course by Sarah LewisGraphic Designer
A course by Sarah Lewis, Graphic Designer
Blend color, typography, and texture to create professional printed invitations to promote any event
Whether you're hosting an event yourself or working for a client, the right invitation can set the stage and prepare guests for what's to come. By incorporating color, texture, and other visual elements, you can create expectations and anticipation for an event worth planning for.
In this course, London-based graphic designer Sarah Lewis shows you how to avoid trends and design original invitations for any special event. From developing a unique visual style, to selecting colors, materials, print processes, typography, and layout, Sarah unveils her secrets for working with clients and taking your designs from initial brief to a memorable printed work of art.
What will you learn in this online course?
21 lessons & 36 downloads
What Will We Do in This Course?
4 minutes, 18 seconds
Think like a Graphic Designer
9 minutes, 24 seconds
The Brief
4 minutes, 14 seconds
What Do We Need to Ask
11 minutes, 45 seconds
The Debrief
3 minutes, 50 seconds
How to Quote
11 minutes, 54 seconds
What's included in this course?
Kick off your course by getting to know a bit about Sarah, her design influences, and her creative process. She explains what graphic design is (and isn’t) before offering a brief outline of what is covered in this course.
Learn how to interpret a brief, discover what questions to ask, how to quote a job, and what kind of preparation is needed before starting your final project with Indesign. Discover how a debrief can save you time and the importance of giving accurate budgets and deadlines for your clients.
With all your planning and preparation done, it’s time to start designing. See how to set up your files for an efficient and professional workflow and discover the key building blocks for any invitation design. Explore typography and layout, colour schemes, visual assets like photography, illustrations and icons, and how to choose the right materials and format.
With your designs ready, look at some of Sarah’s methods for presenting designs to clients and how to handle feedback that might come your way. Finally, learn how to put the final touches on your work and prepare your designs for print.
Recommended software & tools for this course
What is this course's project?
Design a printed invitation for a real or fictitious event of your choice, creating or sourcing visual assets, type setting, laying out the information, and preparing the files for print.
The principles you learn in this course can be applied to any future graphic design project and are not exclusive to invitation design.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is for aspiring graphic designers who want to understand how to design and lay out printed materials, or experienced designers looking to improve their creative process and work more effectively with clients.
Requirements and materials
To take this course, you will need basic knowledge of design layout software. Sarah will be using and giving tips for working with Adobe InDesign.
Regarding materials, you will need a pen and paper for sketching concepts and mockups, and a computer with your layout software of choice installed. Some books, magazines, paper swatches, and other printed materials are also nice to have as inspiration.
Reviews
- dianasantiPLUS7 months ago
Buen curso, o recomiendo 👍
- 8 months ago
gostei bastante
- 9 months ago
savršeno, koncizno
- 2 years ago
Me ha encantado la energía que desprende Sarah. Ha marcado muy bien los pasos a seguir para un proyecto de diseño, los recursos están muy bien, muy útiles para llevar un orden en la captación de información hacia el cliente. volvería a adquirirlo seguro. Ojalá se anime a realizar otro curso.
- 2 years ago
bom
Specializing in print and identity projects, Sarah has collaborated on projects ranging from tiny charities to 300-page annual reports for global companies. Together with her graphic design work, she runs Alphablots, which makes graphic greeting cards and playful prints for kids and color-loving grownups. She is also a passionate roller skater and teaches classes for beginners in London.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- Introduction
- Influences
- What Will We Do in This Course?
- U2
Preparation
- Think like a Graphic Designer
- The Brief
- What Do We Need to Ask
- The Debrief
- How to Quote
- U3
Concepts
- Create a Mindmap
- References and Research
- Mood Boards
- Present Your Ideas to the Client
- U4
Design
- Format, Materials, and Finishes
- Typeface and Colour Palette
- Visual Assets
- Layout 1
- Layout 2
- Final Checks
- U5
Artworking
- Presenting Your Work
- Amends
- Sending the Files to Print
- FP
Final project
- Introduction to Invitation Design: From First Brief to Final Print
What to expect from a Domestika course
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FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for intermediate-level designers who want to deepen their skills in typography, invitation design, client communication, and print production workflows.
You should have a basic understanding of graphic design principles and be comfortable using design software like Adobe InDesign or Illustrator before starting this course.
You'll learn how to interpret design briefs, develop creative concepts, design invitations, work with color theory, manage client feedback, and prepare print-ready files using professional workflows.
Yes, the course explores hand lettering, screen printing techniques, and how to apply them to invitation and print design projects.
Yes, you'll gain practical tips on portfolio presentation, including how to showcase your work and communicate your design process effectively.
The course teaches strategies for limiting your color palette to enhance design focus and creativity, especially in print and invitation projects.
Yes, you’ll learn structured methods for gathering client details, filling out briefing sheets, and creating detailed design briefs tailored to each project.