Minimalist Graphic Design for Big Ideas
A course by Julian Montague, Graphic Designer and Artist
Create bold graphic elements that communicate big ideas by exploring a visual design process that experiments with the digital tools in Illustrator
When design meets creative thinking, striking imagery has the power to express complex messages in a compelling and memorable way. Award-winning graphic designer and artist Julian Montague strives to create the strongest and most compelling visual solutions to complicated topics. His work has appeared in numerous galleries, books, on posters, and more. Julian’s clients include Sonos and Continental Tires, and he has published a book on his satirical and abstract take on the science behind the stray shopping carts of Eastern North America.
In this course, he teaches you how to think conceptually and use words and graphics to communicate complex themes using Adobe Illustrator. Learn how to generate ideas, improve your observation skills and experiment with colors, spacing, and vector shapes to create bold designs.
What will you learn in this online course?
10 lessons & 16 downloads
What's included in this course?
Meet graphic designer and artist Julian Montague as he discusses his background in the art and design world. He talks specifically about the different elements that make up his career and works, along with what influences and inspires him.
Learn how effective research and observation lead to successful design. Julian gives advice on becoming sensitive to even the most subtle examples of design in everyday life and how it can be used to spark ideas. Then explore the ways text and simple images can work together to convey meaning. Julian shows you how to sketch in Illustrator as a method of generating ideas and goes through the program’s tools for the final project.
Design the template for your poster series as Julian guides you through the design process as well as the questions to consider. Get creative and develop the basics of your visual ideas in Illustrator, experimenting with colors, vector shapes, and effective use of space. Reflect on your work so far, then make adjustments and choose your final designs.
End the course by discovering the possibilities of what you can do with your digital work. Learn how to transform it into physical pieces, such as posters, and how to promote your projects on social media.
- 98% positive reviews (148)
- 3,278 students
- 10 lessons (1h 35m)
- 16 additional resources (5 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: English
- English · Spanish · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish · Romanian · Indonesian
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
Recommended software & tools for this course
Adobe IllustratorWhat is this course's project?
Create a set of three posters or book covers for a fictional lecture series, in the same graphic style with distinct themes.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is for beginner to intermediate designers with an interest in creating striking graphics that communicate ideas.
Requirements and materials
Basic knowledge of a vector based program like Adobe Illustrator is necessary.
In terms of materials, you will need access to a device with Illustrator installed.
Reviews
Julian Montague
A course by Julian Montague
As an artist, graphic designer, illustrator, and photographer, Julian Montague’s professional repertoire spans a wide range of approaches and mediums. His father taught art and design history and as such, Julian was exposed to the arts as a child, which he attributes to being his initial influence.
With a bold, recognizable, and often conceptual aesthetic, his work has appeared in numerous galleries, books, on posters, as murals and more. Julian’s clients include Sonos and Continental Tires, and he won a Silver National Addy award for his 2013 poster series State of America. He has also published a book on his satirical and abstract take on the science behind the stray shopping carts entitled The Stray Shopping Carts of Eastern North America: A Guide to Field Identification.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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About Me
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Influences
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U2
Understanding Visual Design and Illustrator Tools
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Design Research
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Creating Meaning with Text and Images
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Illustrator Tools and Sketching
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U3
Creating A Visual Design of Your Own
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Creating the Layout Template
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Sketching with Purpose
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Finalizing the Series
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U4
What to Do with Your Design
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Turning Your Designs into Posters
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How to Promote Your Personal Project
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FP
Final project
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Minimalist Graphic Design for Big Ideas
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
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Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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Certificates
PlusIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
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Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for beginners and covers foundational skills in minimalist poster and book cover design using Illustrator and related tools.
You will need access to Adobe Illustrator, basic drawing tools for sketching, and accounts on social platforms like Instagram or Pinterest for sharing and research.
You’ll learn to create minimalist posters and book covers, master flat graphics in Illustrator, apply grids and templates, use type effectively, and promote your work on social media.
Yes, the course teaches flat graphic creation, layout techniques, and essential Illustrator tools for minimalist design projects.
The course includes strategies for promoting your artwork on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to build an online audience and professional presence.
Yes, you'll discover design research techniques, how to gather inspiration from Pinterest, and analyze historical and contemporary graphic design styles.
Absolutely, you’ll practice using abstract forms and geometric shapes to visually express and simplify complex concepts in your designs.
Adobe Illustrator
I thoroughly enjoyed watching it. A fluent and informative series. Thank you.
Really good, straight to the point, no nonsense course. Very informative, with a great teacher.
Muy lindo curso ! lo recomiendo
that's just perfect course
Really enjoyed it!