Design Fundamentals by Steven Zapata
- Publisher
- Steven Zapata
- Product Type
- Video Course
- Product URL
- https://www.zapatacourses.com/designfundamentals
- Author
- Steven Zapata
- Language
- English, English Subtitles
- Duration
- 20:00
- Release date
- Jun 28, 2025
- Skill level
- Project Files
- Yes
- Product Price
- $440
An Introduction to Design with an Emphasis on Illustration and Entertainment
45 Video Lessons
A comprehensive introduction to design across six modules, featuring over 40 individual video lessons and totaling more than 20 hours of content.
Open Your Eyes!
With a deep and nuanced understanding of the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design, you'll begin to see art - and the world - in an entirely new light.
10 Fun Assignments
Create a portfolio-ready project that showcases your design skills through a mockup video game inventory screen.
Learn the Principles
Whether you want to be a concept artist, illustrator, fine artist, or the most badass hobbyist on your block, you'll need a solid understanding of design to stand out from the crowd.
A good designer has both a mental framework for analyzing the designs around them and a process for creating something original - not just copying what already exists.
Navigate Your Imagination
The course begins by establishing a design mindset to frame future discussions. You'll then be introduced to the Elements of Art - the raw ingredients of all visual imagery.
Next, we’ll explore the Principles of Design, which define how these elements interact to shape a viewer's perception. Finally, you'll apply these ideas to a practical design assignment, developed from concept to completion.
From foundational notions to advanced principles, this course will equip you with the tools and confidence to begin executing your own independent projects.
Who Is Steven Zapata, Really?
I'm just some guy - but I'm very good at drawing, and anyone who doesn’t hate me will tell you that.
I’m a professional artist with over 13 years of experience in print, illustration, advertising, theme parks, architectural design, and video games.
My teaching experience includes instructing production design and narrative storytelling at ArtCenter College of Design, mentoring students one-on-one, conducting in-person and online workshops, and guest lecturing at art schools across the U.S.
I also run a YouTube channel where I discuss the mental and spiritual aspects of being an artist.
Course Syllabus
Introduction
Learn about the nature of design and how to use this course.
Design Mindset
A series of discussions on how designers see the world, the power of opinions, project-based learning, managing your energy, project levels, and how materials impact design.
The Elements of Art
A multimedia exploration of the elements of art: line, shape, value, form, void, texture, and color.
The Principles of Design
A multimedia exploration of the principles of design: contrast, emphasis, rhythm, balance, variety, repetition, ratio, movement, and unity.
(Note: “balance” was listed twice - removed the duplicate.)
Inventory Screen Assignment
Conceptualize and execute a creative project from scratch. Create a mockup inventory screen for a game of your own invention. Follow along with detailed demonstrations for the creation of each necessary asset — icon, item, and character.
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