Alumni Skill’s Week Series Part One: GRAPHIC DESIGN ESSENTIALS

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The Alumni Directorate organized an insightful session on Graphic Design Essentials, on 30th of April 2025 aimed at equipping alumni with foundational knowledge and practical tips for effective visual communication. The session attracted 366 alumni members and was facilitated by Mr. Samuel Gathinji, a talented graphic designer best known for creating posters and visual content for Mount Kenya University (MKU).

Mr. Samuel Gathinji is a seasoned graphic designer with over 18 years of experience in the field. He is well known for his creative work at Mount Kenya University (MKU)and other organizations, where he designs visually engaging posters and promotional materials. Despite describing graphic design as a “simple aspect of design,” Mr. Gathinji emphasized that effective design must communicate clearly and meaningfully, ensuring the intended message is easily understood by the audience.

Mr. Gathinji highlighted that communication through design is simple in form but deep in meaning highlighting some major key takeaways including:

  • A good design should not only look appealing but also convey its message clearly, instantly, and with impact.
  • He emphasized that the message must capture the eye at first glance, and simplicity does not mean lack of depth instead, it requires thoughtful arrangement of elements to effectively communicate intent.
  • A designer must always ask: “Is the message clear to someone seeing this for the first time?”
  • Graphic design is a visual language, and its effectiveness relies on the smart use of text, images, and color to communicate a message.
  • Each element should support the core idea and work in harmony.

Additional he highlighted some basic design principles that should be used when making a good design which included:

  • Text: Use readable, well-placed fonts to enhance clarity.
  • Images: Choose visuals that reinforce the message. Avoid clutter or unrelated graphics.
  • Color: Use color to evoke emotion, guide attention, and create visual interest.
  • Alignment: Ensures that all components are visually connected and balanced.
  • Layout: Determines how information is organized and guides the viewer’s eye.
  • Contrast: Helps important elements stand out and improves readability.
  • Repetition: Creates consistency and strengthens visual identity.
  • Proximity: Groups related elements together for better organization.
  • Balance: Closely tied to layout, balance involves managing what goes where and how space is used. It includes both positive space (content) and negative space (empty areas) to maintain visual stability and harmony in the design.

During the session, Mr. Gathinji also introduced various tools used in graphic design, with a special emphasis on Canva, a popular and user-friendly platform. Canva is widely appreciated for its accessibility, offering a range of templates, graphics, and fonts that make the design process quicker and easier for beginners and professionals alike.

One of the standout aspects of Mr. Gathinji’s session was his practical approach to teaching graphic design. Rather than focusing solely on theory, he engaged the alumni by giving them a hands-on view of what graphic design entails. Through real-world examples and live demonstrations, he effectively conveyed the essence of graphic design, showing how to apply the principles discussed in real-time.

In conclusion, Mr. Gathinji’s workshop on graphic design provided participants with practical insights into the key principles of effective design. His emphasis on clarity, simplicity, and thoughtful composition serves as a valuable guideline for anyone seeking to enhance their graphic design skills. By incorporating these essential principles, designers can ensure that their work communicates its message effectively and resonates with the intended audience.

Looking ahead, the Alumni Directorate will be hosting another skill-building workshop tomorrow, May 1st, 2025, focused on Social Media Management. The session will run from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, and all are invited to attend. This workshop will cover key strategies and tools for managing and enhancing social media presence, making it a valuable opportunity for anyone looking to strengthen their digital communication skills.

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