Foundations
Start here if you are new. Each studio teaches the tools and the vocabulary you need before you begin critiquing. Finish one, then come back and pick Level 200 in the menu above.
Ready for Level 200?
Level 200 is open to both Graphic Design and Photography students. There is a Graphic Design path and a Photography path, and you can choose either one (or both) here or from the Level menu at the top of the page.
Graphic Design 200: Visual Communication
Read finished work: where the eye goes, how the layout is built, and what that structure does to the message. Pick the Graphic Design track here (a Photography track is also available).
Photography 200: Designing with Light
A photography only course on lighting styles, natural light, focus, product shots, 25 photographers, planning a shoot, color and mood, and model releases.
You need the Level 100 vocabulary, but you do not need to finish every lab.
Read a design like a critic.
Every layout makes decisions before you read a word. In this level you study original designs and photographs in the manner of famous artists, predict where your eye goes, test the structure with five lenses, and explain how the layout shapes the message.
How a critique works
Your objectives
About the artwork
Every design and photograph here was drawn for this course in the manner of a named artist. None of them reproduces a real poster, cover or photograph. Each case tells you what to search for if you want to see the originals.
Saving your progress
Checking how your progress is saved.
Ten ideas that structure every image
Use these as your vocabulary in every case. Each card says what to look for and where it shows up in the cases.
Vocabulary check
Five questions drawn from the ten ideas. You need four right. You can try again and get a fresh set.
Choose a case
Side by side
Two works that tackle the same job in different ways. Keep both pictures in view while you answer the questions, then write a short comparison.
Critique something from the real world
Pick one design or photograph you can see right now: a poster in the hallway, a cereal box, a sign, a news photo on your screen. Analyze it with the same five steps.
Before you write
- Choose one item. A single poster, package, sign, screen or photograph works best.
- Look for three seconds, then note where your eye went first, second and third.
- Squint. Write down what you can still see.
- Describe the item in words. Do not upload or share photos of people or private places.
Keep it about the design. Do not write names, addresses or other personal information about anyone.
Certificate
Complete every objective to unlock your certificate of completion.