Graphic Design is one of the most practical and creative courses offered in Senior High Schools (SHS) under the Visual Arts program. It plays a crucial role in shaping how we communicate through images, colors, text, and layout. From logos to posters, book covers to advertisements—graphic design is all around us.
Despite its creative nature, many SHS students struggle with passing Graphic Design, especially when it comes to the theory, terminology, and structured examination formats. Whether you’re in SHS 1, 2, or preparing for WASSCE, this guide will help you understand, study, and pass Graphic Design with ease.
1. Understand the Scope of SHS Graphic Design
To pass well, you need to know what the subject actually covers. In SHS, Graphic Design combines both theory and practical skills.
Key areas include:
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History of graphic design
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Typography (study of fonts and lettering)
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Elements and principles of design
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Tools and materials
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Layout and composition
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Digital and manual design techniques
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Packaging, logo, poster, and label design
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Printmaking (lino, screen, stencil)
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Advertising and visual communication
Understanding each of these areas helps you build a strong foundation.
2. Learn the Elements and Principles of Design by Heart
These form the backbone of all design work and are constantly tested in both theory and practicals.
Elements of design:
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Line
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Shape
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Color
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Texture
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Form
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Value
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Space
Principles of design:
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Balance
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Contrast
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Emphasis
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Rhythm
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Unity
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Proportion
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Variety
Tips:
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Use real design examples to see these elements in action.
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Create your own flashcards or mind maps.
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Practice identifying them in posters, labels, or magazine pages.
3. Know Your Tools, Materials, and Media
Whether you’re working manually or digitally, knowing the correct tools and materials is essential.
Examples:
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Manual tools: pencils, T-squares, compasses, brushes, lino cutters, silkscreens.
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Materials: cartridge paper, poster colors, glue, printing ink, cutting mats.
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Digital tools: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, CorelDraw, Canva.
You may be asked to list, describe, or compare tools and their uses, so understand both traditional and modern design approaches.
4. Practice Typography and Lettering Styles
Typography is a big topic in graphic design. Learn how to draw, identify, and classify fonts.
Study:
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Types of lettering: serif, sans serif, script, decorative
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Lettering techniques: block lettering, calligraphy, italic, upper/lower case
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Parts of a letter: ascender, descender, baseline, stem, bowl
Tips:
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Practice drawing letters using rulers and freehand.
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Label the parts of a letterform.
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Design creative fonts for school projects or assignments.
5. Master Layout and Composition
You may be asked to design or describe:
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Posters
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Flyers
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Book covers
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Labels
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Greeting cards
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Logos
Learn how to arrange text, images, and graphics in a balanced, effective way.
Tips:
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Use grid systems when planning layouts.
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Practice using white space, hierarchy, and alignment.
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Try redesigning familiar items (like beverage labels) as practice.
6. Study Art and Design History
You must learn about the origins of graphic design and the contributions of various cultures and individuals.
Focus on:
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Early forms of communication (cave drawings, Egyptian hieroglyphs)
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The invention of printing (Gutenberg press)
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Movements like Bauhaus and Art Nouveau
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African graphic traditions (Adinkra, Nsibidi, Ethiopian manuscripts)
Also study Ghanaian and Nigerian pioneers like Professor Kofi Antubam, Obuobi Kofi Setordji, and Bruce Onobrakpeya.
7. Understand Advertising and Branding Concepts
Graphic design is strongly connected to marketing and communication.
Learn:
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Types of advertisements (informative, persuasive, reminder)
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Parts of an ad (headline, body copy, illustration, slogan, logo)
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Principles of branding and identity
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Color psychology and audience targeting
Think critically: What makes an effective ad? What kind of logo is memorable?
8. Practice Printmaking Techniques
This area includes:
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Linocut
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Screen printing
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Monoprint
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Stencil
Learn:
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Materials and tools for each process
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Step-by-step procedures
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Safety precautions
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Common errors and how to fix them
Diagrams of printing tools and labeled illustrations are frequently asked in exams.
9. Use Past Questions and Marking Schemes
WAEC and other exam boards tend to repeat similar topics and question styles.
Practice:
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Drawing exercises (e.g., design a logo for a fruit company)
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Descriptive theory questions (e.g., explain the process of screen printing)
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Diagram labeling
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Comparisons (e.g., serif vs. sans serif)
Time yourself as you solve past papers, and check your answers against WAEC marking guides.
10. Develop Your Drawing and Design Skills
Though Graphic Design is not entirely practical, your ability to sketch ideas quickly is important.
Practice:
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Thumbnail sketches and layout drafts
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Simple freehand designs
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Hand-lettering
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Logo concepts
You don’t need to be a fine artist—just practice clear, confident sketches.
11. Use Design Software (If Available)
If your school has access to computers, learn basic software like:
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Adobe Photoshop (photo editing, layout)
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CorelDraw (vector graphics, logos)
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Canva (easy templates for posters and cards)
Being familiar with software gives you a modern advantage, especially in project work.
12. Take Notes, Ask Questions, and Pay Attention in Class
Your teacher knows the syllabus and exam trends.
In class:
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Write organized notes.
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Highlight definitions and procedures.
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Participate actively.
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Review and rewrite your notes neatly after class.
13. Create a Study Timetable
Organize your topics over time to avoid last-minute panic.
Sample weekly schedule:
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Monday – Typography & lettering
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Tuesday – Printmaking
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Wednesday – Design layout principles
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Thursday – Art history & past questions
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Friday – Advertising & media
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Saturday – Practical sketching or digital design
Use weekends to revise or finish up assignments.
14. Group Study and Peer Review
Study with classmates to:
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Share ideas and resources
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Explain difficult topics to each other
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Compare project work and give feedback
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Practice sketches and designs together
Peer learning can make studying more enjoyable and interactive.
15. Exam Day Tips
On the exam day:
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Get a good night’s sleep before.
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Arrive early and read through all instructions.
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Sketch ideas before final drawings.
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Label diagrams and add notes clearly.
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Don’t leave any question blank.
Stay calm and trust your preparation.
Final Thoughts
Graphic Design at the SHS level is a creative and exciting subject—and with the right strategies, it’s one you can easily pass. Understanding the principles, practicing your design skills, and studying past questions will help you build confidence and score high marks.
Remember:
“Design is intelligence made visible.” – Alina Wheeler
So, study smart, design with purpose, and express your ideas boldly!