Graphic Design 101 - Chapter 1: Points, lines, and Planes

Let's start with the basic parts that make a graphic design: points, lines, and planes. A point marks a specific position on a drawing space. It has a coordinate measured in (x,y) if it’s on a 2D space. If it’s on a 3D space, then z is included in the coordinates, forming (x,y,z). For example, the point on a plane where x=5 and y=5 has the coordinates of (5,5). A line is a group of points lined up together. It can go in any direction on a plane. It can also Have round edges. Lines come together to form shapes. But, they can only appear on flat, 2D spaces. If the designer wants them to be 3D, that’s where planes come into play. A plane is where the z-coordinate gets added to a shape’s coordinates, causing a shape to stretch across the z-area of the space, turning it from 2D to 3D-like. Designers use planes to make 3D objects. They also use them to spice up their designs. These 3 parts are the bare bones of creating any design.

The image below is an example of a simple graphic design that uses points, lines, and planes. I made it using Adobe Illustrator. As you noticed, the letters are almost 3D-like. That's because I used a perspective tool, which is a tool that allows you to make 3D-like shapes. If you want to make it yourself, here's a tutorial:

1. To use the perspective tool in Illustrator, go to "View", go to "Perspective Grid", and then click "Show Grid". You should also turn on the grid (Go to "View" and then go to "Show Grid" and click on it).

2. Once the two grids have been turned on, go to the Rectangle Tool (the button with the rectangle icon) and click on it. Click and drag the cursor on the perspective grid to make a 3D-like rectangular shape. You can chose any color you want for it.

3. Make more shapes and use the Selection Tool put them together to form letters. Put the letters in alphabetical order. You can also spell your name with them if you want.