Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Graphic design” ESL Discussion Questions

NEW! You can watch these questions in a video, or scroll down to see the full list of questions.

I. Graphic Design Basics
1. What is graphic design?
2. What are some of the most common design principles?
3. What are the different kinds of graphic design?
4. What tools do designers use to create their work?
5. What are the different types of software used in graphic design?
6. What are the differences between graphic design and web design?

II. Color Theory and Typography
7. What do you need to know about color theory?
8. How can you use color theory in graphic design?
9. What is color harmony?
10. How do you decide which colors to use in your designs?
11. Is it better to use bright colors or dark colors in a design? Why?
12. Why might you choose to use black and white instead of color in your designs?
13. What’s the difference between a font and a typeface?
14. How is typography used in design?
15. What is typography and what are some tips for using it effectively in your designs?

III. Logo and Branding Design
16. How do you make a logo for a business or organization?
17. What are some examples of good and bad logos?
18. What are some common mistakes designers make when designing a logo?
19. How can you design an effective logo?
20. What is the difference between a logo and a brand?

IV. Layout, Composition, and Grid Systems
21. What do you need to know about layout and composition when designing a page or poster or other piece of printed material?
22. Why do designers use grids?
23. How do you create a poster for an event or celebration?

V. Visual Literacy and Art Skills
24. What makes an image attractive to you?
25. How can I improve my visual literacy skills?
26. Do you need to be good at art to be a graphic designer?
27. What does it mean to be “good” at art?

VI. Careers and Skills in Graphic Design
28. What are the skills needed to be a graphic designer?
29. How do you become a graphic designer?
30. What do you need to become a graphic designer?
31. Where can I find good resources for learning graphic design?
32. What is the difference between a graphic designer and a photographer?
33. What is the difference between a graphic designer and an illustrator?
34. What are the different types of graphic designers?

VII. Design Process and Communication
35. How do you get started with Photoshop when you have no experience with it?
36. What is a design brief?
37. What is a mockup and what is it for?
38. How do you choose which font to use in your designs? What are some guidelines for choosing a font?
39. What does it mean to be on-brand?

VIII. Unique Design Styles and Examples
40. What are some good examples of graphic design in real life?
41. How can we see a difference between good and bad designs?
42. Why might it be important to have your own unique style or look when designing something?
43. How is graphic design similar to sculpture?

IX. Design for Advertising and Websites
44. Why do we use images in advertisements instead of words only?
45. If you were going to design an ad for your favorite restaurant, what would you put in it?
46. What are some ways to make your website more attractive to visitors?

X. Traditional vs. Digital Art
47. Which is better: using a computer or using pencils and paper to create your own art?

XI. Design Challenges and Solutions
48. How do you overcome creative block in graphic design?
49. What are some effective ways to present design ideas to clients?
50. How do you handle feedback and criticism in graphic design?

XII. Design Ethics and Sustainability
51. What are the ethical considerations in graphic design?
52. How can graphic designers contribute to sustainable design practices?
53. How can designers create accessible designs for people with disabilities?

XIII. Design Trends and History
54. How do graphic design trends evolve over time?
55. What are some of the most significant moments in graphic design history?
56. How do historical art movements influence contemporary graphic design?

XIV. Networking and Collaboration
57. How can graphic designers collaborate effectively with other creatives?
58. What are some ways to network and find new opportunities in the graphic design industry?
59. How can graphic designers benefit from joining professional organizations?

XV. The Future of Graphic Design
60. What are some emerging trends and technologies shaping the future of graphic design?