Graphic Design Basics | 5 Digital Art Projects for Grades 6–12

Introduce students to the fundamentals of graphic design with this 73-page digital art unit for grades 6–12. Students learn how designers use typography, color, composition, branding, layout, and visual hierarchy while completing five creative digital projects. Each project includes structured guidance, planning tools, checklists, reflection pages, and a rubric while still giving students plenty of room to make original design choices. The unit is beginner-friendly and works well for middle school art, high school art, digital art, graphic design electives, technology-integrated art lessons, independent study, or portfolio development. Projects can be taught as a complete mini unit or assigned individually throughout the school year. Why Teachers Will Love It - Includes five complete digital design projects - Beginner-friendly for students with no prior graphic design experience - Covers core graphic design principles and vocabulary - Includes planning pages, checklists, reflections, and rubrics - Works across middle and high school grade levels - Can be taught as a full unit or used project by project - Encourages creative freedom while maintaining clear expectations - Reduces planning time with ready-to-use project structure Perfect For - Middle school art - High school art - Digital art classes - Graphic design electives - Introductory design units - Technology-integrated art lessons - Independent project work - Portfolio development - Homeschool art - Art sub plans for students already familiar with the digital program Skills & Concepts Students practice: - Typography - Color theory - Composition - Visual hierarchy - Branding - Layout - Contrast - Alignment - Repetition - Proximity - Balance - Audience awareness - Creative planning - Revision - Visual communication - Design reflection Materials Needed - Computer, Chromebook, or tablet - Internet access - Canva or another school-approved digital design program The projects can also be adapted for tools such as Adobe Express, Google Slides, Google Drawings, Photopea, or other digital design platforms. Estimated Time Flexible — approximately 1–3 class periods per project, depending on class length and student experience. Teacher Tip Teach the design process and core vocabulary before beginning the first project, then refer back to those concepts throughout the unit. Encourage students to explain their design choices rather than simply focusing on decoration.