Description
Graphic Design & Video Game Making Course Overview
This class is part of the MyFunScience live online homeschool classes, which provide structured instruction for middle school and high school students. Families can explore all of our technology courses for homeschool students.
This live online graphic design and game design class introduces homeschool students to the principles of visual communication, branding, and interactive design.
Design and interactivity shape how we learn, play, communicate, and create. This full-year course combines the foundations of graphic design with the fundamentals of game design, giving students a broad and creative skillset across print, digital, and interactive media.
Students develop visual communication skills in the fall and transition into game design concepts in the spring — building both artistic confidence and structured design thinking.
Course Overview
- High School Credit: 1 credit
- Recommended Grade Level: Grades 9–12
- Format: Weekly live online design class
- Focus Areas: Graphic design, visual communication, and game design
- Prerequisites: None
What Your Student Will Learn
Fall Semester — Graphic Design Foundations
- Principles of visual communication and layout
- Typography and branding basics
- Advertising and social media design
- Packaging and digital interface concepts
- Visual storytelling and concept development
Students work with free web-based tools such as Photopea, Pixlr, and Fotor while building real-world projects and beginning a design portfolio.
Spring Semester — Game Design & Interactive Media
- Game concept development
- Core mechanics and gameplay balance
- User interface design
- Storytelling in interactive environments
- Industry trends and emerging platforms
Through case studies and hands-on exercises, students explore how engaging games are designed without requiring programming experience.
By the End of the Course, Students Will
- Apply design principles across print, digital, and interactive formats
- Create effective visual messages through branding and media projects
- Design original game concepts with thoughtful mechanics and player experience
- Analyze how design influences audience behavior
- Build a portfolio showcasing both graphic design and game design work
This course prepares students for further study in graphic design, digital media, web development, or game development.
Learn About the Class
Watch a Sample Live Online Class Session
High School Credit
- 1 credit
Recommended Grade Level
- Grades 9–12
Prerequisites
- None
Required Materials
- Sketch pad
- Pencils and colored pencils
- Color markers
Syllabus
Download the Course Syllabus (PDF)
Estimated Workload
Approximately 1 hour per week outside of class.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a graphic design class or a game design class?
This course combines both subjects. Students first learn graphic design and visual communication, then apply design thinking to video game concept development.
Do students need programming experience?
No programming experience is required. The course focuses on design principles, gameplay ideas, and visual communication rather than coding.
Is this class designed for homeschool students?
Yes. This course is designed specifically for homeschool middle school and high school students.
Does the class earn high school credit?
Yes. This course earns one full high school credit.
