The document provides an introduction to design basics for creating a yearbook cover, posters, and pages. It defines graphic design as visual communication using fonts, space, images, and color. It discusses the elements of design - line, shape, color, value, texture, size, and space - which are the basic materials used to build designs. It also covers the principles of design - contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity - which are rules that help organize and place the elements. Each element and principle is then explained in more detail with examples.