Week 1: Introduction to Graphic Design
Class 1: What is Graphic Design?
- Overview of graphic design
- Key design principles: Balance, alignment, contrast, proximity, repetition, and hierarchy
- Introduction to design history and famous designers
- Career paths in graphic design
Class 2: Design Tools and Software
- Introduction to industry-standard software (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.)
- Understanding design workspaces and interface
- Basic file formats: JPEG, PNG, SVG, TIFF
- Setting up a project and saving files correctly
Week 2: Typography Basics
Class 1: Introduction to Typography
- What is typography and its importance in design
- Types of fonts: Serif, sans-serif, script, decorative
- Anatomy of a typeface: Ascenders, descenders, x-height, etc.
- Selecting and pairing fonts effectively
Class 2: Working with Text in Design
- Using text in layouts and designs
- Adjusting kerning, tracking, leading
- Typographic hierarchy: Titles, subheadings, body text
- Creating typographic designs with emphasis
Week 3: Color Theory and Branding
Class 1: Color Theory Basics
- Understanding the color wheel, primary, secondary, and tertiary colors
- Color schemes: Complementary, analogous, monochromatic
- Color psychology and its impact on design
- Choosing a color palette for a design project
Class 2: Branding and Visual Identity
- What is branding and its importance
- Logo design principles
- Creating a mood board for branding
- Applying color theory to branding and identity
Week 4: Layout and Composition
Class 1: Principles of Layout
- Understanding grids, margins, and columns
- The importance of whitespace
- Visual flow and readability in layouts
- Creating balanced and well-structured designs
Class 2: Creating Effective Compositions
- Working with images, text, and graphic elements
- Rule of thirds and the golden ratio
- Creating posters, flyers, and social media graphics
- Working with templates and custom designs
Week 5: Photo Editing and Manipulation
Class 1: Introduction to Adobe Photoshop
- Overview of Photoshop tools and interface
- Basic photo editing techniques: cropping, color correction, retouching
- Removing backgrounds and working with layers
- Working with filters and effects
Class 2: Advanced Photo Manipulation
- Compositing: Combining multiple images
- Working with masks and blending modes
- Creating visual effects: Shadows, lighting, and textures
- Creating realistic photo manipulations
Week 6: Vector Design and Illustration
Class 1: Introduction to Adobe Illustrator
- Understanding vector vs. raster graphics
- Basic tools in Illustrator: Pen tool, shape tool, and pathfinder
- Creating simple vector illustrations and shapes
- Using colors and gradients in vector designs
Class 2: Advanced Vector Techniques
- Working with layers and paths
- Creating logos, icons, and scalable vector designs
- Combining shapes and using the pathfinder tool
- Tracing and refining sketches into vector art
Week 7: Creating Digital and Print Designs
Class 1: Design for Print
- Understanding print design specifications (CMYK, DPI, Bleed)
- Designing business cards, brochures, and flyers
- Preparing files for print: Exporting to PDF, setting bleed, etc.
- Typography and color considerations for print
Class 2: Design for Digital Media
- Designing for web: Banners, social media posts, web page layouts
- Optimizing designs for web (resolution, file size, and format)
- Creating responsive designs and UI elements
- Animation and motion design basics (optional)
Week 8: Final Project and Portfolio
Class 1: Working on a Final Project
- Start working on a final project (e.g., brand identity, marketing materials, or social media graphics)
- Applying learned skills: Typography, color, composition, branding
- Individual feedback and improvement suggestions
Class 2: Building a Portfolio and Preparing for the Industry
- How to create a graphic design portfolio
- Organizing and showcasing your best work
- Presentation skills: Explaining design choices and process
- Industry insights: Freelancing, working with clients, and career opportunities