Graphic Design Short Course

Objective:

By the end of the course, students will:

• Have a solid understanding of graphic design principles and their application.
• Be proficient in basic design software and tools, particularly Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Be able to create visually appealing designs using typography, color theory, and layout principles.
• Develop and present a personal portfolio showcasing their skills in various graphic design projects.
• Be prepared to pursue further studies or entry-level opportunities in graphic design.

This short course is designed to equip beginners with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to start a career or hobby in graphic design.

Course Duration:

4-8 weeks (depending on the program’s intensity), with approximately 6-8 hours of study per week.

Eligibility Criteria:

• No prior experience in graphic design is required.
• Basic computer literacy is recommended.
• Access to a computer with graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator) is essential.
• Matriculation needed

Course Content:

1. Introduction to Graphic Design

• Overview of the history and evolution of graphic design.
• Understanding design principles: balance, contrast, hierarchy, alignment, repetition, and proximity.
• Familiarization with common graphic design tools and software.

2. Typography Basics

• Understanding typefaces, fonts, and the anatomy of typography.
• Principles of typography: readability, legibility, and visual appeal.
• Practical skills: Selecting and pairing fonts, creating typographic layouts.

3. Color Theory

• Fundamentals of color theory: color wheel, color harmony, and color psychology.
• Applying color schemes in design projects.
• Practical skills: Creating cohesive color palettes for branding and visual projects.

4. Layout and Composition

• Principles of layout design: grids, alignment, and whitespace.
• Understanding the use of space in design for visual hierarchy.
• Practical skills: Designing effective layouts for print and digital media.

5. Image Editing and Manipulation

• Introduction to image formats and resolutions.
• Basics of photo editing: cropping, retouching, and enhancing images.
• Practical skills: Using Adobe Photoshop or equivalent software for image manipulation.

6. Branding and Visual Identity

• Fundamentals of branding: logos, color schemes, and visual elements.
• Creating consistent visual identities for brands.
• Practical skills: Designing a basic brand kit including a logo, color palette, and typography guidelines.

7. Digital Design Basics

• Introduction to designing for digital platforms: websites, social media, and mobile apps.
• Understanding the differences between print and digital design.
• Practical skills: Creating web graphics, social media banners, and simple UI elements.

8. Portfolio Development

• Compiling and presenting your work.
• Understanding the importance of a strong portfolio in the design industry.
• Practical skills: Curating a professional portfolio with projects completed during the course.

9. Software used in this course

1. Adobe Photoshop
2. Adobe Illustrator
3. Canva
4. Coral draw

Career Path ways:

A career in graphic design offers a variety of pathways, allowing designers to specialize in different areas or branch into related fields.

1. Graphic Designer
2. Web Designer
3. User Interface (UI) Designer
4. User Experience (UX) Designer
5. Branding and Identity Designer
6. Illustrator
7. Motion Graphics Designer
8. Packaging Designer
9. Art Director
10. Creative Director
11. Freelance Graphic Designer
12. Print Designer
13. Environmental Designer
14. Design Educator
15. Content Creator