Month 1: Introduction to Graphic Design & Tools
Week 1-2: Basics of Graphic Design
- Introduction to Graphic Design
- Understanding design principles: Contrast, Balance, Alignment, Repetition, Proximity, and White Space
- Color Theory: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary colors, Color Wheel, Complementary, Analogous colors
- Typography: Fonts, Typefaces, Serif vs. Sans-serif, Type pairing, Line spacing, and readability
- Basic Composition: Rule of Thirds, Visual hierarchy, Focal points
Week 3-4: Introduction to Design Software (Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator)
- Adobe Photoshop Essentials:
- Setting up a new document
- Basic tools (Move, Selection, Brush, Eraser, Gradient)
- Layers, masks, and blending modes
- Retouching and editing images
- Adobe Illustrator Essentials:
- Vector design basics
- The Pen Tool, Shapes, Paths, and Brushes
- Creating simple logos, icons, and illustrations
Month 2: Advanced Photoshop Techniques & Image Editing
Week 1-2: Advanced Photoshop Techniques
- Layering and Smart Objects
- Using the Clone Stamp and Healing Brush for retouching
- Working with Filters and Effects
- Color Correction and Adjustments (Hue/Saturation, Levels, Curves)
- Advanced Masking Techniques (Layer Masks, Clipping Masks)
Week 3-4: Photo Manipulation & Digital Art
- Combining multiple images to create composites
- Creating surreal or fantasy-style photo manipulations
- Introduction to Digital Painting
- Working with Brushes and Custom Brushes in Photoshop
Month 3: Illustrator for Vector Graphics & Logo Design
Week 1-2: Mastering Illustrator for Vector Design
- Understanding vector vs. raster graphics
- Advanced path editing (Direct Selection Tool, Anchor Point Manipulation)
- Creating complex shapes and illustrations using the Pathfinder Tool
- Using the Gradient Tool for smooth transitions
Week 3-4: Logo Design and Branding Basics
- Principles of effective logo design
- Working with shapes, typography, and icons to create logos
- Exploring branding and visual identity systems
- Creating color schemes, font pairings, and brand guidelines
- Designing logo mockups
Month 4: Typography and Layout Design
Week 1-2: Advanced Typography
- Exploring different typography styles (Serif, Sans-serif, Script, Display)
- Customizing and editing type in Illustrator and Photoshop
- Working with type on paths and shapes
- Understanding Kerning, Tracking, and Leading
- Combining text and images effectively
Week 3-4: Layout Design for Print and Web
- Creating visually appealing layouts
- Grid Systems and using alignment tools
- Designing Posters, Flyers, and Brochures
- Web Design Basics: Creating web layouts using Adobe XD or Figma
Month 5: Advanced Design Projects
Week 1-2: Packaging Design & Mockups
- Introduction to packaging design principles (Product packaging, Labels)
- Creating mockups for various types of packaging (Boxes, Bottles, Bags)
- Using 3D mockup tools (e.g., Adobe Dimension, Mockup templates)
Week 3-4: Advertising & Social Media Design
- Designing Ads for Print and Digital (Banners, Posters, Facebook Ads, Instagram Posts)
- Understanding the design requirements for different social media platforms
- Creating animated GIFs or simple animations in Photoshop or Illustrator
- Branding and Marketing Design: Consistency and audience appeal
Month 6: Final Project, Portfolio & Career Development
Week 1-2: Final Project – Design a Complete Brand Identity
- Create a brand identity package:
- Logo Design, Brand Colors, Typography
- Business Cards, Stationery, and Packaging Design
- Digital Assets (Social Media Graphics, Website Layouts)
Week 3-4: Portfolio Creation & Career Development
- Compiling a professional portfolio showcasing diverse projects
- Tips for presenting and selling your work to clients or agencies
- Creating a personal brand as a designer
- Exploring career opportunities: Freelancing, Agency work, In-house positions