Graphics Design Specialisation- Virtual/Physical

This course will equip you with essential graphic design skills to create professional marketing materials. Students learn design principles, software basics, typography, and colour theory, as well as how to create stunning logos, branding, and social media graphics. It’s perfect for turning their ideas into polished visuals!

Course Overview:

• Total Duration: 6 – 8 weeks
• Days per Week: 3 days
• Hours per Day: 2 hours
• Total Hours per Week: 6 hours

Lesson 1: Introduction to Graphic Design

Session 1: Overview of Graphic Design

• Definition and applications of graphic design.
• Principles of design: balance, contrast, alignment, proximity.
• Design elements: line, shape, colour, texture, and space.
• Practical Exercise: Analyse existing designs for principles and elements.

Session 2: Color Theory and Typography

• Basics of colour theory and psychology of colour.
• Colour schemes and branding applications.
• Typography basics: font types, hierarchy, readability.
• Practical Exercise: Create a colour palette and experiment with typography choices.

Session 3: Design Tools Overview

• Overview of design software (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva).
• Introduction to vector vs. raster graphics.
• Basic navigation of Adobe Creative Suite.
• Hands-On: Basic exercises with each tool (drawing shapes, using colours, creating text).

Lesson 2: Working with Adobe Photoshop

Session 1: Photoshop Basics

• Introduction to Photoshop interface and tools.
• Image manipulation basics (crop, resize, rotate).
• Layers, layer styles, and blending modes.
• Practical Exercise: Edit a simple photo using basic adjustments.

Session 2: Photo Editing and Retouching

• Detailed photo editing (brightness, contrast, colour balance).
• Retouching tools: clone stamp, healing brush, patch tool.
• Practical Exercise: Retouch an image, enhancing its overall look.

Session 3: Compositing and Image Manipulation

• Combining multiple images using masks and selections.
• Transparency and blend modes.
• Hands-On: Create a simple composite image by combining photos.

Lesson 3: Adobe Illustrator and Vector Design

Session 1: Illustrator Basics

• Introduction to Illustrator interface and tools.
• Understanding vector graphics and their uses.
• Basics of shapes, paths, and the Pen tool.
• Practical Exercise: Create a simple vector illustration using basic shapes.

Session 2: Advanced Vector Design

• Advanced Pen tool techniques, shapes, and paths.
• Gradients, patterns, and brushes.
• Practical Exercise: Design a vector logo using custom shapes and colours.

Session 3: Typography in Illustrator

• Working with type in Illustrator.
• Creating and editing text objects.
• Hands-On: Create a typographic poster focusing on font selection and text arrangement.

Lesson 4: Branding and Logo Design

Session 1: Introduction to Branding

• Understanding branding and brand identity.
• Key components of brand design: logos, colours, typography.
• Exercise: Analyse popular brand logos and identify core design elements.

Session 2: Logo Design Fundamentals

• Types of logos: wordmark, lettermark, icon, combination.
• Designing logos that align with brand values.
• Hands-On: Sketch initial logo concepts for a hypothetical brand.

Session 3: Digital Logo Design

• Turning logo sketches into vector designs in Illustrator.
• Finalising logos with colour, size variations, and testing.
• Project: Complete a digital logo for a brand with multiple formats.

Lesson 5: Layout Design and Digital Publishing

Session 1: Layout and Composition Principles

• Basics of layout design for print and digital media.
• Composition techniques and grids.
• Exercise: Mock-up layouts for a magazine cover and digital ad.

Session 2: Creating Marketing Materials

• Designing brochures, posters, and social media graphics.
• Ensuring layout consistency with high-quality images and text.
• Hands-On: Design a promotional flyer for an event.

Session 3: Digital Publishing Essentials

• Exporting designs for web, print, and social media.
• Introduction to file formats and resolution.
• Practical Exercise: Export graphics in various formats (JPEG, PNG, PDF).

Lesson 6: Portfolio Building and Final Project

Session 1: Creating a Cohesive Portfolio

• Structuring a portfolio and choosing relevant work.
• Tailoring a portfolio for job opportunities or freelance clients.
• Activity: Select and organise designs created during the course.

Session 2: Final Project Development

• Developing a capstone project: brand identity package, ad campaign, or multi-page layout.
• Integrating all learned skills (logo, branding, layout, social media assets).
• Instructor Feedback: Real-time feedback session to refine the final project.

Session 3: Presenting the Final Project

• Presenting your work effectively and explaining design choices.
• Receiving constructive critique and finalising the project.
• Wrap-Up and Q&A: Course summary, additional resources, and career tips.