Graphic Design Masterclass: Learn Graphic Design in Projects Course Syllabus

Overview: This comprehensive graphic design course is designed for beginners who want to build a strong foundation in design principles and Adobe Creative Cloud tools. Over approximately 10 hours of structured learning, you'll progress from core design concepts to creating professional, portfolio-ready projects. Each module combines theory with hands-on exercises using real-world workflows, culminating in a capstone project that showcases your skills in branding and presentation.

Module 1: Design Foundations & Principles

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Elements of design: line, shape, space
• Design principles: contrast, balance, hierarchy
• Visual alignment and repetition
• Analyze real-world design examples
• Sketching for design thinking

Module 2: Color Theory & Typography

Estimated time: 1.5 hours

• Understanding the color wheel and color psychology
• Creating harmonious color schemes
• Typography classifications and type anatomy
• Effective font pairing strategies
• Building a typographic mood board

Module 3: Adobe Photoshop Basics

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Photoshop interface and workspace setup
• Working with layers, masks, and selections
• Basic photo retouching techniques
• Image compositing for social media graphics
• Exporting for digital use

Module 4: Adobe Illustrator & Vector Graphics

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Introduction to vector graphics and the Illustrator interface
• Mastering the Pen tool and shape tools
• Using Pathfinder and gradients
• Logo design techniques and best practices
• Exporting vector assets in multiple formats

Module 5: Page Layout with InDesign

Estimated time: 1.5 hours

• Setting up documents and master pages
• Working with text and image frames
• Applying paragraph and character styles
• Designing a two-page brochure layout
• Integrating typography and visuals effectively

Module 6: Branding & Identity Design

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Components of a visual identity system
• Creating logo variations and usage guidelines
• Developing brand color palettes and typography rules
• Assembling a mini brand style guide

Module 7: Digital vs. Print Workflow

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Understanding DPI vs. PPI for different media
• Color modes: RGB for digital, CMYK for print
• Setting up bleed, trim, and safe areas
• Preparing files for print and web production

Module 8: Portfolio & Real-World Project

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Interpreting a client design brief
• Creating a complete branding package
• Presenting your work as a case study
• Compiling a professional portfolio piece

Prerequisites

• Basic computer literacy
• Access to Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• No prior design experience required

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Apply core design principles to create visually balanced compositions
• Create and edit graphics using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
• Develop a cohesive brand identity including logo, color, and typography
• Design layouts for both print and digital media
• Prepare production-ready files and build a professional design portfolio