Skills in Graphic Design

Graphic Design – 3-Month Course Outline

Duration: 12 Weeks (Approx. 120 Hours)
Mode: 5 classes per week, 2 hours per class

Month 1: Foundations of Graphic Design

Week 1: Introduction to Graphic Design

• What is graphic design?
• History and key milestones
• Understanding the design process
• Overview of design fields (print, digital, branding, UI/UX)

Week 2: Design Principles & Elements

• Color theory
• Typography basics
• Layout and composition
• Balance, contrast, hierarchy, alignment

Week 3: Adobe Photoshop – Essentials

• Photoshop interface and tools
• Working with layers and masks
• Image editing, retouching, and manipulation
• Creating banners and posters

Week 4: Adobe Illustrator – Essentials

• Illustrator interface and tools
• Creating vector shapes and icons
• Working with text and paths
• Logo design basics

Month 2: Creative Project Design

Week 5: Branding & Visual Identity

• Understanding branding
• Designing logos, business cards, and letterheads
• Brand color palettes and typography
• Building a brand style guide

Week 6: Layout Design for Print & Digital

• Designing flyers, brochures, and posters
• Page setup and grids
• Bleed, margins, and print formats
• Exporting for print and web

Week 7: Adobe InDesign – Basics

• Layouts for magazines and books
• Master pages and templates
• Placing images and formatting text
• Designing multi-page documents

Week 8: Social Media Design

• Visual content for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Carousels and reels thumbnails
• Designing ads and campaigns
• Image optimization for web

Month 3: Advanced Tools & Portfolio

Week 9: UI Design Basics

• Introduction to Figma/Adobe XD
• Designing interfaces for apps/websites
• Wireframing and prototyping
• Responsive design concepts

Week 10: Advanced Design Projects

• Poster series, packaging design, or campaign kit
• Real-world design challenges
• Working with mockups and presentations
• Design critique sessions

Week 11: Portfolio Development

• Selecting and organizing portfolio pieces
• Writing descriptions and case studies
• Creating a personal brand and logo
• Exporting projects for online portfolios

Week 12: Final Review & Presentation

• Final portfolio showcase
• Peer and instructor feedback
• Career opportunities in graphic design
• Freelancing vs. agency vs. in-house paths