GRAPHIC DESIGN USING ADOBE PHOTOSHOP
COURSE MODULE (ALTERNATING THEORY & PRACTICAL FORMAT)
DAY 1 – THEORY: Introduction to Graphic Design & Photoshop Basics
Introduction to graphic design as a discipline
Role of graphic design in communication
Adobe Photoshop interface overview
Workspace layout and customization
Tools overview
File creation and saving formats
Navigation techniques
Design principles and elements:
o Balance
o Contrast
o Alignment
o Hierarchy
o Repetition
o Proximity
o Color
o Shape
o Space
DAY 2 – PRACTICAL: Workspace Setup & Basic Layout Design
Install and set up Adobe Photoshop
Customize workspace
File creation and saving practice
Navigation tools practice
Design of personal profile card
Use of:
o Shapes
o Text tools
o Alignment tools
o Layers
Application of basic design principles
DAY 3 – THEORY: Typography, Image Editing Concepts & Non-Destructive
Workflow
Fundamentals of typography
o Font types
o Spacing
o Alignment
o Readability
o Visual hierarchy
Image adjustments overview
Masks and masking concepts
Adjustment layers
Non-destructive editing principles
Relationship between typography and imagery in design
DAY 4 – PRACTICAL: Typography & Social Media Post Design
Typography-based design creation
o Quotes
o Announcements
Text formatting practice
Spacing and alignment
Text effects application
Social media post design (Instagram/Facebook)
Use of:
o Color correction
o Masking
o Adjustment layers
DAY 5 – THEORY: Advanced Editing Tools & Creative Enhancements
Blending modes and image interaction
Smart Objects
Smart Filters
Brushes and painting tools
Retouching tools
Filters and effects
Creative workflow efficiency techniques
DAY 6 – PRACTICAL: Creative Poster Design Using Advanced Tools
Promotional poster creation
Blending modes application
Smart Objects usage
Brushes and painting tools
Filters and effects application
Non-destructive editing practice
Layered image composition
DAY 7 – THEORY: Composition, Layout Principles & Vector-Based Design
Graphic composition techniques
Shape tools usage
Vector paths introduction
Layer styles and effects
Advanced masking techniques
Visual structure in design
Hierarchy and alignment in layouts
DAY 8 – PRACTICAL: Professional Flyer Design & Image Composition
Marketing flyer design
Shape tools usage
Vector paths application
Advanced masking techniques
Multi-image composition
Layer styles and effects
Visual hierarchy application
DAY 9 – THEORY: Branding, Workflow & Professional Design Systems
Branding fundamentals
Consistency in design systems
UI/UX basics
Layout structuring principles
Workflow optimization
Adobe ecosystem integration
Export settings (print and digital)
Automation tools:
o Actions
o Batch processing
DAY 10 – PRACTICAL: Branding Materials & Multi-Format Design
Logo mockups
Business card design
Brand identity layout creation
Exporting for print and digital
Consistency in branding materials
Design system application
DAY 11 – THEORY: Visual Effects, Digital Styles & Portfolio Preparation
Double exposure effects
Glitch effects
Neon glow effects
Cinematic design styles
Presentation techniques
Portfolio structuring
Freelancing basics
Professional design delivery standards
DAY 12 – PRACTICAL: Photo Manipulation & Special Effects Creation
Double exposure design
Glitch effects creation
Neon glow effects
Cinematic photo styling
Advanced compositing techniques
Artistic poster creation
DAY 13 – THEORY: UI/UX Design Principles & Digital Layout Planning
User interface design fundamentals
Layout structuring principles
Usability principles
Spacing systems
Grid-based design systems
Landing page planning
Mobile interface planning
DAY 14 – PRACTICAL: UI Mockups & Landing Page Design
Website UI design basics
Mobile app interface design
Layout structuring
Header and section design
Button and placeholder creation
Clean UI mockup production
DAY 15 – THEORY: Portfolio Development & Final Project Planning
Portfolio curation
Refining previous work
Final branding project planning
Professional presentation of designs
Client/employment readiness
DAY 16 – PRACTICAL: Portfolio Compilation & Final Branding Project
Portfolio compilation
Refining previous designs
Final branding project creation
Design presentation techniques
Export preparation for professional use