Learn the basic principles of graphic design and the industry standard tools used by designers from all genres.
Graphic design is all about visually communicating an idea, thought, message or meaning. Graphic designers create and combine symbols, images and/or words to convey these ideas.
Graphic design is visual problem solving, your aim is to create something that is pleasing to the eye, and gets the attention of the viewer. But it's not always about making things look cool! It has to work! What's the point of having a great looking restaurant menu if you can't find the drinks list or what the prices are?! Or a fantastic looking website but can't find the contact details or tell what button is for what purpose.
Graphic design is a very exciting area, you are often working with cutting edge technology, using your creativity and also having fun while doing it. If you can pay attention to detail, are patient, creative, and like solving problems, then you are well on your way. So all that scribbling and doodling in school might finally pay off!
This course will provide you with the necessary real world applicable skills and knowledge to enhance and promote you or your potential client's brand, ideas or message.
Your purchase now also includes a Free Starter Pack tailored to your course when you register and attend the first Live Webinar
Lesson 1 delivers a brief introduction to basic graphic design and Adobe package fundamentals such as Workspace layout and Adobes use of layers. A brief overview of the 10 lessons in the module will also be covered.
Graphic design principles such as Alignment, Balance, Contrast, Proximity and Repetition will be taught in a practical way resulting in your first poster creation using Photoshop.
Combine multiple images into one to create subtle or quite drastic effects! Create backgrounds using gradient and texture fills and use masks and selection tools to cut out image backgrounds. Use image adjustments to blend images together.
Learn how to open, edit/manipulate and save an image. Create more visually appealing images through enhancement and manipulation using Photoshop's powerful selection and healing tools as well as adjustment layers.
Learn about the Illustrator application and vector graphics and why it is such a powerful tool for designers. Create your very own logo by using the Shape Tool, manipulating and colouring shapes, using and manipulating Symbols and editing and manipulating Text in Illustrator.
Trace features and Pen Tool to create vector graphics from standard images. Add interest and details to illustrations by using Illustrators brushes. Create and use your own brushes.
An introduction to Typography basics and simple design rules. Learn about typographic quality through Point Size, Kerning, Line Spacing and Length. Create a simple Typographic image by mixing, combining and manipulating type.
Use Photoshop to design a web interface. Setup Document for web. Use Guides. Create textured/gradient backgrounds. Add edit and transform graphics. Advanced image techniques such as reflection and light effects. Advanced type effects and typography. Button design.
Use Photoshop to design a web interface. Setup Document for web. Use Guides. Create textured/gradient backgrounds. Add edit and transform graphics. Advanced image techniques such as reflection and light effects. Advanced type effects and typography. Button design.
An introduction to the industry standard publishing application. Learn about the InDesign workspace, create and setup a new document, add assets such as text and imagery, learn about Frames and how they work, applying colour and text formatting. Create your own business card.
*On demand lessons will be pre-recorded and will be made available at a later date.
You can participate using your own computer via the internet, both Windows and Mac devices will surfice.
You can access recordings via your student log in area found in menu tab.
Live lessons are not essential in order to pass diploma courses. You can view the recordings in your own time.
What is the duration of one webinar?
It lasts approximately 1 hour, not including questions and answers at the end of the live sessions.
What if I miss the lecture? Will I be able to catch up?
That's no problem. We also record each lecture as we broadcast them. We make these videos available to you within 24 hours of each lecture concluding and you will have unlimited access to the videos for up to 12 days after the entire course has been completed.
Are there any assignments?
We provide you with weekly quizzes in order to self-assess your progress. These are completely voluntary and a fantastic revision tool. Only live courses have weekly quizzes.
Upon course completion a final assignment will be made available. There is a €5 administration charge for non-members to complete the final assignment and receive the certificate. All certificates are free for members.
