Graphic design is all around us, in a myriad of forms, both on screen and in print, yet it is always made up of images and words to create a communication goal. This four-course sequence exposes students to the fundamental skills required to make sophisticated graphic design: process, historical context, and communication through image-making and typography. The sequence is completed by a capstone project that applies the skills of each course and peer feedback in a finished branding project suitable for a professional portfolio. The goal of this specialization is to equip learners with a set of transferable formal and conceptual tools for “making and communicating” in the field of graphic design. This core skill set will equip learners for formal studies in graphic design, and a starting point for further work in interface design, motion graphics, and editorial design.

1. Have a deep understanding of typography, color theory, photos, layout, blocking and other design theory and skills
2. Understand and learn the essential tools and capabilities of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign
3. Create logos and branding packages for potential clients
4. Learn photo editing and manipulation in Adobe Photoshop
5. Master the pen tool, shape builder tool and other essential vector design tools in Adobe Illustrator.
6. How to create editorial spreads and magazine layouts using Adobe InDesign
7. Understand solid logo design and ad design principles to create compelling campaigns and logos
8. Work through the entire package design process
9. Learn non-destructive editing techniques in Adobe Photoshop
10. Work through an event flyer design to understand strong type hierarchy, balance and overall design layout
11. Learn a few of the upcoming design trends for 2021 and how to create them!
12. Learn the history of fonts and typefaces and how to pair fonts
13. Learn the basics of Affinity Designer and learn the difference between Adobe Illustrator and Affinity Designer
14. Work through a 7 page vector tracing worksheet and feel confident creating a complex vector illustration by the end of this worksheet
15. NEW! Learn how to work with multiple page layouts in Adobe InDesign and create a cookbook cover and book
16. NEW! Learn the step-by-step process to becoming a graphic designer
17. NEW! Learn how to work with Photoshop Mockups to create great presentations
18. NEW! Learn word mapping and brainstorming techniques to increase your creativity in logo design and branding projects
19. NEW! Learn the Double Exposure Effect in Adobe Photoshop
20. NEW! Create Vector Art in Adobe Illustrator
21. NEW! Learn How to Encourage and Spark Creativity
22. NEW! How to create YouTube thumbnails and social media graphics
23. NEW! How to properly give and receive critiques and feedback
24. NEW! Understand how to create 3d objects and typography in Adobe Illustrator
25. NEW! Discover the latest 2022 updates to the Adobe software and understand the new artificial intelligence filters and tools