Month 1: Introduction, Basic Tools, and Understanding Print Design
Week 1: Introduction to Photoshop & Basics
Day 1: Introduction to Photoshop Interface
o Overview of workspace: Panels, Menus, and Toolbars
o Customizing workspace for print design
o Introduction to essential tools (Move tool, Selection tools)
Day 2: File Setup for Print Projects
o Understanding print-specific settings: Resolution (300 DPI), Color Mode
(CMYK)
o Setting up documents with correct size, bleed, and margins
o Saving files for print (TIFF, PDF, EPS)
Day 3: Layers and Layer Management
o Understanding layers: creating, organizing, and renaming layers
o Layer styles: shadows, strokes, gradients, and patterns
o Using Layer Masks for non-destructive editing
Day 4: Basic Image Manipulation
o Cropping, resizing, and rotating images
o Adjusting brightness, contrast, and exposure
o Retouching photos (Clone Stamp, Healing Brush)
Week 2: Working with Images & Color
Day 5: Color Theory and Color Adjustments
o Understanding the CMYK color model
o Color Picker, Swatches, and Gradients
o Adjustment Layers: Hue/Saturation, Levels, Curves
Day 6: Working with Selections
o Marquee tools, Lasso tools, Magic Wand
o Refine Edge and Select and Mask tools
o Expanding and Feathering selections
Day 7: Creating and Styling Text
o Adding and formatting text for print
o Creating text effects: Stroke, Shadow, and 3D Text
o Typography tips for print (legibility, spacing, font pairing)
Day 8: Advanced Image Adjustments
o Using the Dodge and Burn tools
o Sharpening and noise reduction for print quality
o Advanced color grading for images
Week 3: Creating Print Materials
Day 9: Designing Flyers & Posters
o Layout techniques: Grids, margins, and alignment tools
o Working with background images and text overlays
o Creating dynamic compositions using layers and text effects
Day 10: Designing Brochures & Newsletters
o Multi-page document setup
o Using guides, grids, and master pages
o Incorporating vector elements and illustrations
Day 11: Working with Vector Elements
o Introduction to the Pen Tool for creating vector shapes
o Creating logos and custom shapes
o Converting text to paths and outlines
Day 12: Photo Manipulation and Collages
o Compositing multiple images together
o Using blending modes and opacity adjustments
o Advanced masking techniques for seamless compositions
Week 4: Advanced Tools & Techniques
Day 13: Smart Objects & Non-Destructive Editing
o Using Smart Objects for resizing and editing
o Converting layers to Smart Objects
o Using filters non-destructively
Day 14: Working with Patterns & Textures
o Creating custom patterns and applying them to designs
o Using textures to enhance designs
o Layer Styles: Pattern Overlay, Texture, and Blending Modes
Day 15: Preparing Files for Print
o Exporting in print-friendly formats (TIFF, PDF, EPS)
o Adding crop marks, bleed, and registration marks
o Checking resolution and color profiles for print
Day 16: Portfolio Work
o Start working on a personal project (flyer, poster, brochure, etc.)
o Review and feedback on initial drafts
Month 2: Advanced Print Graphics, Techniques, and Professional Workflow
Week 5: Advanced Design Projects
Day 17: Advanced Poster Design
o Creating large-format posters with high-resolution images
o Dynamic compositions with high-impact typography
o Advanced use of filters and effects in print design
Day 18: Packaging Design
o Designing labels, packaging boxes, and product designs
o Working with dielines and mockups
o Visualizing product packaging in Photoshop
Day 19: Magazine Layouts
o Designing a magazine spread
o Combining text and images effectively
o Advanced typography for editorial design
Day 20: Brochure and Catalog Design
o Multi-page document design using InDesign and Photoshop integration
o Advanced image and text alignment, bleed, and gutter settings
Week 6: Retouching & Enhancing Photos
Day 21: Advanced Retouching Techniques
o Skin smoothing, color correction, and tonal adjustments
o Removing blemishes, scars, and imperfections
o Frequency Separation technique for professional retouching
Day 22: Creating Composite Images
o Combining multiple photos to create surreal composites
o Seamless masking and blending techniques
o Creating photo-manipulated artwork for print
Day 23: Working with Textures and Brushes
o Customizing and creating brushes for texture effects
o Using textures creatively for backgrounds and focal points
o Adding realistic effects using brushes
Day 24: Advanced Layer Effects & Filters
o Using advanced filters (Liquify, Displace, and Motion Blur)
o Combining layer styles and filters to create unique effects
o Working with smart filters and layer adjustments
Week 7: Preparing Files & Print Production
Day 25: Print-Specific File Preparation
o Checking resolution and size for print outputs
o Adjusting color profiles for CMYK (Pantone)
o Packaging files for printers: Crop marks, Bleed, Color Proofing
Day 26: Working with Prepress and Proofing
o Proofing designs for color accuracy and resolution
o Communicating with printers about file specs
o Understanding prepress terms and requirements
Day 27: Advanced Output Settings
o Exporting files for commercial printing
o Handling different print formats (Brochure, Flyer, Banner)
o Understanding file compression and quality for print
Day 28: Final Project Preparation
o Review of all key concepts covered
o Start working on a final project (poster, magazine, flyer, etc.)
o Ensure files are ready for professional print production
Week 8: Final Project, Review & Portfolio Building
Day 29: Final Project Execution
o Work on final project (flyer, poster, brochure, etc.)
o Apply feedback from instructor/peers
o Adjust design elements based on print specifications
Day 30: Review and Portfolio Presentation
o Final project review with feedback from instructor
o How to build a strong portfolio for print design
o Exporting work to show potential clients or employers
