🎨 Graphic Design Crash Course (3 Weeks)
Software Covered: Canva, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator
Duration: 3 Weeks
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Goal: Equip learners with a strong foundation in design principles and hands-on skills to create professional
graphics, posters, and brand identities.
WEEK 1: Introduction to Graphic Design + Canva Essentials + AI in Design
Theme: Building the Foundation
Day 1: Open Day
Topics: - Introductory class overview
- Course content and deliverables
- What to expect after the course
Objective:
Introduce learners to the course structure, expectations, and outcomes while setting goals for their
learning journey.
Day 2: Understanding the World of Graphic Design
Topics: - What is Graphic Design?
- Role of Graphic Design in Marketing and Branding
- Exploring Career Paths in Graphic Design
Objective:
Help learners understand the importance of design in communication, branding, and marketing while
identifying different career opportunities in the design field.
Day 3: Principles and Elements of Design
Topics: - Principles of Design (Balance, Hierarchy, Alignment, Proximity, Repetition)
- Elements of Design (Typography, Colors, Shapes, Imagery, Texture)
- Psychology of Fonts, Colors, and Shapes
Objective:
Introduce learners to the building blocks of visual communication and how to use them effectively to create
balanced, appealing designs.
1
Practice Task:
- Analyze a set of existing designs and identify the principles and elements used.
Day 4: Canva Masterclass
Topics: - Navigating the Canva Interface
- Editing and Customizing Templates
- Using Brand Kits, Fonts, and Color Palettes
- Exporting and Optimizing Designs for Web & Print
Objective:
Enable learners to confidently design using Canva by customizing templates and applying professional
branding elements.
Practice Task:
- Create a social media post using Canva templates and custom branding (colors, fonts, and logo).
Day 5: Artificial Intelligence in Design
Topics: - Understanding AI Tools in Graphic Design
- Introduction to Prompt Engineering
- Generating AI Images for Design Projects
Objective:
Help learners understand how to integrate AI tools into their design process for inspiration, content
creation, and productivity.
Practice Task:
- Generate AI-based visuals using prompts and use them in a Canva design.
WEEK 2: Adobe Photoshop — Posters & Creative Layouts
Theme: Mastering Visual Composition
Day 1: Getting Started with Photoshop
Topics: - Understanding the Photoshop Interface
- Creating, Saving, and Opening Files
- Understanding the Layer Panel
- Layer Management (naming, grouping, arranging, locking)
- Adding Multiple Artboards
- Importing and Resizing Images
2
Objective:
Learners should be able to navigate Photoshop comfortably, organize layers effectively, and set up files for
different projects.
Practice Task:
- Create a multi-artboard project (e.g., social post + poster) and organize it using folders and layers.
Day 2: Mastering Basic Tools
Topics: - Move Tool
- Marquee Tool (Rectangular/Elliptical Selections)
- Lasso Tool (Freehand and Polygonal)
- Object and Quick Selection Tools
- Brush Tool
- Type Tool (Typography Basics)
- Shape Tools (Rectangles, Circles, Polygons)
- Applying Colors and Gradients
- Pen Tool (Introduction to Paths)
Objective:
Learners should understand the core design and selection tools used in everyday Photoshop work.
Practice Task:
- Create a simple poster layout combining shapes, text, and images using all covered tools.
Day 3: Working with Images and Effects
Topics: - Importing and Resizing Images (refresh)
- Using Layer Masks for Non-destructive Editing
- Understanding Smart Objects
- Applying Blend Modes
- Adjusting Image Color and Brightness (Levels, Curves, Hue/Saturation)
- Removing Backgrounds (Select Subject, Remove BG tools)
- Using Smart Filters
Objective:
Learn how to manipulate and enhance images creatively while maintaining quality.
Practice Task:
- Create a photo-based poster that uses blend modes and masking techniques (e.g., music or movie
poster).
3
Day 4: Design Principles & Workflow
Topics: - Using Rulers, Guides & Alignment Tools
- Downloading & Installing Fonts
- Principles of Flyer Design (Hierarchy, Focal Point, Balance)
- Choosing Color Schemes & Typography
- Finding & Downloading Resources Online (e.g., Freepik, Pexels, Unsplash, DaFont)
Objective:
Combine technical and creative thinking to prepare for real-world design work.
Practice Task:
- Build a design moodboard for a flyer concept (collect fonts, color palettes, and image references).
Day 5: Practical Design Session
Topics:
- Real-world Flyer Design Projects
- Product Flyer
- Restaurant Flyer
- Real Estate Flyer
- Club/Event Flyer
Objective:
Apply all learned tools and principles to real projects, focusing on creativity, layout, and visual appeal.
Practice Task:
- Create one flyer of your choice and present it to the class for feedback.
End of Week 2 Outcomes
By the end of Week 2, learners will: - Confidently use Photoshop tools for professional layouts
- Apply color, typography, and image editing principles
- Design visually appealing flyers from scratch
WEEK 3: Adobe Illustrator — Logo & Brand Identity Design
Theme: From Concept to Brand
Day 1: Introduction to Logo Design
Topics: - Understanding Logo Design and Logo Types
- Logo Design Principles
- Negative and Positive Spaces
4
Objective:
Introduce learners to the fundamentals of logo design, its variations, and how visual balance and space
influence design quality.
Practice Task:
- Identify different logo types (wordmark, monogram, symbol, emblem, etc.) from famous brands.
Day 2: Getting Started with Adobe Illustrator
Topics: - Illustrator Interface Overview
- Selection & Direct Selection Tools
- Adding and Managing Artboards
- Drawing Basic Shapes
- Applying Colors to Shapes
Objective:
Help learners become comfortable with the Illustrator workspace and basic drawing functions.
Practice Task:
- Create a simple geometric logo concept using shapes and color combinations.
Day 3: Mastering Design Tools
Topics: - Shape Builder Tool
- Pen Tool
- Line Segment & Curvature Tool
- Adding and Formatting Text
- Offset Path Tool
- Width Tool
Objective:
Teach learners how to build and refine custom logo shapes using Illustrator’s vector tools.
Practice Task:
- Create an abstract or monogram logo using the Pen and Shape Builder tools.
Day 4: The Logo Design Process
Topics: - Understanding a Design Brief
- Logo Generation Ideas (Research Stage)
- Sketching and Vectorization
- Adding Fonts and Colors to a Logo
5
Objective:
Walk learners through the full creative process of turning ideas into final logo concepts.
Practice Task:
- Develop one logo concept from sketch to vector stage.
Day 5: Branding & Presentation
Topics: - Logo Variations (Primary, Secondary, Icon)
- Logo Rationale
- Creating Patterns and Brand Elements
- Applying Logos to Mockups
- Presentation Techniques
Objective:
Help learners understand how to present their logo professionally and build cohesive brand visuals.
Practice Task:
- Prepare a logo presentation showing variations, applications, and design rationale.
Bonus: Day 6 — Building a Design Career
Topics: - How to Create a Simple Design Portfolio
- How to Charge for Design Work
Objective:
Prepare learners for freelancing or employment by helping them package their work and understand
pricing strategies.
Practice Task:
- Create a mini portfolio showcasing the best work from all course modules.
