Course Outline: Computer Graphics & Design (Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop)
Course Description: This course provides an in-depth exploration of Adobe Illustrator and
Adobe Photoshop, two of the leading software applications in graphic design and digital image
editing. Students will learn to create vector graphics, manipulate images, and apply design
principle effectively.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
Navigate the interfaces of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
Create and edit vector graphics using Illustrator.
Perform advanced image editing and manipulation techniques in Photoshop.
Understand the differences between raster and vector images.
Utilize layers, masks, and effects to enhance designs.
Prepare files for print and digital media.
Target Audience
Graphic Designers
Digital Artists
Photographers
Content Creators
Web Designers
Prerequisites
Basic computer skills are required. Familiarity with graphic design concepts is beneficial but not
mandatory.
Course Duration: 3 Months (Approximately 12 weeks)
Course Schedule and Outline
Month 1: Adobe Illustrator Fundamentals
Week 1: Introduction to Adobe Illustrator – Workspace & Basic Tools
Topics:
1.1 Getting to Know the Workspace (Illustrator)
1.2 Drawing Tools (Pen Tool, Shape Tools)
Focus: Familiarization with the Illustrator interface and essential drawing tools.
Activities:
Workspace exploration, tool practice exercises, simple shape creation.
Assessment:
Short quiz on interface and basic tools.
Week 2: Illustrator: Paths, Shapes & Color
Topics:
1.2 (Continued): Editing paths and anchor points
1.3 Color Management (Color modes, swatches, gradients)
Focus: Mastering path manipulation and color application.
Activities:
-Advanced shape design, path manipulation exercises, color palette creation.
Week 3: Illustrator: Working with Layers & Typography
Topics:
2.2 Typography in Illustrator
Focus: Organizing designs and mastering typography.
Activities:
Layer organization exercises, text formatting and design.
Week 4: Illustrator: Effects and Exporting Artwork
Topics:
2.3 Effects and Styles (Shadows, Glows, Appearance Panel)
2.4 Exporting Artwork (File formats, print vs web preparation)
Focus: Applying advanced styling and preparing files for different outputs.
Activities:
Styling exercises, exporting artwork for various purposes.
Assessment:
End of Month 1 Project: Create a logo and export it for print and web.
Month 2: Adobe Photoshop Fundamentals
Week 5: Introduction to Adobe Photoshop – Workspace & Image Basics
Topics:
3.1 Understanding Digital Images (Raster vs Vector, Resolution)
3.2 Navigating the Photoshop Interface
Focus: Understanding digital images and Photoshop’s interface.
Activities:
Image analysis, interface navigation.
Week 6: Photoshop: Selection Tools
Topics:
4.2 Selection Tools (Marquee, Lasso, Magic Wand)
Focus: Mastering various selection tools.
Activities:
Selection exercises, refining selections using Select & Mask.
Assessment:
- Quiz on selection tools and techniques.
Week 7: Photoshop: Basic Image Adjustments
Topics:
4.3 Basic Adjustments (Brightness, Contrast, Color Balance, Crop/Resize)
Focus: Performing fundamental image adjustments.
Activities:
Practice image correction and enhancement.
Week 8: Photoshop: Working with Layers
Topics:
4.1 Working with Layers (Introduction to Layers, Adjustment Layers)
Focus: Understanding and utilizing layers for non-destructive editing.
Activities:
Layer organization, creating and using adjustment layers.
Assessment:
End of Month 2 Project: Correct and enhance an image, then create a simple composite.
Month 3: Advanced Techniques and Project Work
Week 9: Photoshop: Retouching Images
Topics:
5.1 Retouching Images (Healing Brush, Clone Stamp)
Focus: Mastering retouching techniques.
Activities:
Practice retouching faces and removing imperfections.
Week 10: Photoshop: Masks and Filters
Topics:
5.2 Working with Masks (Layer Masks)
5.3 Filters and Effects
Focus: Selective editing with masks and creative effects with filters.
Activities
Creating complex masks, applying and adjusting filters.
Week 11: Finalizing Designs for Print
Topics:
6.1 Preparing Files for Print (Bleeds, Color Profiles)
Focus: Understanding print specifications and file preparation.
Activities:
Preparing various files for print with proper settings.
Week 12: Exporting Images for Web & Capstone Project Prep
Topics:
6.2 Exporting Images for Web (Compression Techniques)
7.1 Capstone Project Preparation
Focus: Optimizing images for web and project planning.
Activities:
Optimizing images for the web, outlining the final project
Assessment:
Final Capstone Project: Students create a cohesive graphic design project using both
Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
Assessment Methods
Quizzes at the end of each month to test knowledge retention.
Practical assignments where students apply techniques learned in class.
Monthly projects to demonstrate proficiency.
A final capstone project demonstrating proficiency in both software applications.
Materials Required
Access to Adobe Illustrator CC and Adobe Photoshop CC (latest versions recommended).
A computer capable of running the software efficiently.
This 3-month outline offers a comprehensive and balanced learning experience, allowing
students to gain proficiency in both Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop through structured modules
and practical projects. Good luck!
