Diploma in Graphic Design
Module 1: Introduction to Graphic Design*
- *History of Graphic Design*: Evolution, key movements, and influential designers.
- *Design Principles*: Balance, contrast, hierarchy, alignment, repetition, and space.
- *Colour Theory*: Colour psychology, colour harmonies, and digital vs. print colour systems (RGB/CMYK).
- *Typography Basics*: Type anatomy, font pairing, and readability.
*Module 2: Design Software & Tools*
- *Adobe Photoshop*: Image editing, photo manipulation, and digital painting.
- *Adobe Illustrator*: Vector graphics, logo design, and illustration.
- *Adobe InDesign*: Layout design for print/digital media (brochures, magazines).
- *Figma/Adobe XD*: Introduction to UI/UX and prototyping.
- *Optional Tools*: Canva, Procreate, Blender (3D basics).
*Module 3: Core Design Principles*
- *Layout & Composition*: Grid systems, visual hierarchy, and whitespace.
- *Advanced Colour Management*: Creating palettes for branding and campaigns.
- *Typography in Depth*: Custom fonts, kinetic typography, and text effects.
- *Imagery & Iconography*: Sourcing/creating visuals, icon design.
*Module 4: Branding & Identity Design*
- *Logo Design*: Conceptualization, symbolism, and scalability.
- *Brand Guidelines*: Developing style guides (colours, fonts, imagery).
- *Packaging Design*: 3D mock-ups, material considerations, and sustainability.
- *Case Studies*: Analysis of successful brands (Nike, Apple, etc.).
*Module 5: Web & Digital Design*
- *UI/UX Fundamentals*: User personas, wireframing, and prototyping.
- *Responsive Design*: Adapting layouts for mobile/desktop.
- *Social Media Graphics*: Platform-specific templates (Instagram, LinkedIn).
- *Digital Publishing*: eBooks, interactive PDFs, and email newsletters.
*Module 6: Print Media Design*
- *Print Production Basics*: File preparation, bleed, and resolution.
- *Editorial Design*: Magazine spreads, book layouts, and annual reports.
- *Advertising Collateral*: Posters, flyers, and business cards.
- *Large-Format Design*: Billboards, banners, and signage.
*Module 7: Advanced Topics*
- *Motion Graphics (Adobe After Effects)*: Animated logos, GIFs, and video titles.
- *3D Design (Blender/C4D)*: Basic modelling, lighting, and rendering.
- *Augmented Reality (AR)*: Integrating design with AR tools.
*Module 8: Professional Practices*
- *Client Management*: Briefs, presentations, and feedback handling.
- *Freelancing & Entrepreneurship*: Contracts, pricing, and self-promotion.
- *Portfolio Development*: Curating work for job applications.
- *Ethics & Legal Issues*: Copyright, plagiarism, and licensing.
*Electives (Choose 1–2)*
- *Illustration Techniques*: Digital drawing, character design.
- *Photography Basics*: Composition, editing, and stock photography.
- *Digital Marketing*: SEO, content creation, and analytics.
*Capstone Project*
- Develop a comprehensive branding project from concept to final deliverables (logo, website, packaging).
- Present to a panel of instructors/industry professionals.
*Internship (Optional)*
- 4–8 weeks with a design studio, agency, or in-house team.
*Assessment Methods*
- *Projects*: 60% (e.g., logo sets, ad campaigns).
- *Exams/Quizzes*: 20% (theory on design principles/software).
- *Portfolio Review*: 20%.
*Resources & Tools*
- *Software*: Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, Blender.
- *Textbooks: *“Thinking with Type” by Ellen Lupton, “The Design of Everyday Things” by Don Norman.
- *Hardware*: Graphic tablets, high-resolution monitors.