DETAILS
This nationally recognized training course will teach you the fundamentals of Adobe Photoshop, the gold standard for image creation and editing. This course will teach you graphic design basics and build your skills step-by-step, as you master the terms and processes used by professional graphic artists. You'll not only learn the rules and standards for effective graphic design, but you'll also discover strategies for creating graphics that convey desired messages, styles, and tones.
You'll practice with real-world examples, challenges, and thought-provoking assignments, and learn how to determine a client's needs, design marketing materials to meet those needs, in addition to assembling your designs in an online portfolio to enter the industry. This course will help you create images that stand apart from the competition, in addition to positioning you for a rewarding career in graphic design.
OUTLINE
I. Understanding the
Client
A. Assessing client needs
B. What is the client trying to promote?
C. Who is the target audience?
II. Designing the
Logo
A. Creating effective logo designs
B. Submitting proofs
C. Collaborating with the client
D. Making a final selection
III. Design, Layout,
and Color Fundamentals
A. Defining the style and tone of the project
B. Understanding effective layouts
C. Choosing the right colors
IV. Working with
Type
A. Understanding the role of type in graphic design
B. Identifying font characters
C. Choosing the right fonts for headings and body
text
D. Working with blocks of text
V. Photo
Editing
A. Opening a photo in Photoshop
B. Resizing the image
C. Cropping images
D. Using image retouching tools
E. Auto tone, color, and contrast
F. Creating a composite image
VI. Designing a
Brochure
A. Laying out your brochure's six
B. Panels
C. Choosing colors and fonts
D. Selecting images
E. Building effective headline and body text
F. Fine-tuning your layout for visual impact and
usefulness
VII. Creating Print
Advertising
A. Designing an ad for print
B. Effective use of space
C. Conveying information
D. Creating a compelling image
VIII. Designing for
the Web
A. Understanding the web design process
B. Creating web content
C. Designing an effective web page
D. Optimizing images for the web
E. Building a searchable page
F. Designing for social media
IX. Email
Advertising
A. Creating email advertising
B. Creating an effective email blast
C. Designing a readable email
D. Working with automated email services
X. Bringing it all
Together
A. Creating a complete marketing package
B. Production methods
C. Creating camera-ready art for print
D. Website options
REQUIREMENTS
Requirements:
Hardware Requirements:
- This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows Vista or later.
- Mac: OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 or later.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
- Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan (Adobe Photoshop CC) will be provided with your tuition upon enrollment. It will be valid for one year after the activation date.
- Microsoft Word (not included in enrollment).
- Adobe Flash Player. Click here to download the Flash Player.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download the Acrobat Reader.
- Most software is not included in the cost of tuition, only Adobe Photoshop CC. Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
- Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:
- Adobe® Photoshop® Creative Cloud Revealed
- Graphic Design Basics
- Graphic Design Solutions
PREREQUISITES
Prerequisites:
Previous experience with Photoshop is not necessary.
INSTRUCTOR
Laurie Ulrich has been writing about and teaching people to use Microsoft Office for more than 20 years—including personally training thousands of students, writing hundreds of training manuals, and authoring and co-authoring more than 30 books on subjects including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access. Her books include 2000-page epics that document every button, bell, and whistle, as well as friendlier introductory and troubleshooting books for new users. Her most recent publication on Microsoft Access is Access 2016 for Dummies. In addition to writing and teaching, Laurie runs her own firm, Limehat & Company, providing training, marketing, graphic design, and web development services to clients throughout the world, with a focus on helping growing companies and non-profit organizations build their brand through effective promotions, outreach, and education.
Randy Rolen has been a professional Graphic Designer for 32 years. After working as the Senior Graphic Designer in high tech companies for many years, he started his own design firm in 1993, and began to specialize in web based design, including websites and banner advertising. He has also been teaching online since 2002.
FAQS
1. Can I register for programs if I am an international student?
Yes, because ed2go programs are online you never have to actually travel to the school. Most schools offer telephone or online registration.
2. How long does it take to complete a program?
All of our programs are self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start them when you want and finish them at your own pace. When you register you receive nine (9) months to complete this program.
3. Do I have to buy additional materials?
ed2go will ship all materials ground service upon enrollment. This includes the Adobe Photoshop CC software which will be valid for one year after the activation date.
4. Can I get financial assistance?
ed2go courses are non-credit courses, so they do not qualify for federal aid. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements.
5. What happens when I complete the program?
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a certificate of completion.
6. Am I guaranteed a job?
ed2go programs will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. We don’t provide direct job placement services, but our facilitators and career counselors will help you build your resume and are available to give advice on finding your first job. Facilitators will also be available to use as a professional reference upon completion of the program. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
7. Who will be my instructor?
Each student is paired with a facilitator for one-on-one interaction. The facilitator will be available (via e-mail) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our facilitators are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach.
8. What software or hardware do I need in order to take online programs and what are the system requirements?
In order to take our online programs, you must have access to a computer and the Internet. You can access the program contents from any Web-enabled computer. You don’t have to use the same computer to log-in to the program every time. We recommend that you have a word-processing program (Microsoft Word is best) and the latest version of Internet Explorer.
9. Can I use a Mac?
Yes, you can use a Mac for this program.
10. How can I get more information about this program?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, please feel free to contact us via LIVE chat (click the button above). If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please feel free to send us a question using the “Contact Us” form to the right. You may also call us at 1-877-221-5151. We will answer your questions promptly.
11. When can I start the program?
Our programs are all open enrollment. You can register and start the program as soon as you are ready.
Please note: Once the program curriculum is accessed online or through submission of a material shipment confirmation, refunds cannot be issued.
12. Do I need to be an artist or have an art background to take this course?
Absolutely not. The concepts of good graphic design can be learned, and any talent you may have as a designer can be enhanced, but it is not required. Learning Photoshop doesn’t require artistic ability of any kind, because you’ll find that you have levels of creativity within you that you didn’t know about, as you practice design techniques within this powerful software.
13. Will I be able to market myself as a graphic designer after taking this class?
Like most things, practice makes perfect. You’ll have the basic design skills and Photoshop abilities to take on most graphic design projects, but it’s recommended that you do some pro-bono (no-charge, for needy organizations, family businesses, etc.) work before you put yourself out there as an experienced designer. Build your portfolio based on what you learn in this class and apply your experience to a few jobs before you making an official leap as a Professional Graphic Designer.
14. Can I make a good living as a graphic designer?
Yes, if you work hard and develop a good client list. It’s important to seek clients out, provide all the services you can to these clients, and make good connections for word-of-mouth referrals. Also, stay involved with professional organizations, chambers of commerce, or local small business networking groups. Get your name out there, and use social media to promote your services.
15. What if I don't have enough time to complete my program within the time frame provided?
The time allotted to complete your program has been calculated based on the number of hours for each program, so don't worry too much about not completing in time. If, after a concerted effort, you are still unable to complete, your Student Advisor will help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that a fee will be charged for an extension.