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Digital Graphic Design – An Introduction

An all-round introduction to the three most-used programs involved in graphic design (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign). This course is ideal for anyone looking to learn and develop their skills in digital design or simply study the effective use of visual design within communication.

Please note, new dates for this course will be confirmed in April. If you'd like to be the first to know when this course is available to book, simply click the 'Register Your Interest' button and provide your details.

Course details

Developed primarily for beginners, this course will introduce you to software commonly used in graphic design and encourage you to practice these techniques across a range of different case studies. This is a fast-paced course and with plenty to do for even the more experienced designer. Intermediate level designers may benefit from picking up portfolio building projects and the tutor feedback.

As well as developing creative design strategies, you’ll be encouraged to bring your own experiences and interests to your work to find your own creative design identity.

During the course, you’ll be given a fundamental working knowledge of the most popular software packages used by designers and develop a more critical outlook to visual communication. Through a combination of digital-based workshops and guided feedback you’ll be introduced to layout, composition, type and image.

The tasks in this course will see you designing business collateral and other activities that will help you apply your newly learned skills and knowledge in real life. You’ll cover ten different aspects of graphic design work using case studies which can be developed further into a portfolio of work on completion of the course.

  • Scope and nature of graphic design
  • Design fundamentals – line, tone, colour
  • Colour theory and applications
  • Typography
  • Illustration – methods and techniques
  • Photo-retouching
  • Package design
  • Magazine and book layout
  • Gradient meshing
  • Logotype and branding design
  • Layout design
  • Basic animation
  • Design systems and the design industry – design briefs, how to bid for jobs
  • Comparative design – lessons from other designers (lots of research)
  • Design project – a practical project applying everything prior to this

Find out more by clicking the profile below.

Photograph of Emily Melling

Emily Melling

Emily is a Graphic Designer and AUB graduate with a BA in Visual Communication.

The course aims to:

  • Give you a broad understanding of graphic design theory, including the topic of interest, and best practice principles
  • Provide comprehensive demonstrations of the set of tasks given in each session – you'll be walked through the process of completing them
  • Help you build a strong portfolio of completed work – you'll be expected, with support from the tutor, to build a version of the material you've been taught in each session

  • Ongoing design guidance will be provided throughout the course
  • You'll have produced a complete graphic design portfolio
  • You'll have a sound working knowledge of a professional graphic designer
  • All students with 100% course attendance will be issued with an official AUB Short Course certificate of attendance. To request your certificate get in touch with the course team at shortcourses@aub.ac.uk

This introductory course assumes students possess no previous knowledge and is suitable for beginners as well as those students who wish to improve their understanding and skills. Suitable for students aged 18+.

All course materials are included in the course fee.

All additional course materials are included in the course fee.

Important information about evening and weekend courses

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How to Enrol

Looking to book onto one of our Evening and Saturday courses? You’ll find everything you need to book your place here.

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FAQs

If you have any questions about our Evening and Saturday Short Courses, you may find the answers in here.

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Short Courses Booking Terms and Conditions

Please read our Terms and Conditions before booking onto our Evening and Weekend courses.

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Suggested Suppliers

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