Learning to use software tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to create designs digitally.
Graphic design principles: This is the foundation of all design knowledge that you need to learn. It covers the basic elements of design such as color, typography, composition, layout, and more.
Graphic design software: Knowing the right software to use for a particular design task is critical to your success as a graphic designer. Some popular software includes Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, GIMP, CorelDRAW, and Inkscape.
File formats: Understanding different file formats like JPEG, PNG, GIF, and PDF is essential in graphic design. This knowledge will help you know which format to use for a particular project and how to optimize file sizes.
Design tools and techniques: Graphic design incorporates various tools and techniques, including pen tools, brushes, gradient tools, masking, layering, and more. Mastering these tools and techniques will enhance your design skillset.
Color theory: This is a critical aspect of design where you learn how to use different colors to evoke certain emotions and appeal to your target audience.
Typography: Typography is the art and technique of arranging typefaces to make written language legible, readable, and appealing when displayed. Understanding the fonts, sizes, and styles that work for specific design tasks is crucial.
Branding and identity design: In graphic design, branding is a process of creating brand awareness by developing a unique persona for a business, product, or service. Identity design involves creating visual elements like logos, packaging, and stationery that evoke a company’s brand.
Web design: Web design encompasses the production of well-designed web pages, website structure organization, typography, and website performance. Knowledge of web design helps in creating responsive designs that are optimized for online platforms.
User interface design: User Interface design (UI) focuses on the way products look and feel, and how they enable users to achieve their goals. This aspect of graphic design is important in creating user-friendly and intuitive interfaces.
Motion graphics and animation: Motion graphics involve creating visuals that incorporate animation, video, and sound to communicate information in dynamic ways. It’s a vital aspect of modern design that can create engaging animated messages.
Adobe Photoshop: A raster-based software used for photo editing, retouching, and manipulation.
Adobe Illustrator: A vector-based software commonly used for creating logos, illustrations, and vector artwork.
Adobe InDesign: A page layout software used for print and digital-publishing, including book layouts and magazines.
Sketch: A digital design tool that allows designers and teams to create, collaborate, and communicate their designs.
Corel Draw: A vector-based software used for designing logos, vector graphics, and typography.
Figma: A browser-based design tool that allows designers to collaboratively design, prototype and code.
Canva: A graphic design platform that is primarily used to create social media graphics, presentations, posters, and other visual content.
Affinity Designer: A vector-based software used for logo design, illustration, and general vector graphic design.
Procreate: An iPad drawing and painting app that can help create illustrations and digital art.
Gravit Designer: A vector-based application used for creating graphic designs, icons, presentations, marketing materials, and branding.
GIMP: A free and open-source raster graphics editor used for photo retouching, image processing, and graphic design.
Blender: A 3D computer graphics software used for creating animations, special effects, and 3D models.
Autodesk Sketchbook: A digital sketching and drawing tool that can help create illustrations or graphic designs.
Inkscape: A free and open-source vector graphics editor used for creating and editing logos, diagrams, illustrations, and more.
SketchUp: A program used for creating 3D models of buildings, landscapes, and other objects.