Course Outline: Graphic Design with CorelDRAW & Photoshop
Section 1: Introduction to Graphic Design
Overview of graphic design and its importance across industries.
Design principles: balance, contrast, alignment, and more.
Introduction to CorelDRAW: tools, workspace, and basic vector drawing techniques.
Introduction to Photoshop for image editing (cropping, adjustments, basic manipulation).
Section 2: Core Design Tools in CorelDRAW
Working with basic shapes, text, and typography.
Color theory, gradients, and creating your own color palettes.
Layers, effects, and grouping elements in CorelDRAW.
Practical: Designing a simple poster using text, shapes, and basic effects.
Section 3: Advanced CorelDRAW Techniques
Working with paths, curves, and custom shapes (Pen tool, Bezier tool).
Vectorizing images and using the Trace Tool.
Advanced text effects (text on a path, 3D text, etc.).
Practical: Creating a more complex poster design or flyer, incorporating advanced text and image
elements.
Section 4: Photoshop for Image Editing
Advanced image editing techniques (layering, masking, color correction).
Retouching photos, removing unwanted elements, and enhancing images.
Creating compositions by combining multiple images.
Practical: Edit and prepare images for use in CorelDRAW designs (e.g., background removal, color
correction).
Section 5-7: Practical Design Projects
Poster Design: Creating posters for different themes (events, products, advertisements).
Flyers and Brochures: Designing marketing materials with a focus on layout, typography, and
imagery.
Social Media Graphics: Creating banners, posts, and ads tailored for various platforms (Instagram,
Facebook, etc.).
Branding Projects: Basic brand identity (logo, business card, and social media header).
In these Sections, students will focus on designing real-world materials using CorelDRAW, with Photoshop
being used for image preparation and editing.
Section 8-9: Final Project Work
Students choose a final project (e.g., a complete branding package, a series of posters, or a social
media campaign).
Apply all the skills learned to create a cohesive and polished design set.
Practical: Refining designs through feedback and preparing final deliverables.
Section 10-12: Project Finalization and Review
Presentation of final projects to the class.
Portfolio building: Gathering best works from the course (posters, flyers, social media graphics, etc.).
Preparing students for the industry: Discussing the business of graphic design, freelancing, and
finding work.
Examples of Design Materials
1. Flyers
Event Flyer: Promoting a concert, festival, or show.
Party Flyer: For a birthday, themed event, or club night.
Sale/Discount Flyer: Advertising store discounts, special promotions, or seasonal sales.
Real Estate Flyer: Showcasing a property for sale or rent.
Charity Event Flyer: For fundraising or non-profit activities.
Grand Opening Flyer: For a business launch or store opening.
2. Brochures
Tri-Fold Brochure: Standard brochure with three panels for a business or event.
Bi-Fold Brochure: A simple fold, often used for educational or service information.
Tourism Brochure: For destinations, travel agencies, or attractions.
Corporate Brochure: Detailing a company’s services, history, and achievements.
Product Brochure: Showcasing product lines or a catalog for retail businesses.
Non-Profit Brochure: Information about a cause or organization.
3. Business Cards
Personal Business Card: For freelancers, consultants, or sole proprietors.
Company Business Card: For corporate or professional employees.
Creative Business Card: Using innovative shapes, designs, and interactive elements.
Double-Sided Business Card: With extra information like services on the back.
Minimalist Business Card: Sleek, modern, with clean design elements.
4. Posters
Movie Poster: For films, screenings, or film festivals.
Concert Poster: Promoting a live music performance or festival.
Motivational Poster: Featuring a quote or inspirational message.
Product Poster: Highlighting the features of a new product.
Art Exhibition Poster: Promoting an art show or gallery event.
Public Awareness Poster: For health campaigns, social causes, or environmental issues.
5. Social Media Graphics
Instagram Post: A square image promoting an event or product.
Facebook Cover Photo: Design for Facebook page covers with brand message.
Twitter Banner: Horizontal design for Twitter profiles.
LinkedIn Banner: For a professional and sleek design on LinkedIn.
YouTube Thumbnail: Engaging images for YouTube video promotions.
Pinterest Pin: Vertical images optimized for Pinterest engagement.
6. Logos
Abstract Logo: Using shapes, colors, and lines to represent the brand.
Wordmark Logo: The company name as the design itself, stylized.
Emblem Logo: Incorporating the name inside a symbol or badge.
Mascot Logo: Featuring a character or figure representing the brand.
Vintage Logo: Retro-style logos with a classic look.
Minimalist Logo: Simple, clean design with fewer elements.
7. Infographics
Statistical Infographic: Visualizing data, numbers, and stats.
Process Infographic: Showing a step-by-step procedure or workflow.
Timeline Infographic: Representing historical data or project timelines.
Comparison Infographic: Comparing products, services, or concepts.
Geographical Infographic: Mapping out locations or regions visually.
8. T-Shirt & Apparel Design
Graphic T-Shirt Design: Bold, eye-catching designs for clothing.
Logo-Based T-Shirt: Featuring a brand logo as the main element.
Typography Shirt Design: Creative use of fonts or slogans.
Sports Team Jersey Design: Incorporating team colors, logos, and numbers.
Band or Music T-Shirt Design: Inspired by album art or concert graphics.
Funny/Quote Shirt Design: Featuring humorous sayings or catchphrases.
9. Magazine & Book Covers
Magazine Cover: Full-cover designs for magazines on various topics (fashion, tech, etc.).
Ebook Cover: For digital books, featuring engaging typography and imagery.
Novel Cover: Creative layouts with illustrations or graphics for book titles.
Annual Report Cover: Corporate or organizational annual reports.
Photography Magazine Cover: For magazines focused on photography or art.
10. Packaging Design
Product Packaging (Box Design): For retail product packaging, like cosmetics or tech gadgets.
Label Design: For bottles, jars, or cans (e.g., beverages, skincare).
Food Packaging: Design for food items like snack bags, cereal boxes, or take-out containers.
Gift Box Design: Packaging for presents, limited edition items, or special collections.
CD/DVD Packaging: For music, movies, or software.
Retail Bag Design: Branded design for shopping bags or tote bags.
11. Banners & Signage
Roll-Up Banner: For trade shows, exhibitions, and conferences.
Event Banner: Large format for outdoor or indoor events.
Web Banner: Digital banners for online advertising (static or animated).
Retail Banner: Storefront or window signage promoting sales or new arrivals.
Billboard Design: Large-scale advertisements for highways or city spaces.
Directional Signage: Signs for events, exhibitions, or buildings, showing directions.
12. Web Design Mockups
Website Homepage Mockup: For creating the main page layout of a website.
Landing Page Mockup: Focused design for specific product or service pages.
E-commerce Product Page Mockup: Designing online store pages for products.
Blog Post Template: Layout design for blog posts with titles, images, and text.
App Interface Mockup: Design for a mobile app interface with screens and icons.
Email Newsletter Template: Layout for an email campaign with branded design.
13. Certificates & Awards
Diploma Certificate: For educational institutions or online courses.
Employee of the Month Certificate: For employee recognition in businesses.
Award Certificate: For ceremonies or competitions.
Training Completion Certificate: For courses or skills workshops.
Volunteer Appreciation Certificate: For recognizing volunteers and community efforts.
14. Event Invitations
Wedding Invitation: Elegant designs with custom fonts and graphics.
Birthday Invitation: Creative designs for themed birthday parties.
Baby Shower Invitation: Soft, playful designs for baby celebrations.
Corporate Event Invitation: Sleek, professional designs for business events or dinners.
Graduation Invitation: Design for academic ceremonies or graduation parties.
Holiday Party Invitation: Themed invitations for festive events like Christmas or New Year’s.
15. Menus & Restaurant Materials
Restaurant Menu: Simple and elegant layout for food and drink options.
Takeout Menu: Focused design for delivery or takeout businesses.
Wine Menu: Special menu focused on a wine list or beverage selection.
Bar Menu: Creative designs for bars, pubs, or cafes with drink specials.
Event Catering Menu: For special events, weddings, or conferences.
Table Tents/Menu Cards: Small, folded menus for tables at restaurants or events.
16. Letterheads & Stationery
Corporate Letterhead: Branded design for professional documents.
Invoice Template: Simple design for issuing invoices and bills.
Memo Template: Formal stationery for internal communications.
Business Envelope: Design for company envelopes, both standard and custom sizes.
Notepad Design: Corporate branded notepads for businesses.