What is the course about?
This course is about learning the basics of how to use Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop – the three main programs used by graphic designers for print. Gain experience with the different software and learn how they can be integrated in your projects while you explore a variety of design techniques and concepts.
You will need:
- Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign on your computer.
This is a live online course. For more information please see our guide to online learning.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
- Fundamentals of InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator for print
- Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign integration
- Design and illustration concepts, composition, colour, texture and pattern
- Editing Raster images with Photoshop
- Using Photoshop to repair, enhance and combine images into photomontages
- Vector graphics and illustration with Illustrator
- Using Illustrator to create illustrations, graphics, logos and patterns
- Page layout and design with InDesign
- Using InDesign to layout pages, create multi-page documents and compile projects,
- Typography basics, saving text styles and wrapping text around images
- Saving and exporting work to different file formats.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Identify the main differences between, and the uses for
Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign
Use Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign for the following:
- Create designs
- Layout page/s with text and images
- Set up and indicate: bleed, crop and fold marks for folded materials
- Save a body of work for future development.
- Export a pdf for print or online viewing
- Export images for web and print.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No prior knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign is required. However, students should be confident and competent computer users on a Mac or Windows PC and be proficient with a mouse and keyboard in either a creative software, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint or equivalent and should be able to download, upload, save, open and retrieve files. Some awareness of design for print or any other art/design practice would be useful.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught using a range of techniques including short lectures, demonstrations, practical exercises, tutorials, group and individual assistance. Student preparation and homework outside class times is strongly encouraged.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
A pen and paper to take notes. You may also find that having a couple of sheets of A4 paper and a ruler to hand would also be useful. Handouts for this course are best viewed in Adobe Acrobat Reader (or, if you have full Creative Cloud, Acrobat DC) so may want to have Acrobat on your computer.
You will need:
- Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign on your computer
.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You can develop your skills further on City Lit Pro: Adobe Creative Cloud intensive 2.
