Course Description: This introductory CTE course provides students with foundational knowledge and skills in graphic design, focusing on core design principles, visual communication strategies, and an introduction to industry-standard software (Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator). Students will explore the design process from concept to creation, develop digital literacy, and begin building a portfolio of design projects. Emphasis will be placed on preparing students for the Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) exams in Photoshop and Illustrator.

Target Certifications: Preparation for Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) in Photoshop and Illustrator.

Overarching Themes: Design Principles, Digital Workflow, Visual Communication, Problem-Solving, Creative Process.

CA CTE AME Alignment (Conceptual - Design, Visual, and Media Arts Pathway):

• A1.0 Academics: Apply academic skills in CTE context (e.g., math for scaling, English for client communication).

• A2.0 Communications: Effective oral, written, and visual communication.

• A3.0 Career Planning and Management: Career exploration within graphic design.

• A4.0 Technology: Proficiency with digital tools and software.

• A5.0 Problem Solving and Critical Thinking: Analyze design problems and develop creative solutions.

• A10.0 Technical Knowledge and Skills: Fundamental skills in graphic design software and techniques.

• A11.0 Demonstration and Application: Apply knowledge and skills through projects and portfolio development.

Unit Breakdown (Approx. 38 Weeks)

Unit 1: Foundations of Design & Digital Workflow (Approx. 9-10 Weeks)

• Focus: Introduction to graphic design, the design process, elements of art and principles of design in a digital context. Understanding file types, resolution, and basic digital asset management.

• Key Concepts/Skills: What is graphic design? Design history overview, brainstorming, ideation, mood boards. Elements: line, shape, color, value, texture, space, typography. Principles: balance, contrast, hierarchy, alignment, proximity, repetition, unity. Digital file formats (JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, PSD, AI).

• Software Focus: Introduction to Adobe Bridge, basic file management, early exploration of Photoshop/Illustrator interface.

• Projects: Design principles posters, mood board creation, digital collages exploring elements/principles.

Unit 2: Visual Design with Adobe Photoshop (Approx. 9-10 Weeks)

• Focus: Mastering raster-based image manipulation for graphic design. Preparing students for the ACP Photoshop exam.

• Key Concepts/Skills: Interface navigation, layers, selections, masks, blending modes, color correction, retouching photos, image adjustments, smart objects, filters, working with text in Photoshop.

• Software Focus: Adobe Photoshop.

• Projects: Photo manipulation (composite images, surrealism), poster design using manipulated images, basic photo retouching assignments, digital painting basics.

Unit 3: Graphic Design & Illustration with Adobe Illustrator (Approx. 9-10 Weeks)

• Focus: Mastering vector-based graphics for logos, illustrations, and branding. Preparing students for the ACP Illustrator exam.

• Key Concepts/Skills: Vector vs. raster, artboards, drawing tools (Pen, Pencil, Curvature), shapes, Pathfinder, color (swatches, gradients), text on a path, creating logos, iconography, patterns.

• Software Focus: Adobe Illustrator.

• Projects: Logo design for a fictional company, icon sets, illustrated posters, custom typography designs.

Unit 4: Applied Design Projects & Portfolio Prep (Approx. 9-10 Weeks)

• Focus: Integrating Photoshop and Illustrator skills into multi-page layouts, preparing design files for various outputs, and introducing professional practices.

• Key Concepts/Skills: Layout design, effective use of typography in layouts, understanding print vs. web design considerations, color modes (RGB, CMYK), basic branding concepts, client communication basics, self-critique, presenting work. Review of ACP exam objectives for Photoshop and Illustrator.

• Software Focus: Integration of Photoshop and Illustrator. (Optional: brief introduction to InDesign for basic layouts if time permits and aligns with curriculum goals).

• Projects: Design a simple brand identity (logo, business card, letterhead), create a brochure or flyer, design social media graphics, begin portfolio curation of best works from the course. Practice ACP exams.