Description

This Live Course will be offered during Fall 2025.

Graphic design is one of the most versatile skills to learn. From books to logos, flyers, social media apps, and websites, everybody needs a graphic designer to help promote their business and their products. Taught by experienced graphic designer and educator Abbie Adkerson, Intro to Digital Art & Design is a half-credit course that meets weekly over Zoom. In this semester-long course, Miss Adkerson will teach you the basics of the top three industry-standard programs: Adobe InDesign, which focuses on page layout; Adobe Illustrator, which focuses on vector illustration; and Adobe Photoshop, which focuses on photo editing and manipulation. A separate subscription to Adobe’s Creative Suite is required; it is not included in your class purchase.

Each live class will feature a short period of instruction followed by workshop time where you will demonstrate your understanding by imitating a sample project. Outside of class, Miss Adkerson will assign short readings, videos on specific techniques, and additional creative projects for you to start your own professional design portfolio. By the end of the course, you will not only know the basics of the Adobe Creative Suite, but you will also become an effective visual communicator who understands how to apply the principles and elements of design in any project. Learning how to display information in a visually pleasing way is a skill much in demand. Take this chance to learn practical skills that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

This course introduces the fundamental principles of graphic design using industry-standard software to create projects for print and digital media. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand and apply the elements and principles of design
• Create effective layouts for print publications using Adobe InDesign
• Design and manipulate vector graphics using Adobe Illustrator
• Edit and enhance digital images using Adobe Photoshop
• Understand file formats, color modes, and resolution for various media
• Develop a basic design portfolio

Credit: Half Credit in High School Art or Elective

Ages: 14+ (This course is taught at a high school level.)

Includes:

• Weekly live instruction and workshops
• Hands-on software tutorials and practice
• Short lectures covering design theory and history
• Individual design projects and assignments
• Portfolio development guidance
• Peer critique sessions
• Grading and feedback on all projects

The class begins on August 12 and will meet weekly over Zoom on Tuesdays, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Central Standard Time. The format will be interactive workshops and instruction each week. See schedule below.

The format will be hands-on and project-based with short lectures focused on design principles and software techniques. Students will work on a variety of design projects and learn how to develop their creative voice while mastering professional design tools. The projects should reflect the student’s growing technical skills as well as their ability to apply design principles effectively.

Abbie Abbie Adkerson is a graphic designer with a passion for classical, Christian education. Having earned an A.A.S. degree in Graphic Design (2018) and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Culture from New Saint Andrews (2022), she has experience in both worlds as a freelance designer and Latin teacher, curriculum designer and design director. She has worked for Picta Dicta LLC for the past six years as their head print designer, illustrating and designing curriculum used in schools across the country.

Required Software and Materials

Students will need to acquire the following software and materials:

• Adobe Creative Cloud subscription currently $29/month for students [Adobe Student Pricing]. Purchase of the class does not include an Adobe subscription.
• Computer or laptop capable of running Adobe Creative Cloud (see requirements)
• Sketchbook or drawing pad for initial concept work
• Variety of pencils and pens for sketching (specific materials not required)
• Camera or camera phone for photography projects (optional but recommended)

Schedule of Class Meetings

All Tuesdays, all scheduled from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Central Standard Time.

Introduction to Graphic Design
Aug 12 – What is Graphic Design?
Aug 19 – Color Palettes and Theory

Unit 1: Adobe Photoshop
Aug 26 – Photoshop Interface and Tools, Image Resolution and File Formats
Sep 2 – Basic Image Editing (cropping, resizing, adjustments), Text and Effects
Sep 9 – Layers and Selections, Photo Retouching
Sep 16 – Color Correction and Enhancement

Unit 2: Adobe Illustrator
Sep 23 – Illustrator Interface and Tools, Vector Graphics vs. Raster Graphics
Sep 30 – Drawing Tools (pen tool, shape tools), Pathfinder and Shape Builder Tools
Oct 7 – Color and Swatches, Gradients and Patterns
Oct 14 – Fall Break
Oct 21 – Creating Logos and Illustrations, Typography in Illustrator

Unit 3: Adobe InDesign
Oct 28 – InDesign Interface and Tools, Document Setup and Page Layout
Nov 4 – Working with Text (styles, formatting)
Nov 11 – Importing and Managing Graphics, Master Pages, Creating Multi-Page Documents
Nov 18 – Preparing Files for Print and Digital Output, Introduction of Final Project
Nov 25 – Thanksgiving Break

Final Project and Exam
Dec 2 – Final Project
Dec 9 – Final exam and Review Final Projects

Major Projects and Assignments

Throughout the course, students will complete several engaging projects to build their portfolio. The final list is subject to change.

1. “Get to Know You” Magazine Cover and Spreads – Create a personalized magazine cover featuring yourself plus two interior spreads about your favorite locations
2. Movie Poster Redesign – Apply minimalist design principles to redesign an existing movie poster using the elements of design
3. Personal Logo and Branding – Design your own logo for letterhead, stationery, and business cards (with optional stamp creation)
4. Alphabet Design Project – Create an artistic alphabet poster using simple shapes or photographed objects
5. Travel Postcards (Final Project) – Design a set of three travel postcards using photos and clip art that will be professionally printed at year’s end (estimated local cost $5-10)

What if I can’t attend the live Zoom sessions?

All the sessions will be recorded and posted for enrolled families to watch at their convenience. You can use the recordings to review or catch up if you missed a session.

Families who can’t make the schedule above can still participate in the class assignments and projects by watching the recordings and communicating in the group on My Compass Classroom.

What kinds of assignments and assessments are included?

Assignments include regular design projects and portfolio pieces corresponding with each unit of study. All are designed to help students think creatively, develop technical proficiency, and build a professional-quality design portfolio. Students may also participate in peer critiques and receive feedback on their work.

Will my student receive a final grade?

Yes! The instructor, Abbie Adkerson, will provide a suggested final grade based on submitted projects, participation, and portfolio quality. Since this is a live homeschool course, the parent has the final authority and may use this grade as part of their student’s official transcript or records.

What computer requirements are needed for this course?

Students will need a computer capable of running Adobe Creative Cloud smoothly. Recommended specifications include: 8GB+ RAM, recent processor (Intel i5 or AMD equivalent), and adequate storage space (20GB+ free). Both Mac and PC are acceptable.

Do you offer refunds on live classes?

We think you will love this class. If you don’t, you may request a refund but must do so no later than before the second scheduled class after your enrollment (purchase) date. This gives you the chance to experience an entire live class session to make your decision.

Can this course count toward art credit requirements?

Yes! This comprehensive course covers fundamental design principles, art history context, and practical application that meets most high school art credit requirements. The course emphasizes both creative development and technical skill building, making it an excellent choice for students interested in visual arts, communications, or design-related fields.