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Graphic Design

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Price: $95 per Class | Duration: 45 - 60 Minutes

Unlock your creativity with our practical Graphic Design Program. Through hands-on lessons, you’ll learn everything from selecting the right design software to mastering key techniques and developing your own unique visual style.
With clear, step-by-step instruction and personalized guidance, you’ll build a professional portfolio as you complete a range of real-world projects. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced designer, this program equips you with the skills and confidence to bring your creative ideas to life.

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Taught by Smart Start Instructors

Download Flyer (English)
Descargar Folleto (Espanol)

5 Unit Course

Master graphic design techniques in our hands-on program! Learn essential design principles, work with industry-standard tools, and create unique, professional-quality projects. Perfect for all skill levels.

5/5

Rated 4.8 by Families

Hybrid Learning Available

Classes are available in person and on zoom

Beginner to Advanced

Student can test into higher levels

Languages

Instructors available in English, Spanish & Chinese

Skills

Level Up Your Mind: Where Every Move Matters.

Design Community
Design Projects
Color Theory
Photoshop Projects
Layout & Composition
Logo Design
Hands On Design
Portfolio Building

Hands-On Practice

Focus on mastering graphic design techniques by working on real-world projects. Learn step-by-step while creating your own original designs with expert guidance.

Personalized Learning

Enjoy a tailored learning experience that matches your skill level. Receive one-on-one support as you progress at your own pace and develop your graphic design abilities.

Real-Time Application

Engage in interactive sessions with live feedback. Apply new techniques directly to your design work, ensuring a practical and immersive learning experience.

curriculum

Note: All time durations are approximations and subject to change according to needs, availability and ability.

Learning The Basics

Unit 1

Foundations of Graphic Design

1-2 months

  • Understand core concepts: balance, contrast, alignment, and hierarchy

  • Analyze professional designs for effective use of principles

  • Apply design principles to basic poster and flyer layouts

  • Learn about color harmonies, schemes, and mood impact

  • Practice creating color palettes for specific themes

  • Explore accessibility and color contrast best practices

  • Distinguish between serif, sans-serif, script, and decorative fonts

  • Practice pairing fonts for readability and visual appeal

  • Create type-based compositions and typographic posters

Tools & Softwares

Unit 2

Design Tools & Software

2-3 months

  • Learn the interface: layers, tools, and shortcuts

  • Practice retouching, cropping, and photo adjustments

  • Create basic digital art and image compositions

  • Master the pen tool and vector shapes

  • Design custom icons and scalable graphics

  • Build a logo from sketch to vector

  • Use templates to create quick social media content

  • Customize layouts, fonts, and colors for branding

  • Export and optimize graphics for web and print

Introduction to Projects

Unit 3

Branding and Identity Design

3-4 months

  • Brainstorm and sketch concepts for a fictional brand

  • Digitize and refine logos in Illustrator

  • Explore logo variations: full, stacked, and icon-only

  • Define color palettes, typography, and imagery

  • Create brand usage rules and mockups

  • Design a basic brand guide PDF

  • Design business cards, letterheads, and envelopes

  • Create social media profile and banner graphics

  • Apply brand identity across multiple touchpoints

The Essentials of Design

Unit 4

Layout and Composition

4-5 months

  • Design flyers, brochures, and posters using grids

  • Understand bleed, margins, and print specs

  • Export print-ready files in correct formats

  • Create website hero banners and email headers

  • Use wireframes to build UI mockups

  • Design responsive layouts for multiple devices

  • Practice creating structured layouts using guides

  • Balance text and visuals in a composition

  • Experiment with asymmetrical and modular grids

Creating a Portfolio

Unit 5

Portfolio & Real-World Projects

5-6 months

  • Curate and present best work for target audience

  • Write case studies explaining design decisions

  • Build your portfolio in PDF, Behance, or web format

  • Interpret real or simulated client briefs

  • Present drafts and revise based on feedback

  • Manage deadlines and deliverables professionally

  • Choose a full campaign, brand, or product to design for

  • Incorporate learned skills: logo, assets, layout, style guide

  • Present your work in a mock pitch session or portfolio review

Image

The Graphic Design program was an incredible experience! As someone relatively new to design, I was genuinely impressed with how quickly I grasped fundamental concepts and progressed to more advanced techniques. The hands-on projects made it incredibly easy to understand design principles, software proficiency, and even develop my own unique visual language. The instructors provided clear guidance and personalized feedback that truly helped me refine my skills with each project. I especially loved the variety of briefs and the chance to work on unique and diverse portfolio pieces. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your existing skills, this program offers a fun, practical, and incredibly rewarding learning experience. I now have a powerful portfolio of designs I'm proud to showcase!

Jamie C.

Smart Start Student Graduate

Frequently Asked Questions

Most frequent questions and answers

What software will I need for the course?

We recommend Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for most projects. However, we also introduce free and web-based tools like Canva, Figma, or Photopea for accessibility. We will provide access to any necessary softwares.

Do I need prior experience to join this program?

No prior experience is required! This course is designed for beginners and those looking to strengthen their design foundations. We start with the basics and build up to advanced concepts.

What kind of projects will I work on?

You’ll create real-world designs including logos, posters, social media graphics, business cards, and a final branding project—perfect for building a strong portfolio.

Will I receive feedback on my work?

Yes, personalized feedback is a key component of the program. Instructors will provide real-time guidance and constructive criticism to help you improve your skills and achieve your artistic goals.

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