Graphic Design Industry Essentials

  • Mentored by: Silvia Fernández Palomar, Javier Alcaraz
  • Language: English, Spanish
  • Access: Life Time
  • Course Starts On: October 1, 2025

Graphic Design

Creative Work with Real Impact

Graphic design is a key part of how businesses communicate, promote, and build identity. It touches everything from ads and packaging to websites and social media, creating opportunities in almost every industry.

Why Start a Career in Graphic Design?

Learn from real designers working in the field today and build the skills to join them. This course gives you a solid foundation and real projects to help you stand out.

High Demand

Skilled designers are needed in every industry.

Remote Flexibility

Freelance, in-house, or agency, you can work from anywhere.

Wide Range of Work

From branding and marketing to digital products and animation.

Good Earning Potential

Salaries vary from $45K to over $100K depending on your path.

Course trailer

See what you will learn

COURSE OVERVIEW

The Graphic Design Industry Essentials is an
9-week online program that teaches beginners the tools, principles, and real-world skills needed to become a working designer.

You’ll build branding projects, digital content, motion graphics, and a full portfolio to showcase your work to employers or clients.

Design Principles & Tools

Branding & Identity Design

Digital & Motion Design

Portfolio & Client Work

Course outline

Detailed weekly overview

Lessons

Chapters

Week 1

3 Chapter

Introduction to Graphic Design
  1. Objective: Learn what graphic design is, how it’s used across industries, and the core principles that drive strong visual communication.

    Topics Covered:

    • What is graphic design? Overview and real-world applications

    • How design supports business, branding, and media

    • Key design principles: balance, contrast, alignment, hierarchy, white space, proportion

    • Introduction to Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign

    • Understanding raster vs. vector formats

    Assignment:
    Design a poster that clearly communicates a message using core design principles (balance, contrast, alignment, etc.).

Week 2

3 Chapter

Typography & Layout Design

Objective: Understand typography as both a functional and expressive element in design, and how to structure content using layouts.

Topics Covered:

  • Anatomy of type: serif, sans-serif, decorative, and display typefaces

  • Typographic hierarchy and readability

  • Font pairing best practices

  • Working with leading, kerning, and tracking

  • Grid systems and layout structure in print and digital formats

Assignment:
Create a typographic poster that uses font pairings and hierarchy to visually organize a quote or message.

Week 3

3 Chapter

Color Theory & Branding Psychology

Objective: Learn how to design a cohesive visual identity that tells a brand’s story and sets it apart.

Topics Covered:

  • What makes a strong brand identity

  • Key brand elements: logos, color systems, typography, image styles

  • Concept development and brand personality

  • Visual consistency and scalability

  • Case studies of successful brands and rebrands

Assignment:
Design a complete brand identity package including a logo, color palette, and font selection, and present it in a simple brand guide.

Week 4

3 Chapter

Branding & Identity Design

Objective: Learn how to design a cohesive visual identity that tells a brand’s story and sets it apart.

Topics Covered:

  • What makes a strong brand identity

  • Key brand elements: logos, color systems, typography, image styles

  • Concept development and brand personality

  • Visual consistency and scalability

  • Case studies of successful brands and rebrands

Assignment:
Design a complete brand identity package including a logo, color palette, and font selection, and present it in a simple brand guide.

Week 5

3 Chapter

Digital Design & Web Graphics

Objective: Understand the unique requirements of digital formats and create designs optimized for web and social media platforms.

Topics Covered:

  • Differences between print and digital (resolution, file types, RGB vs. CMYK)

  • Designing responsive assets for different screen sizes

  • Creating graphics for social media posts, web banners, email headers

  • Basic introduction to UI/UX design principles

  • Exporting and optimizing assets for digital use

Assignment:
Create a digital campaign kit for a brand including social media graphics (Instagram, LinkedIn, banner ads) and a simple landing page header design.

Week 6

3 Chapter

The Business of Graphic Design & Freelancing

Objective: Learn how to work as a freelance or in-house designer, communicate with clients, and manage the business side of creative work.

Topics Covered:

  • Career paths: freelance, agency, in-house, hybrid

  • How to price your work: hourly vs. project-based pricing

  • Scope of work, contracts, and handling revisions

  • Presenting work to clients and managing feedback

  • Building client relationships and recurring business

Assignment:
Draft a pricing structure for a small branding project and create a simple client proposal including deliverables, timeline, and cost.

Week 7

3 Chapter

Motion Graphics & Animation for Designers

Objective: Get introduced to basic motion design skills using Adobe After Effects or similar tools to animate visual elements.

Topics Covered:

  • Core animation principles: timing, easing, transitions

  • Common motion design formats: animated logos, kinetic typography, lower thirds

  • Introduction to After Effects interface and workflow

  • Preparing assets from Illustrator/Photoshop for animation

  • Export settings and social media formats

Assignment:
Create a 5-10 second animated social media ad featuring a brand logo or message using motion and typography.

Week 8-9

3 Chapter

Final Portfolio & Presentation

Objective: Bring together everything you’ve learned in a complete, job-ready design portfolio.

Topics Covered:

  • How to curate a professional portfolio (physical and digital)

  • Writing and structuring case studies: problem, process, solution

  • Presenting your work: mock interviews, portfolio walkthroughs

  • Portfolio platforms (Behance, Adobe Portfolio, Notion, personal website)

  • Preparing for design job applications or pitching to clients

Final Project:
Submit a full design portfolio including at least four pieces: a branding project, a web/digital design project, a typographic layout, and an animated asset. Include case studies and mockups.

If you want more info about this course

Course benefits

Graphic Design Course Details

This is What You’ll Learn

Pre-requisites

Basic knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, figma or similar tools (trial versions okay)

Course Format

Online, self-paced learning with expert-led lessons, Mentorship, 1-on-1 Feedback 

Language

Lectures and Mentorship are available in English or Spanish 

Level

Difficulty level is beginner so anybody can join and learn easily.

Tools & Materials

Adobe Creative Suite, figma or similar tools (trial versions okay)

Structure

Lecture Videos, hands-on projects, and portfolio development, Weekly assignments with expert feedback/Mentorship

Categories

Typography, Layout Design, Branding, Print Design, Visual Identity, Color Theory.

Duration

It’s a 9 weeks course, outline is mentioned above.

Learning Outcomes

Understand core design principles

Build branding and digital assets

Learn motion graphics basics

Finish with a professional portfolio

Learn from
Industry Experts

Gain insights from top Graphic Design professionals who work with leading brands. Our instructors bring real-world experience to help you build the skills needed for success.

Learn from
Industry Experts

Gain insights from top Digital marketing professionals who work with leading brands. Our instructors bring real-world experience to help you build the skills needed for success.

Choose your mentor based on the language you prefer to learn in—English or Spanish.

Silvia Fernández Palomar

Graphic Designer- Ogilvy & Mather, Paseo, Designit Madrid

Javier Alcaraz

Art Director- Google , TetraPack, Forbes

Train with the Best. Work for the Best.

Learn from professionals and build the skills to grow your career. Our courses prepare you for real opportunities across the creative industry.

Who Is This For?

You don’t need experience or a degree—just curiosity, commitment, and the drive to start a career you care about. If you’re ready to pivot or take your first step, this is for you.

In-Demand Careers

Find the plan that suits you

With flexible financing options available, you can focus on building your future in fashion—without letting cost stand in your way.

Pay in full

No need to worry about monthly payments, make a one-off payment and focus on the course.

Total cost of the course
$1500 $749

Full tuition

Payment plan

Choose the payment plan that works for you. Divide your tuition into three, four or five easy payments.​

As low as

$150
Per month

Employer sponsorship

You may be eligible for full or partial tuition reimbursement, so ask your employer about their tuition reimbursement options.

As low as

$0
Per your employer’s benefits

Get Personalized Guidance

Not sure where to start? Our advisors are here to help. Whether you’re exploring courses, need course recommendations, or have questions about your learning path, we’ll guide you in the right direction.

Fill out the form, and an advisor will reach out to help you take the next step.

Check our frequently
asked questions

What makes Domestika Masters unique?

Domestika Masters combine hands-on projects with personalized mentorship from industry professionals. You’ll develop real-world skills and build a strong portfolio. The interactive platform encourages collaboration, peer connection, and expert feedback. It’s more than just a course. It’s a launchpad for your creative career.

Most courses run for 8 to 10 weeks, with an average weekly commitment of around 10 hours.

Each course includes weekly recorded lectures, live Q&A sessions, project-based assignments, and personalized 1-on-1 feedback. All content is available in the virtual classroom for easy access.

Courses are capped at 20 students to ensure personalized attention and meaningful interaction with mentors and peers.

Yes. Students who complete at least 80 percent of assignments and demonstrates a strong portfolio will receive a Certificate.

No prior experience is required. These courses are designed for beginners with a strong career interest in creative fields.

Pricing varies by course. Flexible installment plans are available, allowing you to divide your tuition into four, five, or six monthly payments. Some students may also qualify for employer tuition reimbursement.

Yes. You will have lifetime access to your course materials for ongoing learning and review.

We don’t recommend it. Each course is designed to fully prepare you for a specific industry. If you realize one isn’t the right fit, you can switch—but taking multiple at once usually leads to a weaker learning experience.

You’ll receive personalized, actionable video feedback from your mentor, plus additional peer feedback through classroom activities.

Each course lists its specific tools or software in the syllabus. Most use industry-standard programs, and student discounts or trial versions are often available.

Yes. Our virtual classroom includes discussion forums and peer review activities to foster collaboration and community throughout the course.

You can request a full refund up to 5 days before the course begins. A prorated refund (minus a processing fee) may be issued within the first two weeks. Transfers to a future term are also possible during the first week.

Check out our full FAQ, email us at domestikacertifications@cgmasteracademy.com, call us at 1 (800) 959-0316, or schedule a time to speak with an advisor, we’re here to help!