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 industry essentials
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
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.
Course benefits
Graphic Design Course Details
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.
Pre-requisites
No prior experience required—perfect for beginners with a passion for fashion
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
Sketchbooks, fabric swatches, design software (optional)
Structure
Lecture Videos, hands-on projects, and portfolio development, Weekly assignments with expert feedback/Mentorship
Categories
Fashion Design, Branding, Marketing, Production
Duration
It’s 8 weeks course, course outline is mentioned above already.
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
Content Strategist
Builds messaging and creative plans.
$75,000 per year
SEO Specialist
Improves website rankings and traffic.
$85,000 per year
Social Media Manager
Runs content and engagement on platforms.
$70,000 per year
Marketing Analyst
Tracks data, campaign performance, and ROI.
$90,000 per year
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.
Career Switchers
Aspiring Creatives
Recent Graduates
Freelancers
In-Demand Careers
Graphic Designers
Work on branding, print, or digital projects.
$32,500-$65,000 per year
Brand Designers
Create logos, identity systems, and design assets.
$38,000-$70,000 per year
UI/UX Designers
Design apps, websites, and interfaces.
$40,000-$85,000 per year
Motion Designers
Animate graphics for ads, apps, and media.
$47,000-$90,000 per year
Editorial Designer
Specializes in designing layouts for magazines, books, reports, and digital publications.
$34,000-$62,000 per year
Find the plan that suits you
Pay in full
No need to worry about monthly payments, make a one-off payment and focus on the course.
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
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
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.
- Find the right curses for your goals
- Get answers to admissions and course questions
- Understand how our programs fit your career path
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.
How long do the courses last?
Most courses run for 8 to 10 weeks, with an average weekly commitment of around 10 hours.
How are the courses structured?
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.
What is the class size?
Courses are capped at 20 students to ensure personalized attention and meaningful interaction with mentors and peers.
Will I earn a certificate?
Yes. Students who complete at least 80 percent of assignments and demonstrates a strong portfolio will receive a Certificate.
Are there any prerequisites?
No prior experience is required. These courses are designed for beginners with a strong career interest in creative fields.
How much do the courses cost?
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.
Do I get lifetime access?
Yes. You will have lifetime access to your course materials for ongoing learning and review.
Can I take more than one course at a time?
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.
What kind of feedback will I receive?
You’ll receive personalized, actionable video feedback from your mentor, plus additional peer feedback through classroom activities.
What software or materials do I need?
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.
Can I interact with other students?
Yes. Our virtual classroom includes discussion forums and peer review activities to foster collaboration and community throughout the course.
What is the refund policy?
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.
Got more questions?
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!