February, May, & September Admissions Open Apply Now

Bachelor Programs Learn the skills you need to start work and power your creative career. Explore programs

Foundation The SAE Foundation course encompasses the skills necessary for entering an undergraduate creative media course at SAE University College Dubai. Apply Now

Training Courses SAE offers an extensive range of professional courses and programs in creative media. Training Courses

Why SAE Hands-on, accredited training from industry experts in state-of-the-art facilities.

How to apply Launch your creative career with confidence. Apply Now

What's on Explore the upcoming events at our SAE campuses. What's on

About us Learn about SAE and stay connected with us. About us

Choose your region

Current students

Degree Programs Animation Audio Design Film Games Music

Trending careers Audio Engineer 3D Character Modeler Art Director Game Developer Explore all careers

Program Information (Download) Entry Requirements Enrollment Process Download Degree Brochure SAE Dubai Employability Report Apply Now

Learn More SAE Foundation Course

Enroll Now Entry Requirements Enrollment Process SAE Foundation Course Program Overview Apply Now

SAE Dubai Short Courses Short Courses (Beginner/Advanced) Course Calendar Download Short Courses Brochure Student Testimonials

Corporate Courses Corporate & Private Training Download Corporate Courses Brochure

More Courses Practical Micro-Credentials in Creative Media Creative Camps

Geared for Careers Meet our Experts Facilities & Equipment Higher Education Classification Centre for Industry Engagement Student Testimonials Visit Dubai Campus

Support all of the way Supporting your Experience Academic Calendar Policies & Procedures Library Resources Careers and Employability Student Visa Support Student Accommodation Health and Wellness People of Determination International Students

Our Community Social Clubs & Events Student Representation Virtual Campus Tour

Enrollment Info Entry Requirements Credit Transfers & Pathways Fees and Payments Enrollment Process Scholarships

Additional Info Academic Calendars

Tours & Events Campus Tours Upcoming Events Book a Tour

Updates Media, News & Insights

SAE University College Dubai Strategic Vision Accreditation & Registration Our Partnerships Meet the Team Careers

Connect with Us As Alumni As Industry Partner As School As Potential Student [email protected]

Graphic Design Essentials

Combine artistry with technology and give vision to commercial briefs with our Graphic Design Essentials short course!

Enquire Now

Delivery Method

Next Starting Date

Days

Timings

Duration

On-Campus

27 April 2026

Mon & Wed

6PM - 9PM

6 weeks

Online/On-Campus

30 May 2026

Sat & Sun

6PM - 9PM

6 weeks

On-Campus

29 June 2026

Mon & Wed

6PM - 9PM

6 weeks

OVERVIEW

This course introduces students to the world of graphic design and visual communication. It will give you an overview of the complete professional production process: from the development of visual concepts, project planning, to the design implementation in industry-standard software. Students will be able to understand and learn Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign skills. The course equips you with professional skills enabling you to exit the course with a full branded company initiated by yourself, with a story, concept, logo and brand guidelines.

Ages 16 and above
Creatives with a passion for visual communication and the arts
Individuals preparing a portfolio for full-time Graphic Design studies
Entrepreneurs who want to design graphics for their brand, including logos, business cards, and advertisements
Anyone considering a career change

Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign

Session 1: Overview of Graphic Design and Course Introduction
- Objective: Familiarize students with the course content and the role of a graphic designer.
- Topics:
  - Introduction to graphic design: history, impact, and key roles.
  - Overview of design disciplines (branding, digital media, print, packaging, etc.).
  - Course structure, tools, and software to be covered.
Session 2: Typography
- Objective: Understand the importance of typography in design and learn to effectively use type.
- Topics:
  - Anatomy of type (serifs, x-height, ascenders, descenders, etc.).
  - Type classifications (serif, sans-serif, script, display).
  - Hierarchy, legibility, and readability.
  - Choosing appropriate fonts for different projects.
  - Pairing fonts and creating a harmonious design.
Session 3 & 4: Introduction to Illustrator
- Objective: Master vector-based graphics using Adobe Illustrator.
- Topics:
  - Understanding vector vs. raster images.
  - Illustrator interface and workspace overview.
  - Basic tools (pen tool, shape builder tool, pathfinder, etc.).
  - Creating shapes, lines, and curves.
  - Using the pen tool to create complex shapes.
Session 5: Branding and Brand Identity
- Objective: Explore the key elements of branding and how to create a cohesive brand identity.
- Topics:
  - Understanding what branding is and its importance.
  - Components of a brand identity: logo, color scheme, typography, imagery, and voice.
  - Creating brand guidelines.
  - Brand consistency across various platforms.
  - Case studies of successful brand identities.
Session 6: Logo Design and Moodboard Creation
- Objective: Learn the fundamentals of logo design and mood board creation.
- Topics:
  - Principles of effective logo design (simplicity, scalability, versatility, etc.).
  - Types of logos: wordmarks, pictorial marks, abstract marks, combination marks.
  - Creating mood boards to establish the visual tone and inspiration.
  - Sketching logo ideas and refining them in Illustrator.
Session 7: Elements & Principles of Design, and Color Therapy
- Objective: Understand the foundational elements and principles of design and explore color psychology.
- Topics:
  - Design elements: line, shape, space, texture, form, color, and value.
  - Design principles: balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, rhythm, and unity.
  - Introduction to color theory: color wheel, color harmony, and color relationships.
  - Color psychology and its effect on brand perception.
  - Using color in branding and communication.
Session 8: Layout Design
- Objective: Master the art of layout and composition in graphic design.
- Topics:
  - Grids and guides for creating balanced layouts.
  - Alignment, proximity, and spacing.
  - Working with text and image combinations.
  - Creating visual hierarchy through layout techniques.
  - Use of white space in design.
Sessions 9 & 10: Introduction to Photoshop
- Objective: Learn basic image manipulation and editing in Adobe Photoshop.
- Topics:
  - Photoshop interface and essential tools.
  - Understanding layers, masks, and blending modes.
  - Basic photo editing: cropping, resizing, adjusting brightness and contrast.
  - Retouching techniques: removing blemishes, color correction, and sharpening.
Sessions 11 & 12: Introduction to InDesign
- Objective: Learn desktop publishing and multi-page document design with Adobe InDesign.
- Topics:
  - InDesign interface and key features.
  - Setting up documents with margins, columns, and grids.
  - Working with master pages and styles for consistency.
  - Importing and formatting text and images.
  - Working with text and image combinations.
  - Preparing files for print (CMYK, bleed, margins).
The course equips you with professional skills enabling you to exit the course with a fully branded company initiated by yourself, with a story, concept, logo and brand guidelines.

Graphic Design Essentials

OVERVIEW

Book a Tour

Choose a Campus