Objective

Understand the basics of print design, including resolution, color modes, typography, and layout. Learn how to use AI tools for visualizing concepts and automating repetitive tasks. Create foundational print materials like business cards, flyers, and brochures.

What You Will Learn

• Week 1: Introduction to Print Design

• Topics :
• Differences between digital and print design (resolution, DPI vs. PPI, CMYK vs. RGB).
• Importance of bleed, crop marks, and safe zones.
• Tools :
• Adobe InDesign, Photoshop.

Key Activities :

• Explore CMYK vs. RGB and DPI vs. PPI through hands-on exercises.
• Create a simple print-ready flyer using Adobe InDesign.
• Deliverable :
• A print-ready flyer design.

• Week 2: Typography for Print

• Topics :
• Anatomy of typefaces: serif, sans-serif, script, display.
• Pairing fonts for readability and aesthetics.
• Tools :
• Fontjoy, TypeGenius.

Key Activities :

• Pair fonts manually for a fictional brand.
• Use Fontjoy to suggest font combinations and compare results.
• Deliverable :
• A typography sample with paired fonts.

• Week 3: Layout Design

• Topics :
• Grid systems, alignment, white space.
• Creating dynamic compositions for print.
• Tools :
• Adobe InDesign.

Key Activities :

• Create a magazine spread layout using grids.
• Refine the layout manually for optimal readability.
• Deliverable :
• A print-ready magazine spread.

• Week 4: Color Theory for Print

• Topics :
• Color psychology, Pantone colors, CMYK adjustments.
• Creating harmonious color palettes for print.
• Tools :
• Pantone Studio, Coolors AI.

Key Activities :

• Generate a color palette using Coolors AI .
• Adjust the palette manually to align with brand identity.
• Deliverable :
• A color palette optimized for print.

• Week 5: Business Cards and Flyers

• Topics :
• Designing business cards and flyers, mockups.
• Using AI tools for visualization.
• Tools :
• Placeit, Adobe Illustrator.

Key Activities :

• Design a business card and flyer manually.
• Validate designs with mockups using Placeit Mockup Generator .
• Deliverable :
• Print-ready business card and flyer designs.

• Week 6: Brochure Design

• Topics :
• Multi-page document design, master pages, styles.
• Creating cohesive layouts for brochures.
• Tools :
• Adobe InDesign.

Key Activities :

• Create a tri-fold brochure using InDesign’s autoflow feature.
• Add finishing touches manually for consistency.
• Deliverable :
• A print-ready brochure layout.

• Week 7: Packaging Design Basics

• Topics :
• Die-cutting, folding, branding consistency.
• Designing for physical products.
• Tools :
• Packlane, Adobe Illustrator.

Key Activities :

• Design a packaging template manually.
• Compare it with an AI-generated template from Packlane .
• Deliverable :
• A packaging design concept.

• Week 8: Preparing Files for Print

• Topics :
• Bleed, crop marks, safe zones.
• Exporting files for professional printing.
• Tools :
• Zebra.AI, Adobe Acrobat.

Key Activities :

• Export a print-ready PDF and validate with AI tools.
• Check for errors using Zebra.AI .
• Deliverable :
• A print-ready PDF file.

Key Activities

• Export a print-ready PDF and validate with AI tools.
• Check for errors using Zebra.AI . A print-ready PDF file.

​

Objective

Explore advanced techniques in packaging design, multi-page document creation, and branding consistency. Use AI tools for file preparation, prepress checks, and material recommendations. develop complex print projects like book covers, catalogs, and packaging templates.

What You Will Learn

• Week 9: Multi-Page Document Design

• Topics :
• Designing books, catalogs, and magazines.
• Master pages, styles, and automation.
• Tools :
• Adobe InDesign.

Key Activities :

• Create a book cover and interior layout.
• Automate repetitive tasks using InDesign’s features.
• Deliverable :
• A complete book or catalog layout.

• Week 10: Advanced Packaging Design

• Topics :
• Die-cut templates, folding techniques, branding consistency.
• Designing for luxury and sustainability.
• Tools :
• Packlane, Adobe Illustrator.

Key Activities :

• Design a luxury packaging concept.
• Use AI tools for material recommendations.
• Deliverable :
• A luxury packaging design ready for print.

• Week 11: Branding Across Print Materials

• Topics :
• Consistency across business cards, letterheads, envelopes, and packaging.
• Building a cohesive brand identity.
• Tools :
• Adobe Illustrator, Placeit.

Key Activities :

• Design a complete branding package.
• Use Placeit for mockups.
• Deliverable :
• A cohesive branding package.

• Week 12: Large Format Design

• Topics :
• Designing for billboards, banners, and posters.
• Scaling designs for large formats.
• Tools :
• Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop.

Key Activities :

• Create a billboard or poster design.
• Ensure scalability and resolution.
• Deliverable :
• A large-format design ready for print.

• Week 13: Prepress Automation

• Topics :
• Automating prepress checks with AI.
• Ensuring print-ready files.
• Tools :
• Zebra.AI, Adobe Acrobat.

Key Activities :

• Validate multiple print files using Zebra.AI .
• Fix errors manually.
• Deliverable :
• A set of error-free print-ready files.

• Week 14: Paper Types and Finishes

• Topics :
• Understanding paper types (glossy, matte, textured).
• Adding finishes like embossing, foil stamping, and spot UV.
• Tools :
• Placeit, Adobe Illustrator.

Key Activities :

• Design a project incorporating special finishes.
• Visualize using Placeit .
• Deliverable :
• A design showcasing special finishes.

• Week 15: Review and Feedback

• Topics :
• Presenting work to clients or stakeholders.
• Receiving and incorporating feedback.

Key Activities  :

• Present your work to peers and receive feedback.
• Deliverable :
• Revised designs based on feedback.

• Week 16: Transition to Final Project

• Topics :
• Brainstorming ideas for the capstone project.
• Setting goals and timelines.

Key Activities  :

• Define the scope of your final project.
• Deliverable :
• A project brief outlining your capstone project.

Key Activities

• Develop complex print projects like book covers, catalogs, and packaging templates. Check for errors using Zebra.AI . A print-ready PDF file.

​

Objective

Apply all learned skills to a capstone project involving real-world print design challenges. Build a professional portfolio showcasing your versatility in print design. Present your final project to peers and instructors, demonstrating your ability to blend AI and conventional methods.

What You Will Learn

• Week 17-20: Capstone Project

• Topics :
• Developing a complete print design project (e.g., branding package, packaging, or book design).
• Integrating AI tools for efficiency and creativity.

Key Activities  :

• Research, ideate, and design your project.
• Use AI tools for mockups and prepress checks.
• Deliverable :
• A complete print design project.

• Week 21-22: Portfolio Development

• Topics :
• Building a professional portfolio showcasing your work.
• Hosting your portfolio online.
• Tools :
• Behance, Dribbble, Wix ADI.

Key Activities  :

• Curate your best projects into a cohesive portfolio.
• Host your portfolio on an online platform.
• Deliverable :
• A professional portfolio hosted online.

• Week 23-24: Final Presentation and Graduation

• Topics :
• Presenting your capstone project to peers and instructors.
• Receiving feedback and celebrating achievements.

Key Activities  :

• Deliver a final presentation of your project.
• Deliverable :
• Certificate of Completion in Print Design.

Key Activities

• Real-world project: Work on an industry-inspired brief (e.g., branding package, packaging, or book design).
• Portfolio project: Deliver a final presentation of your project.
• Final submission: Present your portfolio and receive feedback from instructors.