6-Month Graphic Design Course Schedule
Overview
This 6-month schedule for the Graphic Design Certificate Course at Malwa Institute of Science and
Technology, Indore, is designed to cover all modules systematically, ensuring students gain practical
skills and produce professional-quality work. Each month focuses on specific modules, with hands-on
assignments and a final project to build a portfolio. Expected outcomes are outlined for each phase.
Month 1: Introduction to Graphic Design
Duration: Weeks 1–4
Focus: Module 1 - Introduction to Graphic Design
Schedule:
Week 1:
o Lectures: Definition, scope, and importance of graphic design; history and evolution.
o Activities: Explore real-world examples of graphic design in various industries.
Week 2:
o Lectures: Role of a graphic designer; career paths; types of design (Print, Web,
Motion, Packaging).
o Activities: Research and present a case study on a graphic design project.
Week 3:
o Lectures: Interface overview of GIMP, Scribus, and Canva.
o Activities: Install and navigate tools; complete basic tutorials for each software.
Week 4:
o Assignment: Create a mood board showcasing different design types.
o Review: Discuss career paths and tool familiarity.
Expected Outcomes:
Understand the scope and applications of graphic design.
Gain familiarity with GIMP, Scribus, and Canva interfaces.
Develop a basic understanding of career opportunities in graphic design.
Month 2: Elements and Principles of Design
Duration: Weeks 5–8
Focus: Module 2 - Elements and Principles of Design
Schedule:
Week 5:
o Lectures: Design elements (Line, Shape, Colour, Texture, Space, Value, Form).
o Activities: Sketch exercises to practice design elements.
Week 6:
o Lectures: Design principles (Balance, Contrast, Emphasis, Unity, Rhythm,
Proportion).
o Activities: Create compositions using design principles in Canva.
Week 7:
o Lectures: Colour theory (RGB, CMYK models; colour psychology).
o Activities: Design a colour palette for a mock brand.
Week 8:
o Lectures: Typography basics (Fonts, typefaces, legibility, hierarchy).
o Assignment: Design a typographic poster in Canva.
o Review: Critique compositions and colour palettes.
Expected Outcomes:
Master the use of design elements and principles in visual compositions.
Understand and apply colour theory and typography effectively.
Create professional-looking designs using Canva.
Month 3: Raster Graphics and Photo Editing with GIMP
Duration: Weeks 9–12
Focus: Module 3 - Raster Graphics and Photo Editing with GIMP
Schedule:
Week 9:
o Lectures: GIMP interface, key tools, and layers.
o Activities: Practice layer management and basic editing.
Week 10:
o Lectures: Masks, filters, and photo manipulation techniques.
o Activities: Create a composite image using masks and filters.
Week 11:
o Lectures: Image resizing, cropping, and colour correction.
o Activities: Edit a series of photos for consistency.
Week 12:
o Assignment: Retouch and enhance a portrait photo.
o Review: Optimize images for different file types (JPG, PNG, XCF).
Expected Outcomes:
Proficient in GIMP for photo editing and manipulation.
Ability to optimize images for various formats and purposes.
Produce high-quality raster graphics.
Month 4: Logo and Infographics Design with Canva
Duration: Weeks 13–16
Focus: Module 4 - Logo and Infographics Design with Canva
Schedule:
Week 13:
o Lectures: Canva interface and drawing tools.
o Activities: Create simple icons and shapes.
Week 14:
o Lectures: Logo design principles and brand identity.
o Activities: Design a logo for a fictional brand.
Week 15:
o Lectures: Infographic design and data visualization.
o Activities: Create an infographic on a given topic.
Week 16:
o Assignment: Design a logo and infographic for a mock client.
o Review: Export designs in PDF and PNG formats; discuss quality and usability.
Expected Outcomes:
Create professional logos and infographics using Canva.
Understand branding and data visualization principles.
Export designs in appropriate formats for professional use.
Month 5: Layout Design and Portfolio Development
Duration: Weeks 17–20
Focus: Module 5 - Layout Design & Portfolio
Schedule:
Week 17:
o Lectures: Layout principles (margins, columns, alignment, white space).
o Activities: Practice layouts in Scribus.
Week 18:
o Lectures: Creating brochures and flyers using Scribus.
o Activities: Design a flyer for an event.
Week 19:
o Lectures: Design ethics, copyright, fair use, and Creative Commons.
o Activities: Research ethical design practices.
Week 20:
o Assignment: Create a brochure for a mock business.
o Review: Begin compiling portfolio pieces from previous assignments.
Expected Outcomes:
Master layout design using Scribus.
Understand ethical considerations in design.
Begin assembling a professional portfolio.
Month 6: Portfolio Completion and Final Project
Duration: Weeks 21–24
Focus: Module 5 (continued) - Portfolio and Final Project
Schedule:
Week 21:
o Lectures: Freelancing basics and career opportunities.
o Activities: Refine portfolio pieces (logos, posters, brochures, etc.).
Week 22:
o Lectures: Portfolio presentation techniques.
o Activities: Create a digital portfolio using Canva or Scribus.
Week 23:
o Final Project: Design a complete branding package (logo, flyer, infographic, and
social media graphics) for a mock client.
Week 24:
o Review: Present final project and portfolio to peers and instructors.
o Assessment: Evaluate assignments and final project for certification.
Expected Outcomes:
Complete a professional portfolio showcasing a variety of design work.
Deliver a cohesive branding package demonstrating skills across all modules.
Gain confidence in freelancing and career readiness.
Final Notes
Software Used: GIMP, Scribus, Canva.
Assessment: Weekly assignments, final project, and portfolio evaluation.
Total Duration: 24 weeks (6 months), with 4 weeks per module on average.
Expected Course Outcome: Students will be proficient in open-source design tools, capable
of creating professional visual content, and prepared for entry-level graphic design roles or
freelancing opportunities.
