What you will Gain

Learning Outcomes for the Study Units:

Introduction to Adobe Photoshop

• Understand the interface, tools, and workspace of Adobe Photoshop for professional graphic design.
• Navigate panels, menus, and shortcuts to work efficiently in Photoshop.
• Configure preferences for optimal workflow in digital design projects.
• Explore file formats (PSD, JPEG, PNG, TIFF) and their uses in Photoshop.
• Gain confidence in setting up and saving projects for web and print.

Image Editing Basics

• Learn fundamental image editing techniques, including cropping, resizing, and colour correction.
• Adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and levels for high-quality results.
• Remove blemishes, spots, and imperfections using basic retouching tools.
• Apply sharpening and blurring tools to enhance image details.
• Understand non-destructive editing methods for professional photo retouching.

Layers and Masks

• Master the use of layers to create flexible and organised designs.
• Apply layer masks for seamless blending and non-destructive edits.
• Use adjustment layers to control colour, tone, and effects.
• Explore layer styles for shadows, strokes, and other visual enhancements.
• Develop advanced Photoshop skills by combining multiple images into compositions.

Selections and Transformations

• Use selection tools such as lasso, marquee, and magic wand for precise editing.
• Refine selections with feathering, quick mask, and edge detection.
• Apply transformations like scaling, rotating, skewing, and perspective adjustment.
• Combine selections and transformations to isolate and manipulate image elements.
• Build complex digital compositions with advanced selection workflows.

Filters and Effects

• Explore creative filters to add unique styles and visual enhancements to images.
• Apply blur, sharpen, noise reduction, and artistic effects in Photoshop.
• Use smart filters for non-destructive editing and re-adjustable effects.
• Combine filters with masks to create professional graphic design outputs.
• Develop digital artwork with special effects suited for branding and marketing.

Advanced Techniques

• Apply advanced retouching techniques for fashion, product, and commercial photography.
• Use frequency separation and dodge-and-burn for professional skin retouching.
• Work with advanced blending modes for realistic photo manipulations.
• Master complex composite creation for advertising and creative design.
• Gain expertise in workflow automation using actions and scripts.

Typography and Text Effects

• Add and format text effectively within digital and print design projects.
• Apply character and paragraph settings for professional typography.
• Create creative text effects using layer styles, gradients, and clipping masks.
• Integrate text into images seamlessly for branding and marketing materials.
• Explore advanced typography trends for web design and digital media.

Graphic Design Principles

• Understand key principles of design: balance, contrast, alignment, and hierarchy.
• Apply colour theory and composition rules to Photoshop projects.
• Develop visual communication skills for logos, posters, and digital content.
• Incorporate branding guidelines into professional graphic design outputs.
• Build a foundation for creative design thinking and digital storytelling.

Photo Restoration and Repair

• Restore old or damaged photographs using Photoshop’s healing tools.
• Remove scratches, stains, and noise for clean, restored images.
• Correct faded colours and improve overall photo quality.
• Reconstruct missing or damaged areas with content-aware fill.
• Develop professional skills in digital photo restoration and archival projects.

Print Design and Production

• Prepare Photoshop files for high-quality print production.
• Understand CMYK colour mode, bleed, resolution, and file formats.
• Design brochures, posters, flyers, and marketing materials.
• Work with printers and export files to meet professional printing standards.
• Develop industry-ready skills for print and digital publishing.

3D Modelling and Texturing

• Explore Photoshop’s 3D tools for creating simple 3D models and textures.
• Apply textures, materials, and lighting effects to 3D objects.
• Integrate 3D elements into 2D designs for modern visual effects.
• Render 3D projects for web, advertising, or digital artwork.
• Gain an introduction to 3D workflows for future advanced design projects.