Introduction

This is where you can find the teaching scripts.

INTER1 is about learning the basic graphic design skills.

INTER2 is mostly about applied graphic design, where we apply these skills in diverse real-world scenarios — thus building knowledge, fluency and confidence.

A macro outline for this INTER1 and INTER2 graphic design course is on a single-page PDF: click here to download.

Course content INTER1

1. Computer stuff

The basic IT (information technology) knowledge/skills required by any competent student, professional or executive, and some good practice

2. Adobe Creative Suite

Its resources and applications (including also Adobe Bridge and Adobe Acrobat)

3. Adobe Photoshop : pixels

…plus an introduction to photography, its parameters, and what makes a good image

4. Adobe Illustrator : vectors

…plus considerations in visual identity and some branding

5. Adobe inDesign : layout

…plus an introduction to typography and layout

Also, some brief intros…

— typography
— layout and good practice
— photography and photographic principles
— the rendering of colour


To master and keep these skills requires practice, practice, practice


Adobe applications required for this course

You are required to install the Adobe Creative Suite, and then load the English language versions of the following applications…

  • Photoshop
  • Illustrator
  • InDesign
  • Bridge, for viewing and organising resources (files)
  • Acrobat DC, for creating and doing things with PDFs
  • (with the Adobe Creative Cloud installed on your menu bar, of course)

Other useful applications in the Creative Suite

  • Lightroom (not to be confused with Adobe Lightroom Classic): for working with RAW files and can be installed on your smartphone, tablet, and computer. All photos that you take with your smartphone (using Lightroom) are automatically synced for editing on your other devices via the Adobe Creative Cloud. So cool!
  • Lightroom Classic: for working with camera RAW files and including workflows for serious photographers. You should shoot using camera RAW if you have a camera that permits this. Aspects of Adobe’s Camera RAW engine are covered indirectly in this course
  • Premiere Pro: for professionally editing video — not covered in this course
  • Premiere Rush: for simply editing videos — very quick and easy to learn and use (similar to iMovie)
  • After Effects: for editing individual video clips (motion graphics, visual effects…)
  • Dimension: a kind of Photoshop but for 3D
  • XD: for designing, prototyping, and sharing user experiences like websites, apps, game interfaces…
  • Express: a free online content creator for quickly making Reels and TikTok videos, flyers, resumes, banners, logos…
  • …and there are some more

Some course ground rules

Easygoing teaching style; relaxed classroom environment. There are some ground rules, however…

  • I penalise for the late handing in of assignments.
  • If you miss a test or mock exam, you get a zero mark unless you have cleared your absence with the ISCOM administration.
  • If you miss a class, you are responsible for finding out from fellow students what you have missed.
  • If for some reason you are unable to upload a submission to the Microsoft Teams platform, you can send this to me via WeTransfer.com to d@millner.fr. You will get confirmation that I have downloaded your submission and you are responsible for checking this.

For on-site tests and exams, you are permitted your notes, the internet, and personal music.

For in-class projects and coursework, you are similarly permitted your notes, the internet, and personal music.