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Course

Introduction to Adobe Creative Cloud

ART-40665

Introduction to Adobe Creative Cloud
9 Weeks | No Prerequisite

The ability to navigate and use industry-standard design tools is essential for anyone looking to pursue a career in graphic design, digital arts, or illustration. Introduction to Adobe Creative Cloud provides a structured, hands-on foundation in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, guiding you through the essential tools and concepts needed to start working in digital design. Whether you're a beginner or looking to expand your creative skills, this course will help you gain confidence in file management, page layout, grid systems, and color theory, all of which play a crucial role in visual communication.

Course Details

This course is designed to provide future graphic designers, artists, and illustrators with an overview of Adobe’s creative software and its role in professional design workflows. You’ll begin by learning how to create and manage design files, work with digital layouts, and apply color and grid systems to create balanced, effective compositions. Throughout the term, you’ll complete a series of design exercises and projects that will reinforce your understanding of key concepts and help you become comfortable with industry-standard software at an introductory level. 

This course serves as an recommended (not required) prerequisite for the Professional Certificate in Digital Design and Creative Strategy and is ideal for those with little or no prior experience in design software.

An experienced, working professional designer and instructor will guide you through the learning process with structured lessons, hands-on projects, and discussions to help you apply what you learn in a real-world context.

If you're ready to take the first step in your creative journey, Introduction to Adobe Creative Cloud will give you the tools and foundation you need to succeed in the field of digital design.

What You'll Learn

  • Understand common web technology and terminology relevant to digital design
  • Learn how to create and save files using Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
  • Gain the ability to edit photography and graphic images using Adobe Photoshop
  • Develop skills in designing vector artwork with Adobe Illustrator
  • Apply file management and page layout principles to digital projects
  • Explore grid systems and color theory to improve your designs

Course Information

Online
3.00 units
$595.00
Notes: Quarters Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer | Online
Materials: Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign) is required for this course. Students are eligible for an Adobe Creative Cloud student discount.
A LinkedIn Learning subscription is recommended. LinkedIn Learning will be used as a supplemental reference guide.
Flexible Enrollment:This course is open to all students.
Academic Calendar: The Academic Calendar shows the open enrollment dates and term start dates for each quarter. Courses do not necessarily start on the first day of the term. 

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This course applies to these programs

Technical Communication

Course sessions

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Section ID:

190934

Class type:

Online Asynchronous.

This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.

Textbooks:

No textbook required.

Policies:

  • No refunds after: 7/7/2025
  • Early enrollment advised
  • No UCSD parking permit required
  • No visitors permitted

Note:

SDMA/SCBWI/MOPA members can receive our $25 Early Enrollment discount prior to course start date. The max discount a MOPA/SCBWI/SDMA member can receive for one class is $25. It is applied upon course enrollment over the phone or in person with proof of membership. This is an online course. There are no face-to-face class sessions. You'll have access to your online course on the published start date. Login on your MyExtension account, select My Courses and click the link under LOCATION.

Schedule:

No information available at this time.
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Instructor: Kelly Bennett, MFA

Kelly Bennett, MFA

Instructor and professional graphic designer and operates an online portfolio group

Kelly Bennett teaches Introduction to Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Illustrator, Design I: Type and Symbol, Adobe In Design, and Branding & Storytelling Using Content Creation for the Content Marketing certificate programs.

Kelly earned her MFA in Graphic Design with a concentration in Typography from Miami International University of Art & Design. She has over 10 years of professional experience in graphic design and interactive media, having worked on campaigns both nationally and internationally. Her range of clients span from local surf shops to the Sony corporation. Sharing her love of design has always been at the heart of Kelly’s career, she has taught graphic design for over 13 years for the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Digital Media Arts College, and Broward College. A lifelong supporter of making education inclusive and accessible to all, she manages a non-profit online portfolio group aimed at keeping students involved in the design industry.

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