Brochure

You will use the following applications during this education.

Download the brochure on the Illustrator Cursussen. (Dutch)
Download hte brochure on the Photoshop Cursussen. (Dutch)

Apply for the Creative Graphic Designer Education.

Creative Graphic Designer Education

During this course you will work with three different applications. This education is aimed at the graphic professionals who want to not only layout content but who want to be able to produce this content themselves. So you will learn how to correct and edit images, how to restore elements and how to create vector graphics.

The education consists of different modules. You will start with the Illustrator Module which consists of 16 weekly lessons. You will then continue with Photoshop which also consists of 16 weekly lessons. As a note: if you attend personal training you can define your own pace and book a special schedule.

The education is finished with the InDesign training in which you learn how to combine the content you create in publications for print. You will learn how to create the layout for a magazine and look at the specifications for pages and layout.

1. Illustrator course

During this course you will learn how to create graphic files. You are going to learn how to edit and manipulate them with the many tools Illustrator has in store for you. We focus on students with a professional graphic objective. The course is aimed at both graphic designers and illustrators in the designing, fashion and other creative industries.

At the end of the course you will be able to create graphic files from scratch and to edit third-party files and designs.

1.1 Getting acquainted

During this lesson of the Illustrator Course you will start using Illustrator. You will learn how it works, what it looks like and how tools work. We shall also explain the different document options you can use.

You are going to use Illustrator to create objects from scratch during this lesson. We shall teach you how to use different tools to create an Illustation.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Using the different menus and palettes
Looking at the different view options and presentations
The artboard, the printing area
Colour settings
Colour environments
Creating files
Different settings for different file types
Creating the first illustrations with the basic objects
Using colour swatches, gradients and patterns
Ordening the artboard and objects
Technical aspects of documents
Saving files in different ways

You are going to create a few illustrations during this lesson. Have a look at an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

1.2 Creating and editing illustrations

The name of the application says it all: Illustrator. The appliation is created to illustrate, to create. You are going to do this during this lesson of the Illustrator Course. Whether you're in fashion, work as an architect or in PR: you will learn how to use the many drawing tools in Illustrator. You are going to digitize your own drawings and get to know the first techniques to do just that.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Using layers
Cleverly use layer options
Creating free objects
Creating your own illustrations
Using the drawing tools
Integrating path styles
Digitizing your own artwork
Tracing sketches and fotos

Look at an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

1.3 Special transformations and using paths

During this lesson of the Illustrator Course you will start using the many transformation tools Illustrator has to offer. Objects will be split, recomposed, merged and much more.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Splitting and merging paths
Transforming objects in many ways
Special transformations
Using the path options
Automatic transformations

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

1.4 Tracing and working on the vector paths

During this lesson you will get to know a tool you can use to create logo's and to professionally trace designs and sketches. The tool is also used to create high-quality illustrations.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Creating professional paths
Editing vector points
Using vector curves
Splitting paths part 2
Making good use of paths for special effects
Creating a logo

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

1.5 Tracing, masking and designing patterns

During this lesson of the Illustrator Course you will understand mask options and how they can be used. You are going to need them frequently in the near future so it's a good idea to understand how they work.

You will also learn how to create perfectly tiling patterns. This is also part of the more elaborate 'Illustrator Course Patterns'.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

The masking tools
The masking types
Pattern magaging
Creating patterns level 1
Combining and exchanging path styles
Tracing in Illustrator
Special fill techniques

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

1.6 Text module: typography in Illustrator

During this part of the Illustrator Course you will learn how to use text and what you can do with it in Illustrator. Since it's birth, Illustrator has known many options for using and integrating text. And over the years things have improved beyond your imagination. Being the creative application that it is, text offers many options to create smashing designs. You are going to learn how to use simple text, how to create text on paths and indeed inside them and even how to integrate masking and text. All sorts of handy techniques will be addressed during this lesson of the Illustrator Course.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Typography
The different text types
Using text styles
Using paragraph styles
Settings for text
Settings for paragraphs
Managing fonts
Creating stationery
Designing packaging
Revamping a flyer
Colour managing
Creating a website design

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

1.7 Special transformations, graphs and dynamic objects

During this lesson of the Illustrator Course you will use graphs. You are going to manage, edit and restyle them and learn how to import graph data. Creating and managing graphs in Illustrator is not a chore.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Special transformations
Special options for repetitive, dynamic artwork
Clever use of special tools for repetitive artwork
Graphs
Graph management
Data management
Applying graph styles
Exporting Illustrator files
Exchanging Illustrator files
Answering questions
Addressing your work

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

1.8 Module test (exam)

During this special evaluation module your skills and knowledge will be tested by a professional teacher and coach. You will do a few test assignments and send in a final assignment. We shall evaluate your skill and discuss the following steps.

1.9 Building on your skills

During this lesson you will increase the skills you already have. You are going to use special transformation options and learn special tricks with paths. You are also going to get acquainted with the first dynamic tools. These will help you quickly transform and edit artwork.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Using transformations level 2
Using the first dynamic options
Selectively adjusting colours and settings
Working with special path options
Using path options for special paths
Expanding paths and the use of paths

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

1.10 The active options in Illustrator part 2

During this lesson you will get to know the active tools within Illustrator. You are going to professionally edit paths and learning how to adjust vector objects in different ways.

You are going to use simulated paths, too. Real and simulated paths together increase the options in Illustrator and you are going to find out why. This lesson in the Illustrator course will teach you how to create artwork that can be edited and adjusted while keeping the appearance intact.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Tracing effects
Managing tracing effects
Managing colours within special objects
Creating colour libraries
Colour groups and their management
Working with simulated paths
Merging simulated paths
Creating special libraries

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

1.11 Working for multimedia

During the Illustrator Course Advanced you are getting ready to not only create the perfect artwork for print but to also publish artwork for use in different types of media. The emphasis during this lesson is on creating and saving artwork for the internet. Later on in the course you will learn how to create print-perfect artwork.
During this lesson you will learn all the tips and tricks to save artwork for different types of on-screen media. You will get to know different file types and play with their settings.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Using colour palettes
Using different file types
Publishing for multimedia
Understanding dithering and building up image files
The colour palettes for different media
Photographic material and Illustrator
Vector files and the Internet
Saving for digital media

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

1.12 Graphic styles and special effects

During this lesson of the Illustrator course you will learn how to use styles and effects. There is a lot you can do with these so long as you know how to use them. You are not only going to learn how to use them of course, we would not live up to our reputation if we didn't teach you what all you can do and what you should not do. You will also learn all sorts of creative ways to get the most out of hidden options in Illustrator.

There is a big difference between files for the internet and those for print. During this lesson we shall also make a start by pointing out a few settings to keep in mind when you start using advanced features in Illustrator. You will learn how to work for one, the other of both at the same time.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Getting to know the styles
Creating special effects
Editing effects
Effect and style management
Looking at printability
Creating, using and editing your own styles
Do's and don't's in design
Export options for printability

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

1.13 3D and symbols in Illustrator

During this lessen from the Illustrator course we shall address reusable artwork. We shall also teach you how to professionally use the 3D options in Illustrator. This package is pretty expansive, there is a lot you can do with these options that seem so simple at a first glance. We shall walk you though all the options and teach you what you can do and what you should not do.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

3D
3D in Adobe Illustrator
3D objects
Paths and 3D
Symbols
Hidden options of symbols
Creating professional symbols
Creating special libraries
Managing symbols and styles

Seen an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

1.14 Creating your own tools

This lesson of the Illustrator course will dive into the techniques you will need to know if you want to create truly personal artwork. You are going to understand how to create your own tools. This lesson, you will explore the options for paths on a deeper level and you are also going to create the real Illustrator patterns. We shall not only teach you the simple pattern options but you will understand how to create more complex patterns with lots of extra's integrated.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Creating path styles
Using, applying and editing path styles
Creating your own tools
Creating personal libraries

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

1.15 Print and press: management of printable files

By now you have a lot of skills. Your artwork is getting more and more complex and the question arises: is it going to be printable? During this lesson of the Illustrator course we shall look into the settings you should pay attention to while creating artwork for print. We shall go through a preflight track to let you tweak your artwork. At the end of the lesson you will have a complete checklist for all printable files you can use before you send files to the printer.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Print checking documents
Applying print checking techniques
Check list for printable files
Adjusting print files
Using special colours
Using Pantone: the right way
Using and creating special colours

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

1.16 Using connected and embedded files

As you reach the end of the Illustrator Course Advanced you will notice you have built many skills. You are almost ready to find work using Illustrator professionally. During this lesson we shall teach you how to use connected and embedded files. We shall explain what you can do with both types of files and you will use an existing project to tweak settings and understand what the implications are when you make certain decisions. Deze les uit de Illustrator Cursus Vervolg toont u hoe u bestanden binnen een project slim kunt beheren. U gaat aan de slag met een praktijkvoorbeeld en leert dit project beheren en instellen.

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

2. Photoshop module

During the Photoshop course you will learn how to use this great and very extended application. The first course is not as simple as students seem to think: at the end of it you will already be able to edit and restore images and create photocollages. You will even be able to restore portraits and remove blots and blemishes.

2.1 Document structure, creating photo collages

During the first lesson of this Photoshop Course you will learn how to cut out objects in a good way. You are going to use different tools to achieve this and we shall teach you what you can do with each tool and how to adjust it.

At the end of this lesson you will know how to create an image from scratch and how to create collages using multiple images.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Making selections
The different marking tools
Combining selections
Using layers
Exploring the layers structure
Cutting out elements from images
Creating photo collages
Clever use of clippings and documents
Creating the perfect clip
Saving and editing documents
Understanding the basic colour models
Looking at the document options

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

2.2 Painting tools and special fills

This lesson of the Photoshop course addresses, among other things, the painting tools. You are going to learn how to use them and how to adjust the tools to fit your need. Each tool has specific settings and it's good to understand how to use them in a smart way.

We shall also address the special fills that will allow you to not only create backgrounds but also to create and simulate shadows and special objects.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Using the fill options
Special fill techniques
Managing fills
Drawing and painting in Photoshop
The different brushes and their use
Brush styles
Colour in Photoshop
Managing colour
Creating and editing colours
Combining tools: creating a collage with the first restoration options

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

2.3 The first document settings

While you are working as a Photoshop image editor you will have to know many different things. One of these things is editing colours and saturation. Photoshop has quite a number of tools to do just that and during this lesson of the Photoshop Course you are going to get to know the first ones. You will also get to know the first restauration tools that will allow you to remove spots and blemishes. You are going to make a start with restoration, correction and image manipulation.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Restoring colours
Enhancing or reducing saturation
Restoring contrast
Restoring problematic areas
Restoring light, contrast and darkness
Cropping documents
Restoring perspective
Clever use of simple tools
Changing the document size

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

2.4 Document structure and management

This lesson from the Photoshop Course will address structures in the Photoshop documents. As time progresses your documents will become more and more complicated. It is a good idea to use the layer management techniques in Photoshop to keep your work managable. This will prevent the project to become instable.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Using layers level 2
Using special actions for document management
Learning how to solve problems with Photoshop
Using special layer options
Structurizing documents
Ordering layers
Manipulating layers content

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

2.5 Using filters

During this lesson from the Photoshop Course the filters will be addressed. They are used to give a document a special look and feel but they can also be used to correct and restore images. A filter gives you so many options that we dedicate an entire lesson to them. You will learn all the tips and tricks to allow you to know what to do when you use filters, and to prepare your documents for a smart way of implementing the filters.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Getting to know the filters
Using the filter gallery
Special filter settings
Special filters
Using special settings

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

2.6 Text in Photoshop

When you create layouts in Photoshop you will soon be confronted with the need to insert text. You are going to learn how to use text during this lesson of the Photoshop Course. Photoshop has many options for text and you are going to explore all of them.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Text in Photoshop
Using the character styles
Using the paragraphs and styles
Playing with colours
Special fill options for text
Using the text masks
Special transformations for text

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

2.7 Restorations

During this lesson of the Photoshop Course you will learn how to use the many restoration tools Photoshop has in store for you. You are going to restore portraits, restore damaged areas and much more.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Correcting 'bad skin'
Bleeching teeth
Changing eye colours
Restoring missing areas
Removing wrinkles and spots
Playing with creative options of the restoration tools

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

2.8 Module Test (exam)

During this evaluation module your skills will be tested by a professional teacher. You will perform an exercise as the final test. At the end of this lesson we shall evaluate the results. We shall then continue with the rest of the Photoshop module.

2.9 Clever selections and production tips

During this first lesson of the Photoshop Course Advanced you are going to learn lots of tricks to make you more productive while you use Photoshop.

You are also going to learn how to make good use of selections and even use special selections to work on your artwork.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Using the many selection options level 2
Using extra technical options in files
Using new selection methods
Creating clever selections
Adjusting and managing selections

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

2.10 Special transformations and selections

During this lesson of the Photoshop Course Enhanced you will use special filters to enhance graphics and graphic files. You are going to transform content of files and learn how to use mathemetical and geometric transformations to give the illusion of depth.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Body manipulation
Extra's with image lighting
Playing with special filters
Decorating buildings with natural perspective
Using special transformation tools and methods

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

2.11 Your own set of tools

As you work as a Photoshopper you will soon notice the standard tools in Photoshop do not suffice. You will need to create your own to be able to create really personal and special artwork. You are going to learn how to do just that during this lesson of the Photoshop Advanced Course.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Automatic functions in Photoshop
Special settings for the Internet
Creating patterns and designs in Photoshop
Using special brush styles
Creating your own brush styles
Creating special brush settings
Clever use of brushes
Managing brush settings
Smart objects
Smart objects and settings
Special filters for smart objects

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

2.12 Working for the Internet

During this lesson of the Photoshop Course Advanced you will learn how to prepare artwork for use on the Internet. You are going to understand how the different compression methods affect files and what to do to create the best artwork for this medium.

Of course we shall also address special options and give you extra assignments to put the standard options to creative use.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Understanding palettes
Using different file types
Compression methods and their goal media
The consequences of compression
Colour do's and don't's
Saving files for different media
Saving different types of files
Comparing results
Creating artwork for use on the Internet

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

2.13 Corrections

During this lesson you are going to restore documents on the second level. You are going to learn how to get rid of colour casts and how to use different document options and settings to affect the way your artwork looks. You are going to learn how to address colour balance and we shall look at special techniques to improve your artwork even more.

Scanning will be addressed as well. It seems anybody can make a scan. But most scans look appalling due to lack of knowledge. We shall have a look at scanning and scans and you will understand what you should and should not do when you scan and use scans.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Restoring light and dark areas
Restoring contrast values
Understanding the implications of restaurations
Using document variations
Contrastwaarden herstellen; waar dient u op te letten
Werken met variaties
Het gebruiken van verschillende filters voor foto's
Kleurbalans herstellen
Scannen

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

2.14 Layer styles

One of the options that seem so simple in Photoshop turns out to be more difficult to use when you want to keep an eye on printability. During this lesson of the Photoshop Course Advanced you will learn how to use layer styles in a special and accurate way. What's more: you will even learn how to use special settings to create artwork that stands out. You are going to create your own Photoshop styles and implement, edit and manage them.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Photoshop styles
Layer styles
Using different layer settings
Combining layer settings
Painting with style

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

2.15 Resolutions

This lesson of the Photoshop Course Advanced is dedicated to working for print. Many resolution settings and options will be addressed to make sure you understand what you are doing. After all, creating a beautiful graphic that turns out unprintable is the most frustating thing and is a waste of your time and effort. A wrong setting can have desastrous results, let's address all this during this lesson.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Resolution basics
Resolution and the settings
Understanding the consequences of changing resolutions
Clever use of resolutions
Exchanging resolutions

See an example of what you will learn during this lesson.

2.16 The document history

This lesson is completely dedicated to using the document structure and history in Photoshop. You will learn smart techniques to restore documents and even creative twists to the commonly known and used settings. This will allow you to create interesting and very personal results. You will understand how restoring works and how you can turn around some of it's results.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Using the document history
Using the different history tools
Hidden history: tips and tricks
Multiple options while restoring files
Using the document recognition
Exploring new documents and exchanging steps

3. Module InDesign

During this module you will learn how to use InDesign. This part of the Graphic Designer Education is built up using dynamic training which allows for personal input and topics.

In two lessons you will learn the following.

Creating a brochure
Fonts and typography
Settings for text in InDesign
Using special layouts and formatting
Importing ditigal images from Photoshop
Importing material from Illustrator
Merging layouts
Using simple interactivity
Exporting different document types

4. Conclusion

During this module you will create a brochure from scratch using your own digital images, files and graphics. Your work will be evaluated in class and your coach(es) and fellow students will look at your work.

Course intensivity

All our courses offer intensive training. This is because we want our students to find a job after the course. To make this even more realistic we keep track of the changes in the world of design and the software updates. Working with very old software versions is not an option unless a student needs to use it. Keeping track of all the changes is very important to us: it makes it possible to be a player in the dynamic, multi media oriented world of design.

Teachers

During our courses you will have a personal coach who is a professional in the world of design. Experience in the field of print and press makes this coach irreplacable while you study. You can ask your coach all the questions you may have and notice you will most often get the answer. While you attend the course you can send your coach your homework files and extra files in which 'things don't work'.

Duration

The course duration depends on the type of training you attend. Go to the course's page to find out more. The most common type of training is group training and personal training, have a look at the options for these courses.

Group course: one lesson, once per week. This can be in the morning, afternoon or evening.

Personal training and reserved training can have special schedules.

Time slots

The times for group courses are fixed.

In the case of personal and reserved training special time slots can be booked.

Call us for more options: 020 6820080.

Estimated homework time

You will need about 8 hours per lesson. Most students spend even more time because they enjoy the work.

Verwacht denkniveau

Het niveau van de cursus ligt tussen MBO en HBO in. Er wordt van u verwacht dat u thuis zelfstandig kunt werken maar ook goed kunt meekomen in een groep.

Starting dates

The courses start about every two months. Go to this page to see the dates of the courses.

Applying

Go to the course's page or this page to apply. We shall send you an application form to fill out and after we receive it back from you we shall send you the invoice for the course.

Location

The courses are taking place in Amsterdam. Our location is very easily accessed by tram, bus, metro and even train. Of course you can use the car as well. All necessary facilities are available on the premises.

Literature and lesson material

LearningTrain keeps track of the developments of Adobe software. Using our Adobe contacts makes this even easier. The literature we consult is always up to date and the lesson material is often hot from the press.

Applications

We have a trial for you so you can do the homework. But of course you can also download the trial from the Adobe website.

During class we usually use the most recent version of the software and the version before that. This makes sure you are aware of the developments in the software and that you can create the best designs for your projects. The design market is pretty competitive, having the correct software gives you an extra edge.

Operating system

The Adobe applications have ben developed for both Windows and Mac and are available for both operating systems. Working with Illustrator, Photoshop, Dreamweaver and Flash means it's platform independant. While you are studying here you will usually work on a Windows machine. If you are used to working on a Mac you will hardly notice the difference: you will be inside the Adobe environment and this is platform independant.

Extra help

During the courses you can use your coach's knowledge to help you along. You can send in files and of course, homework. Homework is checked: since we choose to correct homework by hand this results in high quality training.

The location

The courses take place in Amsterdam. Our location is easily accessed by car, tram, bus, metro and even train. There is a railway station around the corner.

Companies and groups of individuals sometimes prefer in-company training. This makes working with company files easier. Call us for the options for in company training: 020 6820080.

Software

Software trials

During the courses we use the latest software version and the one right before it. You can try out the software here during class and download a trial from the Adobe website. A trial is fully functional for a month.

Purchasing hardware and software

As a reseller for both Adobe software and Wacom tablets you can buy these products from us. Of course we are available for advice prior to purchasing the hardware or software.

Call for more information: 020 6820080.

Or have a look on this page for Adobe software, or this page for Wacom hardware for more information.