Beginner–Intermediate level course
The course is a modular program designed to provide an essential yet comprehensive training on the three core software tools of the Adobe suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
The structure is divided into three sequential modules, delivered over 12 total sessions:
• Module 1 – Photoshop (3 lessons)
• Module 2 – Illustrator (3 lessons)
• Module 3 – InDesign (6 lessons)
The course approach is built with the understanding that the first 6 lessons provide the essential foundations for acquiring the digital graphic tools needed for the third module, focused on editorial layout design with InDesign. The comprehension and application of tools and techniques, when relevant to each participant’s learning objectives, are adapted to the type of project that every student wishes to develop or integrate into their professional path.
Whether it’s promotional graphics, visual identity, editorial layouts, or content for digital communication, the course serves as a structured and practical introduction to the three main tools used in the world of graphic design and visual communication.
This course is aimed at:
• aspiring graphic and visual designers
• professionals in corporate communication
• editorial or cultural operators working with visual content
• anyone who needs to build or strengthen graphic design skills, with or without prior experience
Participants may choose to attend only the first two modules or only the second module.
The first two modules can also be replaced by 13 hours of one-to-one training.
In all cases, each group module will be activated with a minimum of 6 enrolled participants.
Course type: group – in person
Number of participants: Max 15 Min 6
Frequency: weekly, on Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:00
Duration: 12 lessons – total 36 hours
Fee: €540*
Language: Italian
Lecturer: Matilde Francia
Location: RUFA – Via Benaco, 2 – Aula Roma
Applications open: 10 September 2025
Applications close: 9 January 2025, subject to availability
1. Saturday, 10 January 2026
2. Saturday, 17 January 2026
3. Saturday, 24 January 2026
4. Saturday, 31 January 2026
5. Saturday, 7 February 2026
6. Saturday, 14 February 2026
7. Saturday, 21 February 2026
8. Saturday, 28 February 2026
9. Saturday, 7 March 2026
10. Saturday, 14 March 2026
11. Saturday, 21 March 2026
12. Saturday, 28 March 2026
MODULE 1 – Adobe Photoshop
Duration: 3 lessons – 9 hours
Objective: Learn the basics of raster graphics, photo editing, and image manipulation.
Lesson 1: Introduction and basic tools
• Overview of Adobe Photoshop
• Interface and customization
• File formats and resolutions
• Selection and transformation tools
• Layers and basic adjustments
Lesson 2: Photo retouching and corrections
• Retouching tools (healing brush, clone stamp, patch)
• Brightness and contrast
• Levels and curves
• Basic color correction and text management
• Image blending and effects
• Layer masks and adjustment layers
Lesson 3: Composition, text & output
• Using basic filters
• Cutouts and transparent backgrounds
• Optimization for web, social, and print
• Saving in different formats (PSD, JPG, PNG, PDF)
• Final guided exercise: creating a poster or cover
MODULE 2 – Adobe Illustrator
Duration: 3 lessons – 9 hours
Objective: Learn to create vector graphics, logos, and digital illustrations.
Lesson 1: Vector fundamentals
• Differences between raster and vector graphics
• Illustrator interface overview
• Basic drawing tools: pen, shapes, paths
• Fills, strokes, and color areas
Lesson 2: Object and color management
• Grouping and layers
• Alignment and distribution
• Color: gradients, patterns, palettes
• Complex shapes and paths
• Text tools
• Logo and icon creation
Lesson 3: Typography, branding, layout & export
• Bézier curves
• Introduction to symbols and custom brushes
• Creating assets for print and digital use
• Preparing files for print (outlines, margins, CMYK)
• Multiple export options: SVG, EPS, PNG, PDF
• Final exercise: logo and business card design
MODULE 3 – Adobe InDesign
Duration: 6 lessons – 18 hours
Objective: Learn the principles of editorial design and professional layout composition.
Lesson 1: Introduction to editorial layout
• Differences between InDesign and other software
• Document setup: formats, margins, columns
• Grids and guides
Lesson 2: Managing basic content
• Inserting and managing text and images
• Principles of visual composition
• Practice exercises on simple documents
Lesson 3: Layout design and master pages
• Managing pages and master pages
• Linking text frames
• Organizing repetitive layouts and visual consistency
Lesson 4: Typography styles and software integration
• Paragraph and character styles
• Importing content from Photoshop® and Illustrator®
• Font management and visual coherence
Lesson 5: Multipage projects
• Creating brochures, magazines, and book layouts
• Automatic page numbering
• Indexes and tables of contents
Lesson 6: Professional export and final project
• Preflight check
• Exporting PDFs for print, digital, and interactive use
• Final exercise: design of a 4-page brochure
Note: The distribution of content may vary according to the pace and needs of the class group.
RUFA Students and Alumni: 50%
Former participants of RUFA Short or Summer Courses 2024–25: 10%
University Students: 5% (upon presentation of student ID).
Course/group/family package: contact [corsibrevi@unirufa.it](mailto:corsibrevi@unirufa.it)