90-day learning roadmap (practical, no fluff)
Objective: Produce 6 portfolio pieces and one case-study document suitable for client pitches or job applications.
Days 1–14 — Foundations & tool setup
- Complete a fundamentals module (Coursera short course or equivalent) focusing on typography and composition.
- Set up Adobe Creative Cloud trial or Figma free tier.
- Complete 3 daily exercises: a typographic poster, a color palette study, and a one-page layout.
Days 15–45 — Project-driven learning
- Enroll in a Domestika class focused on branding or editorial design. Complete the class project and polish it for your portfolio.
- Take a Udemy Illustrator or Photoshop course module focusing on deliverable production (exports, mockups).
Days 46–70 — Specialization & credential
- Start a Coursera specialization course and submit at least one graded project. Use it as a capped portfolio piece.
- Prepare Adobe Certified Professional exam study plan if tool validation is required for job roles.
Days 71–90 — Polish, publish & pitch
- Edit and produce high-res mockups for the top 4 pieces.
- Write 4 short case studies (problem, process, outcome).
- Publish portfolio (Behance, personal site) and create a 60–90 second showreel or PDF packet.