Abode Inc. Is a software company founded in California in 1982. It is well known today for its Adobe Creative Cloud software, a software suite of over 20 programs that are industry-standard in many fields. Some of the most well-known Adobe software like Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere Pro, and InDesign were released in the mid-1980s through the 1990s and Adobe would release its Experience Design or XD software in the 2000s.
Adobe Creative Cloud software is widely used by professionals in art and design roles in industries like advertising, entertainment, technology, and publishing. Many professionals will need to master more than one program. For instance, a UI Designer can learn to prototype websites and webpage layouts using XD and InDesign and then program their designs using Dreamweaver. Those in graphic design will often learn InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop while those in film and TV receive training in Premiere Pro and After Effects. Not only do these programs allow users to bring their creative visions to life, but as cloud-based software one can easily collaborate and share work with others even across vast distances.
What Can You Do with Adobe Training?
Adobe training allows you to work creatively and collaboratively. Many of the most popular Adobe Creative Cloud programs are for art and design purposes and can be used by amateurs and professionals alike. For instance, while learning Photoshop is necessary for a professional photographer, hobbyists also frequently learn this program to edit and add effects to their own photographs or create digital art. In general, Creative Cloud software will allow trained users to design, create, organize, stylize, and edit content for online distribution or print publication.
Career-oriented Adobe learners will often receive training in one or more specific software programs that will allow them to complete industry-specific projects. A UI Designer or Web Designer with Adobe training can use XD or InDesign to prototype the look and style of a website. They can then pass this mockup to a Web Developer who could program the website using Dreamweaver. A Video Editor will learn Premiere Pro so that they can professionally edit video and sound in post-production for film, TV, or digital content creation. These professionals and others like VFX Artists or Animators, can also learn After Effects to create title sequences or add motion graphics and visual effects in post-production.
Someone working in graphic design will have a different set of software to learn. These professionals, who can work in design agencies or in-house as designers and artists for specific companies, will need to learn InDesign, which allows one to create and organize multi-page documents like brochures, magazine spreads, or interactive PDFs. These professionals will pair this knowledge with Photoshop and Illustrator so that they can create crisp logos or artwork in Illustrator, edit product images in Photoshop, and integrate everything in a well-designed page layout in InDesign. Which specific programs you learn and the projects you use this software for will be determined by your career and industry as well as your own goals in learning how to use Creative Cloud software.
What Will I Learn in an Adobe Class?
Photoshop
Photoshop is commonly used by professional artists and designers, as well as individuals who want to edit and stylize their own photographs. Professionals use Photoshop to do things like crop, retouch, and color balance images, remove backgrounds or unwanted objects, add text or other graphical elements, or composite multiple images together. Users can also create both professional and amateur digital art using Photoshop. Photoshop classes and bootcamps will teach you how to use the toolsets and work on projects specific to your intended career or goals.
InDesign
InDesign is page layout software that allows users to create single- and multi-page documents by adding and organizing text, shapes, objects, and graphical elements. Some of the material you can create using InDesign includes book covers and layouts, magazine spreads, brochures, flyers, presentations and dynamic PDFs. This software is industry-standard in publishing and graphic design. InDesign classes will also be project-based and focus on teaching you how to move from conception to export for distribution or publication.
Illustrator
Illustrator is a vector graphics software that allows users to create things like brand logos, artwork, icons, and text designs that can be used in promotional material, social media content, or product packaging. Someone working in advertising, architecture, graphic design, product design, or web design will often need Illustrator training. Students in an Illustrator class learn how to use the Pen tool, create shapes, work with typography, manage color, and organize their illustrations. Similar to other Adobe classes, these courses will often allow students to develop a portfolio by working on targeted projects such as creating a brand logo or designing art for a poster or product packaging.
After Effects
After Effects is industry-standard software that allows users to create animations and visual effects for film, TV, digital content, and games. This software is used in the post-production process to add visual effects or motion graphics to content and is commonly used to create animated text layers for things like title sequences and end credits. It can also be used for linear video editing, though most will learn Premiere Pro for that purpose. You’ll find that Premiere Pro and After Effects are often paired together in one class or bootcamp.
Creative Thinking
Creative thinking is an essential skill for art and design professionals and one that these professionals will develop in Adobe classes. Learning Adobe software is not just about mastering a specific skill set or set of art, design, composition, and editing tools. It is also about using this skill set and these tools to create meaningful, engaging, interesting, and unique content. This can be a challenge, but Adobe training will provide strategies for developing your own unique style and vision when using these software programs.
How Hard is It to Learn Adobe?
Learning Adobe software is generally not too challenging, though it depends on which program you are trying to learn. As long as you have a basic knowledge of how to use a computer, you should be able to learn Adobe Creative Cloud software. However, students may find some programs more challenging than others. A background in composition and design can make it easier to learn software like Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro, though these courses will also cover those concepts. After Effects is considered a more challenging program to learn, as it requires a background in animation and video editing.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Adobe?
One of the most challenging parts of learning Adobe is that you will likely need to learn multiple Creative Cloud programs and how to use them together to create, organize, or edit content. Learning to utilize Adobe programs for your job, to complete a project, or to pursue a specific personal goal can take time and effort. Certain software programs can also be difficult depending on your background and experience. After Effects requires knowledge of animation and video editing, and mastering Photoshop may be difficult due to the sheer number of tools and options presented to users. As long as you dedicate time and effort to learning the software, you should be able to overcome these challenges.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Adobe?
How long it takes to learn Adobe depends on the specific software you are studying and how much time and effort you can devote to training and practice. Most people can become familiar with Adobe software in a few hours and start creating simple designs in a matter of days or a few weeks. With regular practice, most learners will become proficient in Adobe software within two to six months, though it can take years to master each program’s advanced toolsets. If you need to learn more than one Adobe Creative Cloud program, expect the overall learning process to take longer.
Should I Learn Adobe in Person or Online?
Whether to learn in-person or online depends on your learning needs, budget, curriculum preferences, and schedule. In-person learning is often considered the best way to learn and retain information. This training format allows students to learn in a space dedicated to education and surrounded by peers pursuing similar goals, which can be motivating. Additionally, many training facilities allow students to use their computers and software while enrolled. In-person training may be more expensive, more difficult to find, and less convenient for those with busy or inflexible schedules.
Live online training offers hands-on instruction and a curriculum similar to in-person courses. With this option, you can take the course from any location while still attending regularly scheduled classes with a live instructor and classmates. Live online classes are more likely to be offered on weekends, in the evening, or part-time, and they can be more cost-effective than in-person classes. However, some learners may find it harder to focus and engage with the material in a virtual setting, so live online learning may not be ideal for everyone.
For those with particularly busy schedules, asynchronous or on-demand classes are a good alternative. On-demand classes do not require regular attendance, as there is no live instructor. Instead, students are given access to course materials they can work through at their own pace. This is a great option for someone whose schedule doesn’t allow them to attend weekly in-person or live online classes, and on-demand classes are often more affordable. However, students must be self-motivated, as there is no instructor, classmates, or deadlines to encourage completion. Those seeking advanced training or career support services should consider in-person or live online classes instead of an on-demand course.
Can I Learn Adobe Free Online?
Yes, you can learn the basics of Adobe Creative Cloud from free online videos, seminars, and tutorials. Check out Noble Desktop’s free Adobe Creative Cloud seminars and Adobe Creative Cloud playlist on YouTube. These resources cover software essentials and help you explore different career paths in design, editing, and motion graphics. Adobe Learn also offers free tutorials for interested learners. Their tutorial articles are short and feature-specific, allowing learners to understand the basics of a topic in under 10 minutes. While free resources are a great way to learn the fundamentals, they do not offer comprehensive, career-oriented training or professional skills development. Career-minded learners should consider enrolling in a bootcamp, class, or certificate program to receive advanced training and career support services.
What Should I Learn Alongside Adobe?
What you should learn alongside Adobe will depend on your goals and career interests. A Graphic Designer or Graphic Artist, for example, can also complement their design skill set by learning motion graphics. Knowing how to animate designs or create motion graphics composites allows professionals to work in formats like video in addition to creating digital and print material using InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
Someone learning Adobe for UI design or web design will find it worthwhile to learn programming and UX design fundamentals as well. Programming allows a Designer to create websites based on their design prototypes, making them a more well-rounded Designer. Learning UX design involves user testing and research and can help individuals develop advanced website prototyping and wireframing skills. This not only enables them to market themselves as a UI/UX Designer but also empowers them to create more refined webpage and website designs, as they are able to draw on user experience training and a fuller skill set for prototyping.
Industries That Use Adobe
Adobe training is useful for most industries. Two of Canada’s top industries, energy and entertainment, need professionals with Adobe design skills to create, develop, and edit promotional, informational, and entertainment content. Canada also has strong advertising and technology industries, which require experienced professionals who can use Creative Cloud programs like InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and XD.
Energy
The energy industry is one of the top industries in Canada, and Canada is a major exporter of oil and natural gas. While one might not initially think that Adobe Creative Cloud training is relevant to this sector, it requires professionals with Creative Cloud training for promotional materials, informational materials, and reports. Just like other industries, the energy sector produces promotional content and needs those with Adobe training to work on branded content such as logos, flyers, infographics, and videos. In addition to promotional materials, professionals may work on safety and employee training materials or prepare well-organized and interactive reports for departments and stakeholders.
Entertainment
Canada has the nickname “Hollywood North” due to important TV and film production hubs in Vancouver and Toronto. Designers, artists, editors, and animators will find Adobe training particularly useful in this industry. Graphic Designers, Artists, and Art Directors can use their skill sets to create and execute the look and style of projects in film, TV, digital content creation, and game development. Video Editors, Motion Graphics Designers, and Animators can use their After Effects skills to create engaging, multi-layered visual and animated effects for film and TV productions or use their Premiere Pro skills to edit video and sound clips in post-production.
Advertising
Canada’s advertising industry is growing and is expected to continue to expand and thrive over the coming decade. Someone with Adobe training will find their skills particularly welcome in this industry, given that many Adobe Creative Cloud programs are used by Graphic Designers and Graphic Artists to create promotional materials for brands, companies, products, or individuals. It is not uncommon for someone to use Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator to create brand logos, icons, fonts, product images, brochures, ad layouts, and content for digital distribution. Digital marketing continues to grow in Canada and worldwide, so professionals who can create marketing content for digital distribution are especially valuable in this field.
Technology
Canada has a strong technology sector, especially in research and development of new technologies as well as training skilled tech professionals. Tech workers, like UI Designers and Web Designers, will often need training in Adobe Creative Cloud programs like XD, Dreamweaver, and InDesign. XD allows one to prototype the look of websites, and InDesign can also be used for this purpose. Dreamweaver is a program that allows one to build websites, so learning this program will complement the skill set of a Designer.
Adobe Job Titles and Salaries
Graphic Designer
Graphic Designers use their knowledge of visual design to create content for companies, brands, and individuals. This can include working on promotional materials, designing packaging or signage, or creating visual branding for a company or individual. Graphic Designers commonly need experience with InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, along with other tools specific to their industry. They can work in a variety of industries, and it is common to find Graphic Designers in advertising, publishing, entertainment, and any field that requires communicating ideas or concepts visually.
According to Talent.com, Graphic Designers in Canada make an average yearly salary of $52,000 before any bonuses, commissions, or profit-sharing initiatives. This salary can range between $39,000 for entry-level positions to around $75,000 and is dependent on experience, location, and industry.
Art Director
An Art Director is responsible for designing the look and aesthetics of a project. Art Directors commonly work in advertising or entertainment, though they can also be found in other art and design industries. Not only do these professionals control the look, style, and design of a project, but they are also responsible for leading a team of other creatives like Graphic Designers and Artists to ensure that projects meet client standards and are completed on time.
Because the Art Director is a leadership position, these professionals earn an average annual salary of $143,000. Salaries range between $92,000 at the low end up to $160,000 and are based on experience and location. Saskatchewan and Ontario are the provinces where Art Directors earn the highest salaries.
UI Designer
A User Interface (UI) Designer designs and creates the visual elements of a website or application. They must be attentive to both the look and functionality of their designs to create an engaging and meaningful experience for the user. These professionals often learn how to prototype websites in XD, and some will also use InDesign for this purpose as it allows them to create engaging, well-organized page layouts that can then be turned into fully functioning websites.
The average annual salary for a UI Designer in Canada is $93,000. Actual salary depends on experience and location, as the salary range for this position is around $76,000 to $122,000. UI Designers in Manitoba, for instance, can earn significantly more than UI Designers in Quebec, on average.
Digital Marketing Specialist
A Digital Marketing Specialist uses their knowledge to develop promotional campaigns for a brand, company, or individual. They are tasked with creating the campaign, implementing it over email or social media channels, and tracking how consumers engage with the company, brand, or specific products. These professionals often need to create, edit, or oversee promotional materials using Adobe Creative Cloud software such as InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
This is an intermediate-level position, and the annual average salary is around $67,000. Entry-level positions start around $55,000, and more experienced Digital Marketing Specialists can make upwards of $97,000. Professionals in this role can also advance to senior positions such as Digital Marketing Manager or Digital Director.
Adobe Classes Near Me
Learning and development center Noble Desktop offers a variety of Adobe classes, bootcamps, and certificate programs for career-oriented learners and anyone who wants to pick up a new hobby. Every Noble class is led by an expert instructor who uses hands-on training to teach students fundamental and advanced Adobe skills, and classes can be taken in-person in NYC or online from any location. One of the best options for someone looking to learn Adobe quickly and comprehensively is Noble Desktop’s five-week Adobe Creative Cloud Bootcamp, which covers InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. Students in this bootcamp complete real-world projects and receive training applicable to careers in graphic design, editing, motion graphics, and web design. Additionally, Noble offers singular bootcamps in many Creative Cloud programs such as the After Effects Bootcamp, ||CPN82||, Adobe InDesign Bootcamp, ||CPN118||, and the ||CPN730||.
For career-ready training, consider enrolling in a certificate program. Aspiring Graphic Designers should enroll in Noble Desktop’s one-month ||CPN548|| program, which covers InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, design concepts, and marketing principles while allowing students to build their portfolios. For those pursuing UI Design, consider the six-week UI Design Certificate, which provides training in Photoshop, Illustrator, UI design principles, and Figma. Prospective Video Editors or Motion Graphics Designers should look at the one-month Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate, which covers everything learners need to edit videos professionally and construct a demo reel for their portfolio.
Located in Vancouver, the Emily Carr University of Art & Design has a continuing studies program that offers classes in Adobe software including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. Their Adobe CC Essentials class is a good option for those who want to learn Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign in one 45-hour course. Adobe CC Essentials teaches students how to use these programs to complete projects through practical exercises and hands-on training. This course can be taken live online or in-person at the Great Northern Way Campus (GNWC) in Vancouver.
Toronto-based ACS Trainer offers training in Adobe Creative Cloud including Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Lightroom, Acrobat, After Effects, and Premiere Pro. They offer one- to three-day courses suitable for beginners and more advanced learners, and some software is also available in a comprehensive bootcamp format. For instance, ACS Trainer’s Illustrator Boot Camp combines training from three one-day Illustrator classes so that students learn comprehensive Illustrator skills like creating shapes, working with the Pen tool, using layers, and preparing digital content for the internet. Classes are available in-person in Toronto or live online.
The University of Alberta’s Technology Training Centre offers singular classes in Creative Cloud programs. Beginners can take their one-day, live online Introduction to Adobe Creative Cloud course, which introduces participants to popular Creative Cloud software and their uses. They offer additional two-day introductory, intermediate, and advanced courses in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere Pro so that students can take the course that matches their experience level and goals.
Another option for online Adobe training is through the digital skills center New Horizons. They offer classes in Captivate and ColdFusion as well as introductory and advanced classes for many popular Creative Cloud programs. Most classes are only one to three days in length. Beginners will find their introductory Creative Cloud classes useful, while more experienced learners can take their advanced options to learn new toolsets and applications for professional projects.
Adobe Corporate Training
Those looking to upskill or reskill their workforce should consider Noble Desktop’s corporate training options for Adobe. This includes bootcamps in top Creative Cloud programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro, and XD. Noble Desktop also offers an advanced After Effects course and individual courses in Lightroom, Animate, and Acrobat. These classes can be taken in-person at Noble Desktop’s NYC facility, online from any location, or scheduled in-person at your training location.
Discounted bulk vouchers are available for attendance in Noble Desktop’s regular public classes. This option allows you to choose which Adobe classes your employees can take and allows employees to determine which courses best fit their schedule. Email corporate@nobledesktop.com to learn more about these corporate training options or to schedule your free consultation.