Learn Graphic Design Concepts, How to Use Design Apps, & Build a Portfolio

Learn design applications including Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Then develop a comprehensive understanding of graphic design concepts and processes, allowing you to create great-looking modern designs, and expand your portfolio.

Learn to Design

Learn about composition, typography, color, and more

Retouch Photos & Create Vector Graphics

Learn to create and edit photos & graphics

Create a Portfolio

Walk away with designs to show to prospective employers

Adobe Photoshop to retouch photos & create graphics
Adobe InDesign to create page layouts with text & images
Adobe Illustrator to create vector graphics such as logos, icons, & more
Understand graphic design concepts & processes
Learn about the elements of design
Develop & expand your graphic design portfolio
Learn how to speak about your work and how to incorporate and evaluate critiques
Broaden your understanding of graphic design concepts and processes, both formal and conceptual
Enhance your skills as a graphic designer

Learn with Hands-on Projects

Learn practical skills by working on real projects with instructor guidance and lectures to strengthen and improve your skill.

Student's project from graphic design course

Book cover design by graphic design student

Album cover design by graphic design student

Courses in the Certificate Program

This is the recommended order, but some courses may be taken in a different order. See the FAQ for more details.

Unit 1
18 Hours

Adobe InDesign Bootcamp
- Create layouts with text, color, & graphics.
- Create multi-page documents.
- Prepare your files for final output: printing or PDF
Unit 2
18 Hours

Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp
- Learn to retouch photos, create graphics, and more.
- Improve your images by adjusting color, contrast, and more.
- Learn how to prepare images for use on the web or in print.
Unit 3
18 Hours

Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp
- Create different types of graphics: logos, icons, patterns, packaging, typography, and much more.
- Learn the Pen tool with our drawing templates. They will help you through the process of creating digital drawings.
- Create vector graphics for web and print.
Unit 4
18 Hours

Graphic Design Bootcamp
- Broaden your understanding of graphic design concepts and processes, both formal and conceptual.
- Understand the elements of design and enhance your skill as a designer.
- Develop and expand your portfolio.

High-level Overview

Schedule & Enrollment

$3900 $2995
72 Hours
594 Broadway, NYC
Computer Provided

Discounts
Discounts
- Certificate Discount: This program is a discounted package of classes that is 15–25% off the individual class prices. Other discounts do not apply.
Discounts are applied at checkout (no promo code required) and will be verified after you place your order. Discounts are subject to change. Read our discount policies for more details.

Payment Plans

This program is eligible for our payment plan. Select “payment plan” at checkout to enroll. A valid credit card must be on file for the duration of the program.
- At checkout, you will only be charged a $250 non-refundable deposit which will be credited towards the last class in the program.
- One week before the start date of each class in the program, you will be charged for that upcoming class.
- You may be charged immediately for the first class if you sign up less than one week before the start date.
- The total payments (including the $250 deposit) will equal the price of the program. There is no interest or additional fees.
- Read our Payment Plan FAQ for more details.
• Policies

Oct 14–Feb 10

Collapse Schedule

Oct 14–30	Mon & Wed	6–9pm	Adobe InDesign Bootcamp
Nov 4–20	Mon & Wed	6–9pm	Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp
Dec 2–18	Mon & Wed	6–9pm	Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp
Jan 6–Feb 10	Monday	6–9pm	Graphic Design Bootcamp

Jan 21–Mar 13

Expand Schedule

Jan 21–23	Tue–Thu	10am–5pm	Adobe InDesign Bootcamp
Jan 27–29	Mon–Wed	10am–5pm	Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp
Feb 3–5	Mon–Wed	10am–5pm	Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp
Feb 7–Mar 13	Friday	10am–1pm	Graphic Design Bootcamp

These dates don’t work for you?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there mandatory work outside of the classroom?
- Students are required to complete class projects outside of class hours for the Graphic Design Bootcamp.
- Students are not required to complete any work outside of class for the InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator Bootcamps.
- Additionally, students are encouraged to practice the skills learned in class and develop a portfolio of work.
Are there prerequisites for this certificate program?

No. Prior experience is not required for this certificate program. Students only need to be comfortable with using a computer.
How many students are in a class?

Noble’s typical class ranges from 8–12 students, but we accept up to 20 students.
How does the custom schedule work & what is the recommended class order?
We have scheduled the certificate classes in various tracks (day, night, or weekend) for your convenience, but you can customize your schedule.

When creating a custom schedule, you’ll be able to choose between the various available dates for each class in the certificate program. So if you can’t make a particular class, you can choose a different scheduled instance that works better for you. Please keep the following in mind when scheduling:
- If you do not have any prior experience with Adobe design apps, we recommend starting with either InDesign or Photoshop (not Illustrator).
- You must take InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator before taking the Graphic Design Bootcamp (because you’ll be using those apps in the design bootcamp).
Does it matter if I use a Mac or Windows PC?

Designers typically prefer using a Mac, but the Adobe design apps you’ll learn in this certificate program work the same on both platforms and in our classes you can use whichever you prefer (Mac or Windows).
What happens if I need to miss a session?
You have some options:
- If you can’t come into the classroom, but can still attend remotely (live online using a screen sharing app), please let us know ahead of time so we can get you information to attend online. This is not ideal for the Graphic Design Bootcamp which has more in-person interaction, but works fine for the other classes.
- You can make up that session in a future offering of the class, provided that the class is running with an available seat.
- Except for the Graphic Design Bootcamp, you can go through the workbook exercises for that session. Ask your instructor about what you’ll be missing.
Do you offer discounts or a payment plan for this course?
Discounts
- Certificate Discount: This program is a discounted package of classes that is 15–25% off the individual class prices. Other discounts do not apply.
Discounts are applied at checkout (no promo code required) and will be verified after you place your order. Discounts are subject to change. Read our discount policies for more details.

Payment Plan

This program is eligible for our payment plan. Select “payment plan” at checkout to enroll. A valid credit card must be on file for the duration of the program.
- At checkout, you will only be charged a $250 non-refundable deposit which will be credited towards the last class in the program.
- One week before the start date of each class in the program, you will be charged for that upcoming class.
- You may be charged immediately for the first class if you sign up less than one week before the start date.
- The total payments (including the $250 deposit) will equal the price of the program. There is no interest or additional fees.
- Read our Payment Plan FAQ for more details.
Can I take this course online (remote learning)?

Sorry, but this course is not available online. However, some individual courses in this certificate program may be available online. Contact us if you would like to take this program remotely.

Learn Graphic Design & Create a Portfolio at Leading NYC Design School

The Graphic Design Certificate includes classes in Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and our project-based Graphic Design Fundamentals. You’ll learn to design layouts, retouch photos, create vector graphics, and walk away with a portfolio to show to prospective employers.

“Already working in the graphic design industry, this class was a great refresher course and helped me to remember why I chose to pursue graphic design as a career.”

Kristine Seubert

Art Department Supervisor, Sherman Specialty

Learned key design concepts and processes in Graphic Design Fundamentals
“I have been inefficiently fooling around with Photoshop, usually feeling intimidated by the program, for years. In just three days, I have learned to edit my photos with confidence. Noble Desktop rocks. Now I am ready to tackle Illustrator...”

Michelle Ganon

Learned photo editing and graphics creation in Adobe Photoshop
“I was worried coming into the class about being left behind in the instruction as design classes tend to be fast paced. The instructor, Michele, was extremely personable and patient; I especially liked the comfortable atmosphere of the classroom, and the overall flow of the class was very organized and professional. Clean presentation, great work materials.”

Charles Mott

Photo Studio Assistant, The Real Real

Attended the beginner to intermediate Photoshop course
“Illustrator was my third class at Noble, and they just get better and better. Michele is an excellent instructor; articulate, knowledgeable, and most important patient. Noble’s teaching method makes it easy to learn. I am sorry I waited so long to take the class. Thank you Noble and Michele!”

Jill Korostoff

President, JakDesign, Inc

Attended Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator courses with Noble
“I knew InDesign was a program I would need help to understand. After this class, I don’t only understand it, I feel quite comfortable with it. I seriously cannot believe I learned so much in such little time!”

Susana Piscitiello

The Bowery Mission

Took the Adobe InDesign course
“This class was very comprehensive for three days—I learned so much about Illustrator! The instructor was perfect: knowledgeable, attentive, and dynamic, delivering rather dry material with a sense of humor and fun. I’d recommend Noble Desktop courses to anyone.”

Jennifer Clark

Marketing Manager, bark Frameworks

Attended the Adobe Illustrator class

See our 2,596 testimonials

4.9

Learn Graphic Design Applications

“Noble is great! They cover what you need to know in order to advance your understanding of the programs. I've taken 2 courses there and have walked away confident that I can immediately incorporate the software into my daily workflow!”
Michael Steinhofer, Sr. Graphic Designer

InDesign layout used in class

Create Portfolio Projects

By completing the Graphic Design Certificate you’ll also create projects to add to your portfolio. Work on real-life designs such as a logo, your choice of print or digital cover art and poster designs, social media graphics, and more!

Student creating a graphic design portfolio

Flexible Schedule & Payment Options

We offer flexible scheduling and payment options for the Graphic Design Certificate. Take the classes part-time or full-time; weekdays, weeknights, or weekends. With our payment plan, you can be billed throughout the certificate as you take each class (instead of paying the full price upfront).

Flexible scheduling available for graphic design certificate

Learn Graphic Design Concepts, How to Use Design Apps, & Build a Portfolio

Learn to Design

Retouch Photos & Create Vector Graphics

Create a Portfolio

What You’ll Learn

Learn with Hands-on Projects

Courses in the Certificate Program

Adobe InDesign Bootcamp

Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp

Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp

Graphic Design Bootcamp

Graphic Design Certificate Overview

Graphic Design Concepts & Practices

Elements of design

Typography

Color

Layout

Information Hierarchy

Industry standard design apps: Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator

Adobe InDesign: The industry standard for Page Layout

Create layouts with text, color, and graphics

Create multi-page documents such as brochures, books, magazines, and more

Prepare files for final output, such as a print or PDF

Adobe Photoshop: The industry standard for Photo Retouching

Retouch photos, create graphics, and more

Adjust color, contrast, and more

Prepare images for use on the web or in print

Adobe Illustrator: The industry standard for Drawing, Logos, and Graphics

Create graphics: logos, icons, patterns, packaging, and more

Draw vector graphics for web and print

Create a Portfolio

Use InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator to produce designs

Create projects such as logos, social media graphics, stationery, book/eBook covers, album art, event posters, and email announcements

Schedule & Enrollment

Discounts

Payment Plans

Oct 14–Feb 10

Jan 21–Mar 13

These dates don’t work for you?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there mandatory work outside of the classroom?

Are there prerequisites for this certificate program?

How many students are in a class?

How does the custom schedule work & what is the recommended class order?

Does it matter if I use a Mac or Windows PC?

What happens if I need to miss a session?

Do you offer discounts or a payment plan for this course?

Discounts

Payment Plan

Can I take this course online (remote learning)?

Learn Graphic Design & Create a Portfolio at Leading NYC Design School

Learn Graphic Design Applications

Create Portfolio Projects

Flexible Schedule & Payment Options

Related Classes & Certificates

Visual Design Certificate

Graphic Design Bootcamp

Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp