Are Graphic Design Bootcamps Worth It?

by Michael Sahno

Students who train in the graphic design field are often amazed at the vast number of career opportunities available to them. Once considered the domain of artists working for advertising agencies, the graphic design field today includes both digital and print media.

Roles for graphic design pros can include titles like the following:

  • Graphic Designer
  • Designer
  • Visual Designer
  • Digital Designer
  • UX/UI Designer
  • Design Director
  • Creative Director

These are some of the most popular, but there are numerous others, including:

  • Concept Artist
  • Game Artist
  • Illustrator
  • Interior Designer
  • Exhibition Designer
  • Content Creator

Other digital professionals gain a solid foundation in graphic design and use it to work primarily with animation or motion graphics. These include Motion Graphics Designers, Video Editors, Multimedia Artists, and Animators.

Employment Outlook for Graphic Design

If you’re interested in graphic design as a career, you might be surprised to learn many design pros work outside the boundaries of a typical employer-employee role. In fact, among the top 18 best freelance jobs for 2022, graphic design ranks number eight.

Graphic Design Certificate: Live & Hands-on, In NYC or Online, 0% Financing, 1-on-1 Mentoring, Free Retake, Job Prep. Named a Top Bootcamp by Forbes, Fortune, & Time Out. Noble Desktop. Learn More.

Recent data shows that Graphic Designers earn around $51,000 annually, though hiring has slowed for traditional graphic design positions. However, job growth for Animators and Special Effects Artists, many of whom begin with graphic design training, is projected at 16% between 2020 and 2030.

Today’s graphic design pros work in virtually every industry. Some get positions in marketing or advertising, where digital graphics, branding, and social media all play key roles. Others take on positions in film, publishing, or production, working with art and design teams.

You can learn some design fundamentals from online articles or YouTube tutorials, like those offered by Noble Desktop. Such resources are a great way to start, especially if you need to learn to differentiate among graphic design, UX/UI design, and motion design.

When you’re ready to begin a formal course of study, a bootcamp or certificate can be your best avenue to learn quickly. Several from Noble Desktop include training in Adobe Illustrator, widely considered one of the best graphic design software programs:

  1. Graphic Design Certificate—Noble’s Graphic Design Certificate provides comprehensive training in essential design software from the Adobe Creative Cloud: InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. The program also includes a 24-hour Graphic Design Portfolio Bootcamp, enabling students to enhance their skills while creating professional-level portfolios. Each graduate receives a certificate of completion, and can retake the course for up to a year at no additional charge.
  2. Visual Design Certificate—If you want to learn graphic design principles to create mobile and web interfaces, check out the details on the Visual Design Certificate. Graduates of this immersive program may go on to be Visual Designers, Digital Designers, or UX/UI Designers, among other options. Subjects include Photoshop, Illustrator, and the popular prototyping tool Figma, which connects design team members so they can collaborate seamlessly.
  3. Digital Design Certificate—While the Visual Design Certificate does not include InDesign training, the Digital Design Certificate does. It also includes Figma, which the Graphic Design Certificate does not. Here the emphasis is on web and visual design, including Photoshop and Illustrator, whereas the Visual Design program is more geared to design pros who want to learn digital or transition to a UI design career. Both Digital Design and Visual Design programs are open to beginners.
  4. Motion Graphics Certificate—Motion graphics is not for every graphic design pro. Visual effects, animation, and video editing are all of primary importance in the 87-hour Motion Graphics Certificate program. While Graphic Designers build portfolios of projects using software like Photoshop and Illustrator, Motion Graphics Designers and Video Editors build demo reels. Training in this certificate includes subjects like:

Students who take these courses often decide to take more than one. For example, Graphic Design Certificate holders who also want to learn web design may elect to take the Digital Design Certificate program. Others who want to specialize in video and animation may want to take multiple courses that amplify and support each other.

Additional certificate programs of interest to graphic design students include:

Along with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, consider learning about other popular graphic design tools, including:

  • CorelDraw Graphics
  • Corel PaintShop Pro
  • Canva
  • Serif Affinity Designer
  • Animate

Graphic Design Bootcamp Testimonials

When it comes to the question of whether graphic design bootcamps are worth it or not, graduates of Noble Desktop programs answer with a resounding “Yes.” Students say they appreciate both the flexibility and affordability of the bootcamp educational model, adding that these programs prepared them for new careers or transitioning from current roles.

Says one graduate, now a university professor, “Noble Desktop certificates were a critical element contributing to my success and career trajectory. I couldn’t have gotten where I have—teaching talented tech and design wizards, as I do now at illustrious, cutting-edge universities—had I not made sure to train with the best of the best.”

Another design alumnus adds, “My experience with Noble Desktop was exactly what I was looking for! I went from knowing nothing about graphic design to getting expert training. I would recommend Noble to anyone looking to get into graphic design and learn a skill set that is invaluable in today’s world.”

As you move forward in the design field, look for creative ways to grow in your profession. Consider options like

  • Learning more about the history of design principles like contrast and balance
  • Sitting for certifications like the Adobe Certified Professional in Graphic Design & Illustration designation
  • Joining professional organizations like the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)

Whether you plan to be a Digital Designer, a Design Director, or a freelance Graphic Designer, a targeted bootcamp or certificate can give you the training and tools you need to succeed in this creative field.