Learn how to retouch and color correct photos, combine images, and create graphics in Photoshop. This course covers the basic and intermediate features of Photoshop such as color/contrast, photo retouching, layers, masks, filters, and saving files for web/video/print.
Learn how to design professional page layouts with text & graphics in Adobe InDesign. This course covers styling, importing, packaging, and advanced techniques like styles, master pages, and tables. Perfect for creating books, magazines, and ads.
Learn how to draw and edit vector graphics using Adobe Illustrator. This course covers the basics and advanced features, including the Pen tool, effects, layers, masks, and more. Perfect for creating logos, icons, and packaging.
Learn to create compelling video content with Adobe After Effects. This course covers the basics of animation, text effects, and file integration needed to start creating impressive visual content from scratch. Get hands-on experience with real-world projects taught by an experienced instructor.
Learn how to use Adobe Premiere Pro to create professionally edited videos in this comprehensive class. From importing and organizing footage to advanced editing techniques like multi-cam editing and green screen removal, this course will equip you with the skills to create compelling video content.
Leverage the power of cutting-edge AI tools and features in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and other Adobe apps in this hands-on class.
Learn the basics of Adobe Creative Cloud apps like InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and After Effects in this hands-on bootcamp. Gain practical skills and become proficient in using these industry-standard applications.
Master the Adobe Creative Cloud and get hands-on training in top applications like Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. Become an expert in designing for print, web, and motion graphics with project-based training.
Master Photoshop from the ground up and prepare for the Adobe Certified Professional exam with expert-led training, hands-on projects, and personalized tutoring. This comprehensive program is ideal for aspiring designers, photographers, and creative professionals looking to earn industry-recognized certification.
Advance your layout and design expertise while preparing for the Adobe Certified Professional exam in this hands-on InDesign Certification Program. Through expert-led classes, personalized tutoring, and real-world projects, you'll gain the skills and confidence to create polished magazines, brochures, books, and more.
Build professional-level Illustrator skills and earn your Adobe Certified Professional credential through hands-on classes, private tutoring, and real-world projects. This certification program covers everything from vector drawing to logo design, giving you the tools to succeed on the exam.
Develop high-impact motion graphics and visual effects while preparing for the Adobe After Effects Certification exam through hands-on classes and private tutoring. This in-depth program covers beginner to advanced techniques, equipping you with the skills and credentials to stand out in animation and video production.
Master the art of video editing and earn your Adobe Premiere Pro certification through expert-led training and one-on-one tutoring. This comprehensive program prepares you for the certification exam while helping you build professional-level editing skills.
Begin your journey as a professional graphic designer by learning the essential skills and tools used by industry experts. Gain hands-on experience in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, and create a stunning portfolio to showcase your talent to potential employers or clients.
Become a well-rounded Digital Designer by learning essential Adobe applications, Figma for UI design, and key design concepts and theory. Develop a comprehensive understanding of design concepts, processes, and workflows, create great-looking modern designs, and showcase them in a portfolio.
Gain essential skills in UI design for websites and mobile apps, including composition, typography, color, and attention to interactivity. Develop a portfolio showcasing your design projects and earn a NY State-approved certificate in UI Design.
Graphic design is the practice of using different modes of communication to convey a message. This includes visual elements like imagery, graphics, and movement as well as textual and interactive elements. It’s important for a graphic design piece to be effective in that it is easy to use but also nice to look at and engage with. Whether it’s a catchy logo, an easily navigable website interface, or an informational brochure, Graphic Designers are equipped with the skills—both technical and creative—to produce effective designs.
The field of graphic design has been around in some form since the dawn of time, beginning with cave paintings before moving on to written scrolls, then with further advancements due to the invention of printing technology. Graphic Designers gained a whole new way to engage with audiences and create new designs with the emergence of the internet and other digital tools such as design software. It seems that with the continual growth of the field and the consistent emergence of technology, the need for graphic design is not going anywhere any time soon.
Graphic design training opens new doors for professional advancement and opportunities across different industries. You can dive into the marketing space, which is often common for graphic design professionals, but this can be done in all kinds of industries. You can work in technology, tourism, and retail just as much as you could in healthcare, government, and finance. Plus, you could work for a big company, a small business, or a non-profit.
Since graphic design is in-demand across so many sectors, you’ll also have the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects. This could involve websites and social media pages or print projects such as brochures, flyers, and posters. Each project gives you a new opportunity to showcase your design skills and figure out new ways to convey essential information to the consumer or target audience. Beyond that, it gives you the ability to diversify your portfolio.
There are personal uses for graphic design as well such as invitations and cards. If you host a party, you could send out creatively designed letters to your loved ones and personalized thank-you cards after the event. You could also use your graphic design skills to amplify your blog or make a digital scrapbook. It could also help you promote your side hustle. For example, if you like to cook, you could not only start a blog but write and design a digital cookbook full of personal recipes. Truly, the skills you learn in graphic design go far beyond the professional realm and can benefit you in numerous ways.
Graphic design classes vary from provider to provider and typically emphasize different concepts, depending on the length. However, some of the more essential skills may include visual design principles and the software used to create the designs. Other classes may emphasize web design or marketing. Others may help you manage different projects at once. Regardless, these are generally regarded as some of the most important graphic design skills, so most classes touch upon one or more of these topics.
Graphic design relies heavily on the Designer’s ability to apply various visual principles to create visually engaging projects. This means elements on the page are logically placed, easy to read, and pleasant to look at, regardless of what it is. A website, logo, brochure, flyer, or social media page all need the visual design principles applied to them to grab hold of the audience’s attention. Understanding color theory and typography is important just as much as providing balance, hierarchy, and alignment.
Design software is one of the most commonly taught skills in a graphic design class. You will likely learn Adobe Creative Cloud applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign which are useful for creating all kinds of design projects. Additionally, many will teach Figma for web design and prototyping. Regardless of which type of class you are interested in, graphic design software will help make your projects more interesting and visually appealing.
Having a solid grasp of marketing tactics is necessary for graphic design professionals, which is why many marketing classes teach graphic design, and many graphic design classes teach marketing. You will likely learn how to create informative and eye-catching branding materials. By learning more about marketing, you can better align your designs with the messages that businesses want to communicate. This can make your graphic design work even more meaningful.
Many Graphic Designers create visuals for websites, making it incredibly important to understand how an online presence can influence a company’s success. Some graphic design classes focus specifically on web design combined with graphic design, which may discuss how to create user-friendly interfaces, visually appealing elements, and a pleasant user experience. As the internet becomes more prevalent, it will become increasingly important to have well-designed websites.
Although project management is not directly tied to graphic design as a practice, it is an essential skill you will need if you want to work as a professional Graphic Designer. You’ll likely juggle several clients and projects at once, which means you’ll need to balance your workflow accordingly. Honing your project management skills can also help you improve communication, stay organized, and complete projects on time. Therefore, there are many project management tips and tricks you may pick up in a graphic design class.
Learning graphic design can be relatively challenging, but it’s not impossible. Some think it’s hard because it combines so many different skills such as creativity, technical abilities, and communication. Providing a blend of these can be challenging, but it all depends on your previous experience and personal aptitudes. Your study approach can make all the difference as well. If you opt for a professional training method, you are less likely to find it challenging. All in all, having a good attitude and putting in the effort will make the learning curve far less steep.
Some of the most challenging parts of learning graphic design come with applying the skills once you’ve learned them. For instance, getting the hang of Adobe Creative Cloud applications may take some time, but once you get used to the interface, features, and tools, using them will be a breeze. Sometimes you need to use programming skills in graphic design, depending on your position and specialization, so this may be difficult if you don’t have a strong technical background. Furthermore, communication can be hard for those who have a tough time putting their thoughts and ideas into words and visual aids.
The time it takes to learn graphic design depends mostly on your previous experience and your goals. If you want to become a Graphic Designer, you will need to spend far more time learning the material. This can likely take a few months to a year before you really nail the concepts and skills. However, you’re most likely going to continue learning for the rest of your career since the graphic design landscape is always evolving and new technologies are always emerging. However, if you just want to learn the basics, you could likely do so in a few weeks to a few months.
Learning graphic design can come in many forms. Choosing the right one for you will depend on many personal factors such as schedule, previous experience, and your end goals. In-person classes require a commute but offer the most hands-on approach to learning. You’ll study alongside others and have an instructor ready to provide feedback and assistance. If you have a flexible schedule, this is a great option and is a proven method for learning retention.
However, some have very difficult schedules to work around, live in remote areas, or are otherwise unable to make it to class. If this applies, you can still learn graphic design with live online learning. These classes are engaging and hands-on yet flexible. The instructor will still help as much as possible and provide necessary feedback and guidance. Although technical difficulties can get you off track, this may not be an issue altogether.
Asynchronous learning is considered the most flexible learning method because it allows you to teach yourself the material at a pace that suits your needs and schedule. This has benefits and detriments, however. For example, it enables you to become more disciplined and self-sufficient. You can also learn to manage your time better. However, this option is not ideal for beginners aiming to become professionals, as it is largely hands-off and lacks interaction. If you already work as a graphic design professional and want to sharpen your skills or learn a few new ones, this can be worthwhile. Otherwise, it’s best to opt for another learning method.
There are many free resources online that help make learning graphic design easier. For example, you could explore the social media pages of professional Graphic Designers who share their experiences and provide insights into the field. It’s also a good idea to check out training center websites that often have additional resources. For instance, Noble Desktop has a Free Seminars page and blogs where you can learn more about certain topics, jobs, and skills. They also have a Noble Desktop YouTube channel that has video playlists related to graphic design. Beyond that, you can explore chat rooms, discussion boards, and forums for more information. However, if you want to become a professional, these will not suffice as training. Free resources are useful as supplemental learning materials, but if you want to become a professional, you will have to enroll in a professional form of training.
Learning additional skills alongside graphic design will help boost your job prospects, expand your professional portfolio, and make you a more well-rounded design professional. For instance, if you learn motion graphics and animation, you can add a more dynamic flair to your work. These skills allow you to create engaging visuals for websites, social media, and other digital platforms and communicate in a more multimodal fashion.
Additionally, you may want to explore user experience (UX) design and user interface (UI) design. These are essential for web design and will help you learn more about how users want to interact with the products you design. By understanding user behavior, you can make more informed decisions that make the product both visually stunning and functional.
Graphic Designers can work in all kinds of industries such as tourism, technology, healthcare, and media and entertainment. Because Canada has such a strong economy with a vast number of thriving industries, graphic design experts can find work virtually anywhere. Read on to see how graphic design can be used in each of these industries and to learn a little more about the industry's relevance to Canada.
Tourism is a huge part of Canada’s economy as the country draws in millions of visitors every year. From the cities to the mountains, there are many reasons to visit Canada. For instance, Quebec City is vibrant and lively, whereas Banff National Park in Alberta is peaceful and calm. Canada offers a diverse range of activities and appealing attractions, so it is no surprise that the tourism sector is booming.
Graphic Designers in the tourism industry will frequently create branding materials for hotels, airlines, tour groups, and other hospitality-related businesses. In addition, they will work on social media pages and websites as much as brochures and flyers that entice potential travelers. Overall, branding is incredibly necessary for tourism and hospitality companies, so it’s necessary to have an adept graphic design team working behind the scenes to create logos, advertisements, and other print and digital content.
Canada has a couple of strong tech sectors across the country such as Toronto and Vancouver. Both have big-name companies and small businesses, along with numerous startups launching every year. Whether the company specializes in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning or cybersecurity and IT services, they play a pivotal role in boosting the Canadian economy and contributing to the global tech scene.
Tech companies hire Graphic Designers for numerous reasons. They could work in the marketing department and create content for promotional campaigns that share information on new services and products. On the other hand, graphic design experts could work on websites, applications, video games, and software interfaces to ensure they are visually appealing, functional, and organized. Graphic design in technology helps make products more innovative and engaging but also shares them with the consumer by making them seem appealing.
Hospitals, insurance companies, clinics, long-term care facilities, and even med spas are a part of the healthcare industry, which is a relatively strong industry in Canada. The country is known for having an incredibly remarkable universal healthcare system with some of the top hospitals across all the provinces, including the Toronto General University Health Network, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Mount Sinai Hospital.
Even healthcare companies need graphic design expertise, mainly to instill a sense of trust and community in their patients and the region as a whole. They may design educational materials such as brochures and posters, that detail certain medical procedures or healthcare concerns. A Graphic Designer may also work on ensuring the signage is concise, clear, and easy on the eyes. Moreover, they can help develop a strong online presence by designing logos, graphics, and other marketing materials for social media posts and websites. Overall, they work towards enhancing the delivery and clarity of important health-related messages.
The media and entertainment industry is a vibrant part of Canada that encompasses film, television, music, video games, and other digital content. It plays a huge role in shaping Canadian culture, with places such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal serving as the epicenters for film and television. For example, Toronto hosts the Toronto International Film Festival every year, which is well-known around the world. The industry not only provides the country with a diverse, creative landscape for growth but contributes heavily to the economy.
In media and entertainment, Graphic Designers play a few key roles. They will likely design promotional materials like posters, album covers, and social media content. Additionally, they can design interfaces for video games and mobile applications, ensuring there is an overall user-friendly experience. Moreover, graphic design experts can create logos, banners, and other branding materials for streaming services.
With the right graphic design training, you can apply for a wide range of job roles. Your salary expectations will vary from city to city and company to company, but most graphic design jobs also offer desirable salaries. Continue reading to learn more about these titles and salary expectations.
Graphic Designers create visual content for both print and digital means, including advertisements, brochures, flyers, logos, and social media graphics. They use their creative, technical, and communication skills to share information, convey messages, and make the brand easily identifiable. According to Indeed, the average base salary for a Graphic Designer in Canada is roughly $63,000, though some positions exceed this amount, depending on location and experience. For example, Vancouver-based Graphic Designers earn closer to $67,000.
Web Designers focus on the visual aesthetics of a website by crafting the layout, choosing the color scheme, and picking out specific typography. They ensure the website is visually appealing but also user-friendly and often use languages like HTML and CSS to achieve this balance. Glassdoor indicates that Web Designers in Canada earn an average salary of $52,000, but a realistic range for this role would be between $42,000 and $65,000.
Motion Graphics Designers produce animations and graphics for various mediums such as films and television, advertisements, video games, and other online content. They bring static designs to life using various software such as Adobe After Effects. A Canadian Motion Graphics Designer can typically earn an average of $55,000 a year, with a typical range between $40,000 and $79,000 according to data from Payscale.
Digital Marketers are tasked with promoting products and services through different digital mediums such as social media or email. They use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to improve visibility and will work with graphic design experts and concepts to create visually stunning content. Indeed shares that the average salary for Digital Marketers in Canada is close to $59,000. However, Montréal is the highest-paying city for Digital Marketers, with an average salary of $72,000. Toronto and Vancouver are listed slightly above the average with salaries resting closer to $61,000.
In Noble Desktop’s ||CPN548||, you’ll dive into some of the most essential Adobe Creative Cloud applications, like Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. You’ll complete projects that help you develop a professional portfolio that shows potential employers your ability to communicate clear, concise, and creative ideas to your intended audience. More specifically, you’ll learn to edit photos, design layouts, and create vector graphics that work together to develop the brand’s identity. You may complete projects like album and book covers or subway posters. By the end, you’ll feel accomplished and ready to take on the graphic design field with your professional portfolio, resume, and certificate.
Noble Desktop also offers a Digital Design Certificate where students will blend graphic design with UI design. The instructor will explain the foundational concepts of each field before giving you time to practice creating logos, banners, graphics, and icons in Adobe Creative Cloud applications that can be added to your interactive prototypes on Figma. With hands-on practice, your confidence as a digital design expert will increase and you’ll have a portfolio, resume, and certificate to show for all your hard work.
Likewise, the UI Design Certificate at Noble Desktop centers around UI design concepts and practices. You’ll work mainly with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator as well as Figma to design prototypes and graphics that are easy for the user to navigate in addition to being visually appealing. Your instructor will guide you by using the retouching and drawing tools as well as create designs that are suitable for mobile phones or desktops. Upon completing the course, you’ll earn a certificate and leave with a polished portfolio and resume.
The Juno College of Technology in Toronto offers a UX Design course that spans 48 total hours. Here, you’ll learn everything from information architecture and user personas to heuristic analysis and research synthesis. The projects are rooted in realistic scenarios, so you’ll gain experience in empathy mapping and prototyping. By the end of the course, you will feel accomplished and capable of applying user-centric design principles to digital products.
The Visual Design Short Course from General Assembly spans 32 total hours and gives you the skills needed to complete a variety of graphic design projects such as creating responsive web designs. This class allows you to get started with your professional portfolio and learn how to amp up your visual design skills.
New Horizons hosts an Adobe InDesign CC: Part I course that gives a thorough introduction to the most useful tools and features of InDesign. Over two days, students will practice designing their first document by adding text, graphics, formatting elements, characters, and colors. In addition, they’ll learn how to work with layers and objects before exporting their files for delivery.
If your graphic design or marketing team is considering corporate training to develop stronger communication, cohesion, and creative skills, know that it is incredibly worthwhile. Many engage in corporate training to develop industry-specific skills but often find that some of the biggest benefits come from learning in a collaborative environment with an expert instructor. Noble Desktop offers customizable corporate training sessions that can take place in-office or live online. Everyone will learn at the same pace and leave feeling more confident in their graphic design roles. Plus, the lessons make it easier to apply these skills to real-world projects completed at work.
Noble Desktop aims to foster a supportive learning environment and in-depth lessons, but the benefits don’t stop there. You can purchase bulk vouchers for regular classes at a discounted rate, which means your team can continue learning without worrying about the financial strain. If you have considered graphic design corporate training, reach out to Noble Desktop at corporate@nobledesktop.com to learn more about scheduling, pricing, and training options.