Figma Bootcamps Chicago, IL

Figma is both a proprietary design platform and a company. Originally developed for creating prototypes, sharing designs, and collaborating with other users, the platform has grown into a multifaceted powerhouse. Design and development pros use Figma AI, FigJam, Dev Mode, and other tools for everything from UX design to wireframing. Read on to learn more about Figma’s popular collaborative interface design solutions.

What Can You Do with Figma Training?

What you do with Figma depends on factors like your industry or sector, your current skill set, and whether you need Figma for design, development, or some other task. Consider the following projects you can do with Figma training.

Design

With Figma Design, users can collaborate, create prototypes, and streamline product development. When people refer to Figma, they typically mean the Figma Design tool, as opposed to Figma proprietary software.

Development

The Dev Mode suite allows users to add structure to Figma tools. Dev Mode streamlines the way that development pros access design specs in Figma. The Dev Mode integration can help design teams collaborate with product or web development teams.

Figma AI

The newest Figma iteration leverages AI to make a great platform even better. Figma AI features give users multiple options, like searching with visuals, instantly removing backgrounds, and adding relevant content, to name a few.

What Will I Learn in a Figma Bootcamp?

What you learn in a Figma class also depends on its emphasis and whether it is part of a broader design or development curriculum. For example, your Figma bootcamp might be part of a digital or UX/UI design certificate program. Consider the following skills common to most Figma bootcamps, whether taken singly or as part of a broader curriculum.

Create Designs

Design creation is a top use for Figma pros. User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design for applications, websites, or even animations are all possible with Figma.

Make Prototypes

Creating working prototypes to show clients or developers is another essential feature of the Figma platform. Consider making high-fidelity interactive prototypes a typical subject for a Figma bootcamp.

Build Components

Design systems include multiple components, guidelines, and assets. A Figma bootcamp is a great training ground for building components to maintain consistency and efficiency in the design process.

Collaboration

Though you might not learn collaboration in a bootcamp, it is one of the most crucial design and development soft skills—especially for those using a collaborative platform like Figma. Additional soft skills applicable to these pros include critical thinking, communication, and time management.

What Kinds of Training Options Are Available to Learn Figma?

Training options for Figma beginners include in-person, live online, on-demand or asynchronous learning, and self-teaching. Many providers offer multiple training methods, so check provider websites thoroughly to see how and when they host their courses. In-person programs boast the highest level of engagement, but not every city or town has providers that offer training in the traditional classroom setting.

Some course providers host most or all of their classes live online via teleconferencing. Many that host in-person training, like Noble Desktop, also present the same materials online. However, applicants should always check course listings for detailed information. Virtual classes can offer a level of engagement comparable to in-person training.

Another option for Figma training is on-demand, also known as asynchronous learning. Such programs usually consist of pre-recorded videos, although some course providers may add supplementary written materials or host a student chat group. Coursera, Skillshare, and Udemy are some of the better-known on-demand providers.

Finally, some Figma beginners start by self-teaching the platform. While checking out free online resources like YouTube videos or blogs can help orient Figma novices to the platform, most people enroll in formal training classes.

Choosing the Right Training Method for You

Many Figma beginners ponder the best training method for learning this powerful platform. In-person training can be ideal for those who can drive to a class in their community or at least commute to one within a reasonable distance.

However, many students have no viable local in-person options. For them, a live online class is the next best thing. Some even prefer it. Graduates from live online courses typically report an engagement level comparable to in-person training.

On-demand video coursework can provide a lower price point and may appeal to those who work alternate schedules, like the second shift. However, these courses usually offer a much lower engagement level than live courses. Finally, while self-teaching can be a great way to cover a few fundamentals, most Figma beginners eventually choose formal training to develop their skills.

How Are Bootcamps Different from Other Kinds of Classes?

Bootcamps differ from other training options in several ways. While a bootcamp may consist of multiple training modules, participants can usually complete a bootcamp in a few weeks or even days. Individual classes, on the other hand, may take less time but provide less information or hands-on experience.

A certificate program typically consists of one or more bootcamps and training modules and takes longer than the average bootcamp. Certification programs may offer some of the same material as a certificate program, but the goal is to prepare students to sit for a certification exam. Lastly, college and university degrees take two to four years. Many employers waive degree requirements for entry-level positions if applicants have relevant knowledge and experience from a certificate program.

Who Will Benefit Most from a Figma Bootcamp?

Those who benefit most from a Figma bootcamp are typically design and development pros who need intermediate to advanced Figma skills for their careers. For example, consider the following titles for roles that can require Figma training:

• Designer
• Developer
• Prototype Designer
• Software Engineer
• UI Designer
• UX Designer
• UX/UI Designer
• UX Researcher
• Web Designer
• Web Developer

The list is by no means comprehensive. Product designers, analysts, and various management positions can also require Figma expertise, depending on the industry or sector. However, the professionals who get the most out of immersive Figma training usually work in development or design.

How Hard is It to Learn Figma?

How hard it is to learn Figma depends on factors like aptitude, previous design or development experience, and the level and method of training. Many users compare and contrast Figma with other tools like Adobe XD. Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud tools can benefit new learners, but it is not a requirement. Finally, becoming familiar with a skill differs from becoming an expert. Although you can learn fundamentals through YouTube videos, gaining Figma proficiency takes formal training for most users.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Figma?

The most challenging aspects of mastering Figma vary from person to person. Some beginners have experience with other tools like Adobe XD or Sketch, and they may or may not feel that benefits them when learning Figma. Others come to Figma with no design or development experience whatsoever. The one universal comment from most Figma users is that it is relatively easy to learn.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Figma?

As in other software platforms, the time it takes to be comfortable experimenting with Figma is much less than what it will take to learn Figma at a professional level. Many new users experiment with the software and watch YouTube videos to begin. However, getting comfortable with Figma can take at least 12 to 18 hours, longer for a paid design or development position.

Industries That Use Figma

UX/UI Design

Chicago is home to numerous industries that require intermediate to advanced Figma skills. User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design are the most notable. Small companies and multinational corporations alike need skilled UX/UI design pros to develop and optimize their ecommerce experiences across multiple platforms.

Product Design

Product design and development are essential to many Chicago industries, none more so than advanced manufacturing. Look for Figma product design or development roles in everything from manufacturing to digital marketing, wellness, and BFSI (banking, financial services, and insurance).

Web Development

The Windy City is a major metropolitan area, which means it hosts thousands of companies. All of them need websites, and Figma is essential for many web development roles. Look for Figma development jobs in FinTech, digital design, and engineering firms, to name a few.

Figma Job Titles and Salaries

Careers in Chicago commonly associated with Figma include design, development, and research roles, including UX, UI, and product development. Salaries for positions requiring Figma expertise range widely, depending on industry, seniority, and education. Consider the following among the highest-paying roles in Chicago that demand intermediate to advanced Figma skills.

Software Engineer

A Chicago Software Engineer can expect an average annual salary of around $104,000, not including additional compensation like bonuses or profit sharing. While other titles earn a higher average income, some of the highest-paying roles are senior software engineering positions, some over $200,000 annually.

Web Developer

Web Developers in Chicago typically earn about $110,000 in annual base pay, a figure that does not factor in (401)k matches or other compensation. Some industries pay more than others on average, and job postings for Web Developers may show ranges as high as $135,000 to $145,000 here.

UX Designer

UX Designers are among the highest-paid Figma pros in the Chicago metro area, with an average annual salary of around $128,000. Senior/management roles may pay considerably more, with some averaging over $200,000 annually.

Figma Bootcamps Near Me

The Figma Bootcamp from Noble Desktop provides 12 hours of intensive, beginner-friendly training in this essential software. Participants learn Figma for UI/UX design, including topics like files, grids, components, prototypes, and animations. Graduates receive a digital certificate of completion and can retake the course for up to a year at no additional charge.

You can save by taking the bootcamp as part of Noble’s Figma Masterclass, which adds six hours of advanced training. Additional subjects include variables, conditionals, and building design systems, to name a few.

Those who plan to work in user experience (UX), user interface (UI), or digital design can save even more by taking the Figma Bootcamp as part of the UX & UI Design Certificate or Digital Design Certificate program from Noble Desktop. Forbes Advisor awarded the UX & UI Design Certificate its Best UI/UX Design Bootcamp award, and Fortune rated it Best UX Design Bootcamp in 2024. Check course listings to save your seat.

Another respected course provider, City Lit, offers live online training for Figma beginners. Their UI Design for Websites Using Figma course covers everything from responsive web design to wireframing, prototyping, and branding. Check the City Lit website for more detailed information.

American Graphics Institute also provides Figma classes for students in the Chicago area. They offer multiple live training options, including an online alternative. Their Figma Bootcamp is a comprehensive course for UI students who includes topics like icons, components, and prototypes. Graduates receive a certificate of completion and can retake the course for up to a year for no additional charge.

Students who plan to learn Figma in Portuguese have multiple training options available from FLAG. They host a Figma course at the Lisbon and Porto locations or live online from anywhere. The Figma program prepares UX/UI Designers for prototype construction, production processes, and other professional challenges.

Figma Corporate Training

Would your team benefit from expanding their Figma skill set? If so, consider onsite and corporate Figma training from Noble Desktop. Noble offers multiple training options and can customize a program to your organizational needs and preferences. Corporate and onsite training is available live online by teleconferencing, and expert Noble Desktop instructors can even conduct classes at your location.

If you want your employees to have more flexibility with their Figma instruction, Noble also provides discounted vouchers for its open-enrollment group classes. Employers get a discount when they purchase vouchers in bulk, providing a convenient option so an organization can select the training format that best suits its needs.

Want to learn more about the different Figma training alternatives Noble Desktop can provide for your team? Contact them today for additional information and a no-obligation consultation.