Best Graphic Design Certificates CT: Find Courses & Onsite Training

Learn More About CT Graphic Design Certificates

Graphic Designers combine text, images, and other visual elements in a particular way to communicate ideas and messages with an audience. They create a diverse range of products such as logos, webpages, magazines, and advertisements. Graphic design differs from art because it is usually created for a reason, while art is often created for its own sake.

Graphic designers work with non-digital mediums such as ink, rulers, brushes, and paper. In recent years, it has also become increasingly common for Graphic Designers to use digital tools. For instance, Adobe Photoshop is a common graphic design application. Digital tools make it easy to make changes to designs such as resizing and rotating, and to share designs with other people. Many digital programs also give designers the ability to use techniques that are not even possible with non-digital mediums.

Digital tools continue to evolve, and this means that the realm of what Graphic Designers can do is constantly expanding. For instance, LinkedIn explains, “Some of the future prospects include emerging technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence; new media and genres such as immersive storytelling, gamification, and data visualization; and new roles and niches such as graphic facilitator, graphic recorder, and graphic journalist.”

Why Become Certified in Graphic Design?

Job statistics show that graphic design is likely to be a stable career field over the next decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS), which collects and analyzes information about the U.S. job market, Graphic Designers earn an average of almost $60,000 per year, and employment in this field is expected to grow at about 3 percent–which is about average–over the next ten years. Many Graphic Designers also create digital content, and the BLS reports that Web Developers and Digital Designers–who create digital content–earn about $80,000 per year and are likely to see a job growth rate of 16 percent over the next ten years, which is much faster than average. Another job related to graphic design is that of Special Effects Artist and Animator. The BLS finds that jobs in this category pay almost $100,000 on average, and are expected to increase about 8 percent in the next ten years.

Graphic design skills–particularly in digital media–are highly sought after today. Adobe argues that visual communication skills are one of the top job skills that people need to get hired. It says, “The modern digital landscape is fast-paced. Ads on social media platforms, mobile apps, and websites are all clamoring for the user’s attention. Bold, eye-catching visual communication that can quickly convey important information is necessary in every industry.” It also cites a recent study that shows that graduates with visual communication skills can increase their starting salary by up to 16 percent.

What You’ll Learn While Becoming Graphic Design Certified

When you become certified in graphic design, you’ll learn about theory of design. You’re also likely to learn how to create digital content and how to edit your designs. Most graphic design classes will cover at least one design application. In addition, you will probably work on many different design projects, which can be added to your portfolio.

Design Theory

Every choice that a Designer makes has a specific effect on their audience. For example, designs can communicate, persuade, or excite viewers. Design theory is a way to understand how and why this happens. By learning design theory, designers will gain more control over the way that their design choices work.

How to Create Digital Content

In recent years, digital content has become an increasingly important part of graphic design. When you get certified, you’ll learn how to create a variety of different types of digital designs. This may include web content, designs for digital advertising, and social media content.

How to Edit Designs

Graphic Designers also need to know how to edit their designs. Design applications allow a wide range of different editing options, and when you get certified in graphic design, you’ll learn about many different editing tools and techniques.

Graphic Design Applications

Graphic Designers increasingly rely on computer applications to help them create and manipulate their designs, so when you get certified, you’re likely to learn how to use several different design apps. Adobe applications are particularly popular such as Photoshop and Illustrator.

Project Work

Most Graphic Designers say that the best way to really master graphic design skills is by practicing them. As a result, when you take a graphic design class, you’re likely to work on numerous projects. An added benefit of doing so is that you’ll have material to add to your portfolio, which is a collection of your work that you can show potential employers and clients.

Graphic Design Industries in Connecticut

Connecticut has a population of more than three and a half million people and is the 23rd-largest economy in the country. Its official state website reports that Connecticut’s key industries include advanced manufacturing, insurance, bioscience and healthcare, aerospace and defense, financial services, and green energy. It also finds that there are 14 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the state. These diverse industries provide many opportunities for Graphic Designers.

Connecticut also has a significant film, television, and digital media industry. According to the state website, “The state is home to hundreds of production and post-production facilities, studios, game designers, software developers, and more.” In total, it reports that Connecticut has more than 3,000 film and digital media companies, and more than 20,000 people are employed in these industries. In addition, it says Connecticut has experienced 44 percent growth in film, television, and digital media over the past ten years.

The state also has a large number of tech companies. It says, “Connecticut boasts one of the fastest growing tech hubs in the country and significantly outpaces growth nationally, with tech supportive jobs rising by 5.3% in 20221 while other hubs… contracted.” In total, according to the state website, there are more than 60,000 tech jobs in Connecticut and more than 7,000 technology companies. The site, CT for Me, finds that the Connecticut tech industry accounts for 8 percent of the workforce and that wages for tech jobs in this state are more than 65 percent higher than the national median average.

Graphic Design Careers in Connecticut

Graphic design is a common career for people who have graphic design skills. Many Graphic Designers work for design companies, but it is also very common for them to be self-employed. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS), 19 percent of Graphic Designers in the United States are self-employed. It says that those who are not “generally work in studios, where they have access to equipment such as drafting tables, computers, and software.” According to Payscale, which provides salary information for many U.S. locations, a Connecticut Graphic Designer earns about $38,000 to $74,000.

Graphic skills can also lead to a wide variety of other design jobs. A Digital Designer creates digital visuals like graphics and animation for many different types of media, including websites and mobile apps. Glassdoor–another website that posts salary estimates–finds that a Connecticut Digital Designer earns $52,000 to $75,000. User Experience (UX) Designers are responsible for the way websites, apps, and other digital products look and feel. They can use graphic design knowledge to help design products that are pleasing to look at and to use. They earn about $85,000 each year, according to Payscale. Motion Graphics Designers create visual effects and animation for a variety of media, including film and television, video games, apps, and the web. Glassdoor finds that they earn about $68,000 to $110,000 in Connecticut. Graphic design skills are also used to create content for marketing. For instance, a Digital Marketer works on content for digital marketing campaigns. A Digital Marketer earns $49,000 to $87,000 yearly, according to Glassdoor. Finally, Web Designers design websites and need some knowledge of graphic design to create visually appealing websites. They earn about $58,000 per year, as reported by Payscale.

Should You Pursue a Certificate or Certification?

If you’re interested in getting certified in Graphic Design, it's important to understand the difference between a certificate and a certification. Certifications are industry-standard qualifications, and to earn one, you need to demonstrate your mastery of the topic by passing a proctored exam. For example, you can earn an Adobe Illustrator certification by passing a 50-minute proctored exam at an approved testing center. Certifications often expire. For instance, the Adobe Illustrator certification expires after three years. In contrast, certificates usually don’t require you to pass an exam, generally don't expire, and differ depending on where you get them. In most cases, you earn a certificate simply by passing a specific academic course. An example of a certificate is Noble Desktop’s Graphic Design Certificate, which you can earn by taking Noble’s one-month graphic design course.

Most certificate programs are appropriate for beginners and are designed to prepare students for an entry-level job in their chosen field. Because they cover a broad range of skills, certificate programs are a popular choice for people who don’t know a lot about graphic design but are interested in working in this field. In contrast, to earn a certification, students need to be proficient in the skill that they are being certified in, so certifications are usually more popular among more experienced designers. Many people pursue certifications to advance in their careers. There is some evidence that certification can lead to a higher salary. For example, according to Certiport, which is a certification provider, IT professionals who have certifications earn an average of 7 percent more than non-certified professionals. It also reports that IT professionals who say they gained new skills and/or certifications within the past year report an average raise of $12,000 to $13,000. Adobe argues that another compelling reason to get certified is that it can increase your creative power. It says, “Once you understand how to use Adobe software, you harness the power to create incredible things. Reaching the level of mastery required for certification allows you to bring your ideas to life with greater ease.”

Top Graphic Design Certificate Programs in Connecticut

Graphic design skills can lead to a variety of different design jobs, many of which are predicted to experience strong growth over the next ten years. A certificate program is an excellent way to learn the skills that you’ll need to work in graphic design. If you’re based in Connecticut, you’ll find a variety of graphic design course options, with both in-person and online programs.

If you’re not sure what graphic design program to pick, you can try the Classes Near Me tool. This is a tool that allows you to compare all the graphic design classes in your area, including both longer and shorter class options.

Graphic Design Certificate

This certificate is offered by CT State Community College, which has 12 campuses throughout Connecticut and is the biggest community college in New England. Students need to earn a total of 15 credits to receive the certificate. Tuition for CT State Community College is $183 per credit hour for in-state residents and $550 per credit hour for out-of-state students. Students also pay a service fee, which varies according to the number of credits taken.

The course is designed to give students entry-level graphic design skills. Students learn the principles of graphic design and work with computer graphics. They also create a portfolio. There are five courses: Digital Photographic Imaging, Graphic Design I, Graphic Design II, Interactive Media, and Web Design.

Graphic Design Certificate

This certificate program runs through Noble Desktop, which is a design and coding school based in New York City. It takes place in a live online format. Noble Desktop was founded in 1990. The course takes one month to complete if students take it full-time or three months in Noble’s part-time program. Tuition is $2,995. At the end of the course, students receive a New York State licensed certificate. They also have the option of a free course retake within one year.

The program is made up of four courses: Adobe InDesign Bootcamp, Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp, Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp, and Graphic Design Portfolio Bootcamp. Students learn how to use InDesign to create books and magazines and Illustrator to work with vector graphics. In the Photoshop course, they learn a wide range of editing techniques, and the graphic design bootcamp covers many different graphic design skills. Students also create a portfolio. In addition, they receive six one-on-one mentoring sessions, where they can get portfolio, resume, and job application help.

Online Graduate Certificate in Digital Media and Design

This program is offered by the University of Connecticut. It is a 12-unit course, and students learn online. Tuition is $11,100. This is an advanced course; students should have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Students who take this course will learn about digital media and design. Some of the topics covered are creating digital content, creating motion graphics and websites, understanding digital consumer behaviors, and using Google Analytics. There are four required courses: Creative Digital Fundamentals, Introduction to Web Design I, Digital Media Strategies for Business, and Digital Media Analytics.

Photoshop Training: Bootcamp

Photoshop is an industry-standard tool and one of the most popular Adobe applications for Graphic Designers. The Photoshop bootcamp is a good option for students who want to learn how to use this program. It is offered by Lumenbrite Digital Design Training and runs in a live online format. There are four classes, and tuition is $1,595. There are no prerequisites, but students should have basic computer skills. After completing the course, students receive a certificate.

Students who take this course learn how to set up a workflow, retouch, repair, and manipulate photos, and work with layers, typography, and compositing. They also learn advanced image manipulation, color management, and how to output to different media. The course also covers the use of the Brush tool and Shape tools, Camera Raw, and how to manage multiple Art Boards. In addition, instructors talk about best practices and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Graphic Design Portfolio Bootcamp

This course runs through NYC Career Centers, which is based in New York City but also offers live online classes. There are five sessions, and tuition is $1,295. Students get a proprietary workbook, a certificate of completion, and the option of a free retake within one year. In order to take the class, students should know how to use Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

This is a hands-on course where students learn about design processes and the elements of design and work on portfolio projects. Projects include logos, stationery, social media graphics, and event posters. Students also receive one-on-one mentoring with a design expert.

Adobe CC Graphic Design Bootcamp

This graphic design bootcamp is offered by ONLC Training Centers, which is an IT training school that has hundreds of training centers in the United States. The bootcamp runs for five days, and tuition is $1,995. ONLC instructors lecture live online, but ONLC also offers access to in-person computer labs. Upon completion of this course, students receive a certificate.

The course covers the basics of graphic design, and students also learn how to use Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. Specific skills include image editing and compositing, creating and editing vector graphics and illustrations, and page design and layout. Students also learn to use Adobe Bridge for organizing projects and workflow.

Featured Classes from Noble Desktop

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Featured Classes from Noble Desktop

Top Certificate Programs

Featured Classes from Noble Desktop

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Featured Classes from Noble Desktop

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Graphic Design Certificates CT

Graphic Design Certificate Learn The Skills Guarantee™

Noble Desktop Digital Design Certificate

Noble Desktop UI Design Certificate

Noble Desktop UX & UI Design Certificate

Key Insights

Learn More About CT Graphic Design Certificates

Why Become Certified in Graphic Design?

What You’ll Learn While Becoming Graphic Design Certified

Design Theory

How to Create Digital Content

How to Edit Designs

Graphic Design Applications

Project Work

Graphic Design Industries in Connecticut

Graphic Design Careers in Connecticut

Should You Pursue a Certificate or Certification?

Top Graphic Design Certificate Programs in Connecticut

Graphic Design Certificate

Graphic Design Certificate

Online Graduate Certificate in Digital Media and Design

Photoshop Training: Bootcamp

Graphic Design Portfolio Bootcamp

CT Graphic Design
Corporate & Onsite Training

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Top Certificate Programs

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Graphic Design Certificate Learn The Skills Guarantee™

Noble Desktop Digital Design Certificate

Noble Desktop UI Design Certificate

Noble Desktop UX & UI Design Certificate

Key Insights

Learn More About CT Graphic Design Certificates

Why Become Certified in Graphic Design?

What You’ll Learn While Becoming Graphic Design Certified

Design Theory

How to Create Digital Content

How to Edit Designs

Graphic Design Applications

Project Work

Graphic Design Industries in Connecticut

Graphic Design Careers in Connecticut

Should You Pursue a Certificate or Certification?

Top Graphic Design Certificate Programs in Connecticut

Graphic Design Certificate

Graphic Design Certificate

Online Graduate Certificate in Digital Media and Design

Photoshop Training: Bootcamp

Graphic Design Portfolio Bootcamp

CT Graphic Design Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

CT Graphic Design
Corporate & Onsite Training