Learn Adobe design fundamentals in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to create cohesive, professional designs.
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.
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.
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 fundamentals of graphic design as you get hands-on experience and produce real-world projects. Broaden your understanding of graphic design concepts, understand the elements of design, and expand your portfolio in this comprehensive graphic design course.
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.
Graphic design is concerned with visual forms of communication. It blends the art of creativity with technical skills to create a well-designed and effective piece. Graphic design combines images, text, and other visual elements to create something pleasing to the eye while also conveying the intended message. Whenever you see a logo from a company, the packaging on a product, or the layout of a website, you are engaging with a form of graphic design. A graphic design professional will use various tools to create print or digital projects that align with the company’s goals, adequately share information, and apply design principles.
As a concept, graphic design has been around for quite some time. It technically dates back to ancient times when humans would draw imagery on caves to tell stories, but with the emergence of tools such as the printing press, the internet, and design software, graphic design became more prominent and necessary. As markets, stores, and eventually ecommerce platforms grew, big-name companies and small businesses alike learned to utilize graphic design in their marketing tactics. Today, graphic design has exploded with the digital age, making it easier than ever to create beautiful visuals and help companies thrive.
Graphic design skills are incredibly versatile, meaning you could find a job in a wide variety of industries and for many different companies. You can work in a position where marketing and advertising are heavily emphasized, or you could work in publishing. Furthermore, you could work in tech and finance or healthcare and education. Large companies like Apple and Nike rely on graphic design experts to help with their brand identities. Nonprofits and startups also need talented design professionals to tell their stories and spread the word about their mission.
As a Graphic Designer, your projects could vary greatly. You may design logos, create marketing materials like brochures, or develop user interfaces for websites and mobile applications. You could even work on packaging design, infographics, or social media graphics. Each project presents a new challenge and a chance to enhance your creative skills.
Graphic design is not only useful for professional reasons; it can also be helpful in your personal life. You can create customized personal projects for a party, such as flyers or invitations. You could also design a personal blog or make graphics for your social media page. This is especially helpful if you have a side hustle such as photography. If you’re into arts and crafts, graphic design can help you sell your creations and express yourself even further. Whether you’re looking for a professional career or just want to enhance your personal projects, graphic design offers endless opportunities.
Every graphic design class will have a unique twist and focus on different topics, but there are a few key skills you will likely encounter. Some classes may cover all these skills, whereas others may focus on one or a few. From mastering design software and design principles to learning how to implement user experience design, a graphic design class will teach skills that help you thrive in the classroom and the real world.
One of the first things you are likely to learn in a graphic design class is how to use various design programs. Some classes will cover Figma, a useful prototyping application, but most will focus heavily on the applications within Adobe Creative Cloud. The most commonly taught applications include Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Each performs a different design function and is used for different purposes, but all are equally important to create clear, professional-quality projects that effectively communicate a message. These applications not only enhance a project’s design but also boost your productivity through their extensive tools and features.
With any visual design project, you will need to learn design principles. Graphic design classes teach core principles such as contrast, balance, alignment, repetition, and hierarchy. You’ll also cover color theory and typography. Once you apply these principles, your designs will become far more visually appealing and effective. For instance, using a strong typeface with a well-chosen background color can make the difference between whether your audience clearly sees your message or misses it entirely. Understanding these principles helps you communicate effectively and provides a framework that can guide future design projects.
As a graphic design professional, you will likely work on marketing and branding projects. With a graphic design education, you will be able to develop a company’s brand identity through logos, icons, banners, web designs, and social media content. These visuals are designed to resonate with audiences and maintain a consistent image that consumers remember. These skills are essential to ensure that your work is not only visually appealing but also impactful and aligned with both company goals and audience expectations.
User experience (UX) design focuses on how users interact with your designs, especially in a digital context. Some graphic design classes emphasize UX design because it’s crucial to create a product that is not only visually attractive but also works as intended. By focusing on intuitive layouts and aesthetically pleasing interfaces, you increase user-friendliness and satisfaction. This skill is essential to ensure that users can easily navigate and engage with your designs, particularly in web or mobile applications.
Graphic design projects are heavily reliant on the designer having a strong sense of communication and storytelling. In most graphic design classes, you will learn how to convey different messages by appealing to the viewer’s sense of logic, emotional state, or values. Moreover, the visual aspects of your project will drive a narrative forward and connect with your audience on a deeper level. This skill transforms ordinary designs into memorable and effective pieces.
Learning graphic design can feel overwhelming at first. There are many tools, techniques, and concepts you will need to learn before you feel fully comfortable with the process. Initially, becoming familiar with the basics is relatively straightforward. However, what you learn in theory can sometimes be challenging to apply in practice. It’s important to recognize that while you can become comfortable with the tools and techniques quickly, truly mastering graphic design requires time, effort, and consistent practice to refine your skills and develop a unique style.
One of the most difficult challenges associated with learning graphic design is blending your technical, creative, and storytelling skills to produce organized, meaningful, and effective designs. You may struggle with using certain software at first, but with time and practice, this becomes less challenging, and you will learn where to locate tools more efficiently. You can also customize your workspace to suit your preferences. Additionally, graphic design is a constantly evolving field that requires staying up-to-date with industry trends. It’s easy to get absorbed in projects and lose sight of what’s new and emerging.
Learning basic graphic design concepts is relatively easy and typically takes a few weeks to a few months. However, if your goal is to become a professional Graphic Designer, you will need to spend several months to a year or more developing your skills. After a few months of focused study, you will likely feel comfortable using the software and applying design principles to various projects. Around a year into your training, you may feel confident handling a wide range of projects independently. Still, it’s important to remember that continuing education is essential in graphic design, so ongoing learning will likely continue throughout your career.
Learning graphic design can take many forms, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. In-person classes offer hands-on experience and direct interaction with instructors and peers. This format can enhance your learning experience and provide valuable networking opportunities with other design professionals. A structured classroom environment can also help you stay focused and supported throughout your training. With guidance and feedback from instructors, you’ll also gain skills more quickly. However, in-person classes require a set schedule, which may be difficult if you have other commitments. In addition to having ample time, you will also need reliable transportation to attend in-person sessions.
Live online learning options are especially flexible but still offer a thorough education. In this type of class, you will interact with the material as well as your instructor and peers. Plus, you can learn from anywhere, which is incredibly convenient. Moreover, you’ll find classes from all over the country or world, which gives you more options. Of course, technical issues can arise and cause disruptions in the learning process. Depending on where you choose to attend class, there may be additional distractions that you otherwise may not have in an in-person class. However, this remains an incredibly effective way to learn.
Asynchronous learning is another option, but one that should be approached with a clear understanding. Although this option is the most flexible, there are some considerable downsides. There’s far less interaction since you will be teaching yourself the material. Likewise, it can be easy to feel unmotivated since you are in charge of making your schedule and staying on task. All in all, if you want to become a professional Graphic Designer, this may not be the best option. However, if you are someone who already has experience with graphic design and just need a flexible, low-stress learning option, asynchronous classes may be a great fit.
To supplement your graphic design education, you may consider learning different but relevant skills. You may first consider learning UX research, as many graphic design classes also cover UX design concepts. Similarly, you may want to practice web development specifically, as understanding how websites function and how to improve the user experience can enhance your overall design work.
Additionally, learning other Adobe applications such as Premiere Pro for video editing and After Effects for animation and motion graphics can be hugely beneficial. This can broaden your skill set, which makes you a more valuable asset to any creative team. Plus, you can work on an even wider range of projects that intersect with graphic design. Any combination of these skills will make you a versatile, well-developed designer, which is helpful in today’s competitive job landscape.
Orlando is a bright and vibrant city full of creative energy, technical innovation, and constant growth. With strong industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, hospitality, and tourism, it’s no surprise that many professionals come to this region for career opportunities. The following sections outline how these industries contribute to Orlando’s economy and how Graphic Designers can find employment within them.
Orlando is one of the most visited cities in Florida, partly due to its beautiful weather and world-renowned theme parks such as Walt Disney World. The hospitality and tourism industry is vital to the local and state economy, bringing in millions of visitors each year. This industry not only fuels the local economy but also creates countless jobs. From restaurants and resorts to attractions and events, there is always something happening in Orlando.
To adequately promote all the services, goods, and events around the area, hospitality and tourism companies hire Graphic Designers to create eye-catching promotional materials. These may include print designs such as flyers, brochures, and posters, or digital assets such as logos, icons, graphics, and other branding elements. With these designs, visitors and potential visitors can easily identify the brand, making it more memorable to them. This leads to a higher likelihood of booking a trip, using the services, and exploring the city.
Because Orlando has such a thriving tourism industry rooted in entertainment, the city is also a hotbed for technological advancement. Between Walt Disney World and Universal Studios alone, there is a strong need for entertainment tech development. Additionally, the number of gaming companies in the city is steadily growing. With finance and healthcare also being significant industries in the region, FinTech and HealthTech companies and startups are continuing to emerge. Whether it’s creating immersive, exciting entertainment experiences or developing state-of-the-art healthcare advancements, the tech industry plays a major role in Orlando.
In the tech field, Graphic Designers have numerous roles. They often create user interfaces for applications, games, and websites for promotional, educational, or entertainment purposes. They ensure the product is both visually appealing and functional. In addition, they develop branding materials that help companies stand out in a competitive market. Designers also assist with social media campaigns, website layouts, and print advertising. Ultimately, graphic design helps tech companies stay relevant and build a loyal user base.
Orlando is home to top-tier hospitals, clinics, research facilities, insurance companies, and other healthcare-related institutions. Major organizations such as AdventHealth Orlando, Orlando Health, Nemours Children’s Hospital, and the UCF Lake Nona Medical Center provide medical care tailored to community needs. As the city continues to grow, so does the demand for accessible and high-quality healthcare services. From cutting-edge treatments and tools to community-driven health initiatives, the healthcare sector offers many opportunities for professionals to thrive.
Graphic Designers are essential in the healthcare industry as well. They create clear, concise, and engaging materials that inform the community of health risks, inspire healthy behaviors, and build trust in healthcare providers. The goal is to make complex medical information more accessible and understandable so that the average patient feels cared for, safe, and informed.
Orlando has a strong finance sector filled with banks, lending companies, and investment firms. Institutions such as Fairwinds Credit Union, Truist, and Wells Fargo play a vital role in the city’s economic landscape, and the region has also become a growing hub for FinTech startups. This sector gives businesses and individuals efficient ways to manage and access their financial information. As more companies establish operations in Orlando, the market becomes increasingly competitive and diverse, creating a greater need for strategic visual communication.
With that need to stand out comes a growing demand for Graphic Designers. These professionals help financial institutions build recognizable brands through logos, icons, and marketing materials. Designers also create infographics, financial reports, pitch decks, and digital content that clarify complex financial terms and concepts for general audiences.
Graphic design jobs come in many forms, so with the right training, you can find a fulfilling and lucrative career. Most positions require a balance of creative and technical skills, but each career path emphasizes different tools, mediums, or areas of specialization. Below are a few popular job titles for Graphic Design professionals who want to put their skills to use.
Graphic Designers are the driving creative force behind different kinds of branding, educational, and visual content. They work on print and digital media, such as brochures and flyers, or logos and websites. Their goal is to create designs that capture the viewer’s attention and convey the intended message. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that, on average, a Graphic Designer earns approximately $61,000 per year. In addition, the BLS states that Florida is one of the top five states with the highest employment level for Graphic Designers.
A Digital Marketer creates promotional materials across different online spaces such as social media, websites, and email. They utilize strategies such as SEO to ensure the brand has high visibility and increased traffic. In essence, digital marketing is all about understanding how to reach and engage a target audience. Indeed reports that Digital Marketers in Orlando can earn approximately $65,000 per year. However, this can vary based on experience. For example, a Senior Digital Marketer in Orlando might earn around $69,000, while a Vice President of Digital Marketing can earn closer to $168,000 annually.
Digital Designers create visual content for various online platforms such as websites, social media, email, and mobile applications. They are not limited to one form and may spend their time designing marketing, educational, or entertainment content that looks as great as it functions. This role blends creative and technical expertise, making it a diverse and exciting career path. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Digital Designers in Orlando can earn up to $93,000. Moreover, the BLS also reports that Florida is the fifth-highest employing state for these professionals.
A User Experience (UX) Designer ensures that products are aligned with consumers’ needs and preferences. They are responsible for researching, designing, and maintaining the user-friendliness of websites, applications, and other products to ensure that they are intuitive and enjoyable to use. Glassdoor indicates that the average UX Designer salary is approximately $70,000, though this figure can be higher depending on experience and opportunities for additional compensation.
If you want an all-encompassing graphic design education, consider the Graphic Design Certificate from Noble Desktop. Throughout 84 hours of total instruction, you will complete hands-on projects rooted in realistic graphic design scenarios such as creating album art, book covers, and branding materials. You’ll learn the foundations of graphic design, including techniques, processes, and tools. Specifically, you’ll gain proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications like InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. An instructor will guide you through tools and techniques to broaden your understanding of graphic design and help you build your portfolio.
Noble Desktop also offers a 138-hour Digital Design Certificate in which you will learn Adobe Creative Cloud tools, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, as well as Figma. The instructor will also cover UI design principles, such as best practices for webpage design. By the end of the course, you will be able to retouch photos, create page layouts, and design vector graphics. You’ll complete multiple projects to help develop your graphic design portfolio. Upon completion, you’ll have a strong résumé, a refined digital design skill set, a professional portfolio, and a certificate of completion.
The 12-hour AI for Graphic Design course is an ideal way to learn how to use AI to create more advanced designs and improve workplace efficiency. You’ll learn how to use AI in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat, Illustrator, and other platforms. You’ll create images with generative AI tools, restore photos, and use subject-aware text wrap. Additionally, you’ll explore Adobe’s new AI-powered features in Camera Raw.
Corporate training in graphic design is a fantastic investment for any team looking to improve their creative, communicative, and technical skills. In today’s ever-evolving digital landscape, it is essential to stay updated on advancements in the field and emerging technology tools. With Noble Desktop, your team can explore numerous training options that can be customized to suit their needs—whether you’re looking for a broad overview of the field or want to focus on one specific design program. Plus, your group can learn in-person or live online, making the learning experience more accessible for everyone.
Noble Desktop also allows your organization to purchase bulk class vouchers at a discounted rate. This not only makes training more cost-effective but also promotes a collaborative learning environment for all participants. Investing in graphic design training can elevate your team’s capabilities and help them create stunning visuals that set your company apart from the competition. If you’re interested in corporate training, reach out to corporate@nobledesktop.com to learn more about pricing, scheduling, and training options.
A city bursting with innovation and energy, Orlando is becoming one of Florida’s most exciting places to build a career. Long recognized for its world-class tourism and entertainment industries, the city is now gaining a lot of traction in fields related to tech, data, business, and design. Industries like tech, entertainment, healthcare, and aerospace reign supreme, which means there are ample job and professional development opportunities. Start-ups, research institutes, and global corporations alike call Orlando home, creating countless opportunities for professionals eager to expand their skills and make a real impact. Considering all the strong industries in Orlando that need Graphic Designers, it's a worthwhile skill to study. Companies need design experts to create logos, posters, and content for the web and social media. Through Noble Desktop’s training from experienced instructors, you’ll be able to access the most updated industry-standard information that will help you get right to work in the field. This fast-growing region is worth exploring, and the new skills that you can learn in the region will help you get your foot in the door sooner and are beyond worthwhile.
Dr. Cheryl McCloud brings over 35 years of experience in global supply chain management, with expertise in transportation, inventory systems, trade compliance, and regulatory affairs. She’s earned a Bachelor’s in International Studies from Old Dominion University, along with an MBA in Project Management from DeVry University and a DBA in Global Supply Chain Management from Walden University. Throughout her career, Dr. McCloud has owned a global transportation business, served as a federal government contractor, and provided trade compliance oversight for various shippers. She currently teaches project management courses and, as a licensed U.S. Customs Broker, she also holds certifications in project management and federal maritime law.