Strengthen your Illustrator proficiency with classes that explore vector art, branding, and icon design. Students gain hands-on experience crafting scalable graphics for multiple platforms.
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.
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.
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.
Illustrator is an application used for creating and editing vector graphics. Unlike pixel-based graphics, which often lose quality when resized, vector-based graphics are made out of shapes, points, and lines and allow resizing with minimal loss of quality. Illustrator has thus become popular in industries like marketing, where designers need to resize graphics so that they can place them on multiple products. This application is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud and is available by subscription.
Illustrator can be used to create custom graphics and then resize them without a loss of quality. It is a valuable tool in marketing or any industry in which designers need to reproduce images while tailoring them to different types of products and media. For example, a Designer could use Illustrator to create an image for an advertising campaign, and that image could be manipulated for different types of media, such as print, social media, and websites, while still looking the same. This application is a popular branding tool. Branding involves creating a unique design that is associated with a specific brand and can be easily recognized wherever it appears.
Every Illustrator class is unique; however, it’s also likely that no matter what class you take, you’ll probably learn a similar set of foundational skills. These include mastering the application’s drawing tools and learning to use layers, colors, and shapes. You’ll also learn about design.
Illustrator includes a variety of different drawing tools, and when you take a class, you’ll learn how to use them. Instructors will cover the standard drawing tools and also the Pen tool, which you can then modify with anchor points and handles.
When you work with Illustrator, you’ll also need to learn how to use layers, which are a way to edit and organize your work. Specific skills covered will include creating new layers, separating layers, hiding layers, and locking layers.
There are many different tools within Illustrator that you can use to create and edit shapes. These include the Star, Ellipse, and Rectangle tools. Illustrator also lets you merge shapes or stack them.
An Illustrator class will also help you learn to work with color. The application has several different color-related tools. For example, there is a tool that lets you create your own custom colors. There is also a tool for generating color schemes.
Since Illustrator is a design tool, you’re likely to learn more about design when you take a class. You’ll learn to manipulate elements like color and proportion to achieve certain effects, which will help you create more purposeful designs.
Many people say that Illustrator is somewhat challenging to learn as a beginner because of the many different tools and features to cover. However, at the same time, this application is known to be relatively intuitive and user-friendly, which can ease the learning process. Students who already know how to use another Adobe application are likely to master the interface more quickly. A live class can also make it easier to learn since there will be an expert instructor to guide you through the process, provide feedback, and answer questions.
The amount of time it takes to learn Illustrator is different for every person; however, many people say that you can learn the basics within a matter of days or weeks, and can become fairly confident using this application within several months. To master Illustrator, you’ll probably need to devote a year or more. If you already have some experience working in graphic design or you know how to use another Adobe application, you’re likely to learn more quickly. In addition, the more time you spend practicing your skills, the more quickly you’re likely to learn.
If you’re looking for a job in Virginia where Illustrator is an asset, you’re likely to find many options. Illustrator is frequently used for design within the tech industry. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) reports that Virginia has a busy tech sector. It says, “Thousands of tech firms and tech industry leaders have been attracted to Virginia by its combination of diverse, world-class talent, exceptional quality of life, attractive business climate, and competitive costs.” According to VEDP, Virginia has the country’s highest concentration of tech talent, with 330,000 people working in tech occupations.
Advertising is another major industry where Illustrator will come in handy. At agencies like The Martin Agency in Richmond or in local governments like the Fairfax County Department of Communications and Public Affairs, Illustrator is often used to create infographics, brochures, and physical signage, but it’s also used for digital creations like web graphics. Developing a brand identity is incredibly necessary, no matter the industry.
Illustrator is an incredibly useful skill for Real Estate Agents and those working for real estate agencies. For instance, top-rated real estate agencies like Virginia-based Long & Foster Real Estate hire Illustrator professionals. It’s used for site plans, infographics for websites that detail property information, and signage.
Graphic Designers communicate messages through a visual format, utilizing elements such as text, color, and images. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS), a federal agency that collects and analyzes labor market statistics, projects approximately 21,000 job openings each year for this field over the next ten years. The agency also finds that 18 percent of Graphic Designers are self-employed. According to Indeed, in Virginia, a Graphic Designer has an average yearly salary of $57,000.
Fashion Designers design clothing, footwear, and accessories. Some use Illustrator for creating and manipulating prototypes and mockups of their designs. The BLS predicts 5 percent job growth for this profession between 2023 and 2033, which is slightly above average. According to Indeed, a Fashion Designer in Virginia has an annual salary of about $39,000.
Digital Designers create media that will be viewed on digital interfaces. Between 2023 and 2033, the BLS predicts 8 percent job growth for Web Developers and Digital Designers. This growth is driven by increased e-commerce and mobile device usage. A Digital Designer in Virginia earns $113,000 per year on average, according to Indeed.
Web Designers design websites. They are responsible for structure and layout and may use Illustrator to help with their designs. According to Indeed, in Virginia, the average yearly salary for a Web Designer is $76,000.
Noble Desktop is a New York City design and coding school that runs a variety of Illustrator classes, both in-person at its Manhattan classroom and in a live online format that you can take from anywhere. Noble’s Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp is a popular option for students who want to learn this application. This is a multi-day course that covers both basic and advanced features of Illustrator. You’ll learn how to use the application’s standard drawing tools as well as the Pen tool. You’ll also learn about type, effects, layers, compound paths, masks, blends, patterns, and colors. Throughout the class, you’ll create numerous graphics. The class also includes a bonus one-on-one training session where you can review challenging skills or get assistance with your own projects.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive course, Noble Desktop also offers a variety of certificate programs. The Graphic Design Certificate covers Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, as well as graphic design concepts. You’ll also work on projects that can be included in your portfolio. Another option is the Digital Design Certificate, where you’ll learn key design concepts and theories and receive instruction in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, along with user interface (UI) design using Figma. This class also includes portfolio development and one-on-one mentoring sessions.
Noble Desktop also runs an Illustrator Certification Program. This course takes you to an advanced level of skill and prepares you to pass the Adobe Certified Professional exam for Illustrator. It begins with a multi-day bootcamp and includes two private tutoring sessions to address any difficult concepts. The course concludes with the Illustrator certification exam, and includes the exam fee, proctoring, and a free retake if needed.
If you’d like to train a group of employees in Illustrator, Noble Desktop offers custom training options. Its experienced instructors can lead onsite and virtual Illustrator classes. You can select from an existing course or request fully customized content. Participants will receive post-training support materials such as handouts and access to videos, to help reinforce what they learned. All instructors have extensive real-world experience and a talent for teaching.
Another way to train a group of employees is to purchase vouchers for Noble Desktop’s regularly scheduled Illustrator classes. This allows each team member to choose the session that fits their schedule. Discounts are available for bulk voucher purchases. For more information about corporate training, email Noble Desktop.
Virginia’s professional community is, without a doubt, an impressive one. The state is home to some of the largest companies in the world, and with its proximity to the nation’s capital, its connections to the government and public service sectors are undeniable. Needless to say, those looking to gain new skills in tech, data, business, or design are well-positioned to do so.
Virginia students can take classes at the modern facilities located at 600 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, D.C., 20024. This is right off L’Enfant Plaza. It’s a professional yet welcoming environment that allows students to jump right into their studies. If you’re coming from Virginia, you’ll have no trouble getting here. While the trip will depend on where you’re coming from within the state, those in the Northern Virginia (NOVA) region can hop on the Virginia Railway Express to Union Station and take the Metro for a short ride to L’Enfant Plaza. Driving is still an option, with various parking garages available to make the trip easier. Otherwise, there are bus routes connecting from NOVA to D.C. With so many options, attending classes and workshops in D.C. is convenient and simple.
Illustrator enables clean, scalable graphics essential for branding and visual communication across Virginia. With this, the instructors at Noble Desktop strive to guide students through vector design techniques used in professional creative work. The school's instructors offer decades of experience and insight into the field that enables you to make a real difference in the Old Dominion.
A seasoned educator and training leader, Brian brings ample experience to the classroom, particularly in designing and delivering learning programs in project management and emerging technologies, like AI. He has created adaptive learning models that blend instructor-led lessons, live experiences, and self-paced study, making professional development flexible and accessible to everyone. Brian has also focused heavily on integrating AI into training, which helps organizations and professionals by applying AI to real-world situations that can fix challenges, assist leadership, execute projects seamlessly, and make more informed decisions. Beyond teaching, he has led curriculum development, managed large-scale training initiatives, and implemented collaboration tools that have led to higher retention rates and increased engagement from students.
Clarissa has over 25 years of experience as a corporate trainer, Project Manager, and Business Consultant. She has designed and delivered highly effective training sessions for federal agencies, private corporations, and international organizations, making her a well-versed and experienced trainer and educator. She is currently the President and CEO of Projections Training Solutions, which has trained over 10,000 professionals worldwide, including clients like the Department of Defense, NASA, Microsoft, and FEMA. Not to mention, her work has taken her to places like China, Japan, South Korea, Africa, Singapore, and the Caribbean. Her programs span subjects like leadership, project management, business analysis, and emerging technologies. At Graduate School USA, Clarissa is a trusted and well-respected instructor who teaches and helps develop several programs.
As a retired combat veteran who served as both an Air Force enlisted member and a Navy officer, Alan brings more than 30 years of experience across federal and commercial sectors. His background consists of work in budgeting, auditing, programming, operations, global logistics, supply chain management, and IT acquisitions. He has worked extensively with federal, state, and local governments, such as the Executive Office of the President and various departments (such as the State, Defense, Health and Human Services, and Education Departments, to name a few). Alan’s consulting work includes strategic planning and business development with the D.C. government, federal agencies, Lockheed Martin, and more. Overall, he’s a well-equipped educator due to his experience and expertise, but he also holds a teaching certification from Harvard’s Bok Center for Teaching and Learning. His expansive background makes him a perfect fit to teach subjects like finance, accounting, and project management.
With more than fifty-five years of experience in federal and non-profit financial management, Johnny is a retired senior Federal Manager and Vietnam combat veteran. His degrees are from Herbert H. Lehman College and St. John's University. He has been working as an adjunct faculty member at the Graduate School USA since 2011, teaching Appropriations Law, as well as a range of federal budget-related courses, including finance and accounting. His career also includes leadership roles, such as the Chief of Budget Execution for the IRS Office of Chief Counsel and the Budget Officer for the Small Business Administration’s Office of Inspector General. His impressive career experience and education allow him to share his wisdom with others, fostering a supportive and structured learning experience.
Charles Byrd is an experienced Employee and Labor Relations Consultant with a strong background in federal human resources management and legal counseling. He obtained his B.A. in Business Administration and Political Science from Loyola University and received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law before diving further into his career. Over the years, he has advised agencies on complex HR and labor matters, managed HR programs, and represented organizations in legal proceedings. In addition to this, Charles has developed and delivered specialized training in subjects like project management and human resources. He has been recognized for his professional excellence as well as his teaching abilities and leadership skills, acquiring awards and accolades throughout his decades-long career.
Natalya has been a part-time instructor at Graduate School USA for over 15 years, where she teaches project management, leadership, and human resources courses. She has developed original curricula, including Change Management Workshops and specialized project management programs. In addition, Natalya has served as an action learning coach and facilitator in government leadership initiatives. She runs her own consulting business, offering coaching and training for public and private entities. Moreover, she created the Define and Achieve Your Goals Process and is a certified Birkman Method Consultant. Her M.S. degree in Project Management from George Washington University’s School of Business provides her with the credibility and skills that have allowed her to excel in this field for so long. Between her experience and knowledge in the field, she’s well-equipped to provide insight into the project management field.