Learn Illustrator through workshops on vector illustration and digital graphics. Each session builds control, creativity, and precision across scalable designs.
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.
Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics design and editing application. Vector graphics are images composed of lines, points, and shapes. Unlike pixel-based graphics, they can be resized without becoming blurry or blocky. Illustrator is used for creating many different types of designs, including logos, drawings, illustrations, and graphics. It is popular in industries like marketing, where graphics often need to be resized for various product dimensions. A graphic created with this application can easily be adjusted to fit a variety of products, ranging from tiny items like business cards to massive structures like billboards.
Illustrator was first released in 1986 and was made available to the public in 1987. It is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud, a group of creative applications popular with designers. Adobe Creative Cloud also includes applications like InDesign, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro. Many Adobe applications, including Illustrator, have become industry-standard tools. Since its release, Illustrator has continued to evolve. The most recent version is 28.0.
Illustrator lets users create their own custom graphics and resize them without losing quality. It is an ideal tool for creating graphics that need to be mass-produced and resized for multiple types of uses. For instance, a Designer can use it to create a design for a marketing campaign and then easily manipulate the design so it can be used across media—such as print advertisements, websites, and social media—and still look the same.
This application is often used for branding, where designers create a unique image that helps people connect with a specific brand and easily recognize it wherever it appears. A branding image created in Illustrator can be reproduced on product packaging and in marketing materials. It can be resized to fit wherever it is needed. For example, a specific online graphic can be reproduced for easy placement on multiple social media sites.
You don’t have to be a professional Designer to use Illustrator. It’s also a useful tool for personal creative projects. For instance, if you’re trying to build an online identity, you can use this application to create your own logo or branding to use on websites or social media. Illustrator provides a wide range of tools that enable a high level of creative freedom for turning your design ideas into reality.
An Illustrator class will cover the many drawing tools contained in this application that you can use to create custom artwork. You’ll learn to use standard drawing tools, including the Pen tool. The Pen tool allows you to draw designs freehand, create both straight and curved lines, and use handles and anchor points to modify the shapes you create.
Layers are a core principle of Illustrator. They are a way to edit and organize your artwork. When you take a class, you’ll learn how to create new layers, separate layers, hide layers, and lock layers.
Color is likely to be an important part of any design you create in Illustrator, and a class will help you learn to use a wide variety of color-related tools. For example, Illustrator includes a tool that lets you create your own custom colors. There is also a tool for creating color schemes.
Illustrator includes many different tools for creating and editing shapes. For example, there are shape tools such as Ellipse, Rectangle, and Star. The application also allows you to stack shapes or merge them.
An Illustrator art board is like a blank piece of paper that you can use for creating designs. You’ll learn how to work with art boards when you take a class. Designers can use art boards to work on multiple designs, or multiple versions of the same design, at the same time.
Most people find Illustrator relatively user-friendly and not overly challenging to learn. There are a lot of new tools and concepts involved, though, so it takes practice to understand and master them all. If you’re familiar with any other Adobe applications, you’re likely to find learning Illustrator less difficult since there are similarities between the applications.
One of the most challenging parts of learning Illustrator is taking your skills to a professional level. Many people find it relatively easy to start using the application; however, it is more difficult to use it to produce professional-quality work. Most experienced designers say that overcoming this challenge is simply a matter of time and consistent practice.
The length of time it takes to learn Illustrator varies by individual. For most people, it’s possible to learn the basics in a few days or weeks. For instance, many bootcamps take about a week and provide you with a solid grasp of the application. Mastering Illustrator takes longer—typically several months to years. If you’re already fluent in other Adobe applications or have prior design experience, you’re likely to learn the application more quickly. Enrolling in a paid class is another way to speed up the learning process because you’ll follow a comprehensive curriculum and receive regular feedback. You can also accelerate your learning by devoting more time to practice.
Many Illustrator classes are available in both in-person and live online formats. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. One advantage of learning in person is that you’ll get face-to-face interaction with your instructor and classmates. You’ll also study in a dedicated classroom with minimal distractions. A disadvantage is that you have to physically travel to class, which can be expensive or inconvenient, and limits you to nearby classes.
Live online learning, by contrast, doesn’t require a commute. Instead, you attend class by logging in on your computer from anywhere with internet access. Like an in-person class, you’ll interact in real time with the instructor. In some classes, the instructor can even view or control your screen with your permission. A drawback of this format is that you’ll need to provide your own equipment and software.
If you’re learning Illustrator and you are looking for complementary skills to add to your resume, learning some design principles is a great choice. The world of design is governed by several fundamental principles, and a good Designer knows how to utilize them to create purposeful and effective designs. For example, different design elements like color and repetition can be manipulated to achieve specific effects.
A knowledge of Adobe Photoshop can also be helpful if you are working in design. Like Illustrator, Photoshop is an industry-standard application. While Illustrator is used for editing vector graphics, Photoshop is for editing raster images, which are made of pixels. Learning this application gives you more options when it comes to working with images. Since Photoshop and Illustrator are both made by Adobe, they integrate easily and can be used together to create designs.
Illustrator is a design application and is used across many design-related industries. It is a common tool in the marketing industry since it allows designs to be resized without a loss of quality. It is also used in graphic design, digital design, web design, and fashion design. According to the Washington DC Economic Partnership, the marketing and design sectors have a strong presence in the Washington, D.C. area. It reports that Washington, D.C. is ranked fourth among U.S. metro areas for marketing, design, and publishing employment.
A Graphic Designer communicates messages in a visual format using elements such as text, color, and images. Graphic Designers often use Illustrator, which is commonly used to create and edit designs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS), the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area has the fourth-highest employment level in the country for Graphic Designers, with more than 5,400 people employed. The agency reports that the annual mean wage for this job in Washington, D.C. is about $84,000. The BLS also finds that a significant percentage of Graphic Designers are self-employed; nearly 20 percent. For those who are not, the most common employers are in advertising, public relations, specialized design services, printing, and publishing.
The BLS predicts 2 percent job growth in graphic design over the next ten years, which is slightly below average, with about 21,000 job openings each year during that period. It says that increasing reliance on digital technology is helping to increase graphic design jobs, explaining, “As companies continue to increase their digital presence, graphic designers may be needed to help create visually appealing and effective layouts of websites and social media sites.” At the same time, it cautions, “Automated design tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) may reduce the need for companies to contract with freelance graphic designers.”
A Digital Designer is a Designer who focuses on creating designs for digital media such as apps and websites. Digital Designers consider the overall user experience and how various digital elements work together. They also need to optimize designs for multiple screen sizes. According to Indeed, on average, a Digital Designer working in Washington, D.C. earns close to $150,000 annually.
The BLS reports rapid growth in digital design. It predicts that between 2023 and 2033, jobs for Web Developers and Digital Designers will increase by 8 percent, which is faster than the national average. It explains, “Employment of web developers and digital designers is projected to grow as e-commerce continues to expand.” It also notes, “The continued use of mobile devices to search the web is expected to generate demand for web developers and digital designers to create websites and interfaces that work on mobile devices with many different screen sizes.”
A Web Designer uses their design skills to create websites and may use Illustrator among other tools. This job involves building the structure and layout of a site and creating its look and feel using graphics, images, colors, and fonts. Some Web Designers create an entire site themselves, while others work as part of a team. According to the BLS, Washington, D.C. is a top employer of Web and Digital Interface Designers, with about 3,500 people employed in that profession. The annual mean wage is about $96,000.
Fashion Designers design clothing, footwear, and accessories. As part of the design process, they create prototypes and mockups. By using Illustrator, designers can create these more efficiently and have more flexibility to manipulate their designs.
As reported by the BLS, over the next ten years, Fashion Designers will see job growth of about 5 percent, slightly above average. Commenting on growth factors, it says, “The increased demand for a constant flow of new fashion designs has been accelerated by social media influencers and by retailers advertising and selling directly to consumers online.” Additionally, “Growing consumer preference for sustainable options in the fashion industry also has created a desire for designs that use eco- and vegan-friendly materials.” According to Indeed, a Fashion Designer in Washington, D.C. earns about $85,000 per year.
Noble Desktop—a New York City-based coding and design school—runs live online Illustrator classes. This school is licensed by the New York State Education Department. Course offerings include weekday, evening, and weekend options, and all classes come with a free retake within one year, which offers an excellent opportunity to refresh your skills.
Noble’s Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp is a popular option. 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, which are multi-week courses focused on several different types of design. The Graphic Design Certificate covers Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, as well as graphic design concepts. In addition, you’ll work on projects that you can include in your portfolio. Another option is the Digital Design Certificate. In this class, you’ll learn key design concepts and theories and will receive instruction in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. In addition, you’ll learn about user interface (UI) design, including using Figma. This class also includes work on a portfolio. Both courses come with one-on-one training sessions.
Noble Desktop also runs an Illustrator Certification Program. This course will take you to an advanced level of skill and is designed to help you pass the Adobe Certified Professional exam for Illustrator. It starts with a multi-day bootcamp. After that, you’ll get two private tutoring sessions where you can get help with any concepts that you find challenging, and make sure you feel ready for the exam. Finally, you’ll take the Adobe Illustrator Certification exam. The course includes the exam fee, proctoring, and a free retake if needed.
For some companies, it makes sense to train a group of employees in Illustrator. Noble Desktop offers onsite and virtual graphic design classes, including instruction in Illustrator. Classes can be customized to meet your needs, and Noble’s expert instructors provide a variety of flexible scheduling options, including evenings and weekends. All participants also receive support materials to utilize after the class, such as handouts and access to premium training videos.
If you want to give your employees more control over their training, you can also purchase vouchers for Noble Desktop’s regularly scheduled group classes and let your employees enroll individually. There is a discount for bulk voucher purchases. For more information about corporate training options, contact Noble Desktop.
As the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., is a hub for government, public service, and major organizations, which means there’s ample opportunity for professional development. If you’re looking to expand your knowledge in the field of tech, data, business, or design, you can explore training options available to both individuals and federal professionals. Classes are right in the heart of the city, offering knowledgeable instructors with decades of combined training and a wide range of specializations. From their real-world experience in the field, these instructors provide valuable insights that help students get comfortable while learning the material. Not to mention, the skills they develop in the classroom are practical and transferable, meaning students can put their newfound knowledge right to work.
Training with Noble Desktop’s team is easy with the modern facilities located at 600 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, D.C., 20024. It’s mere steps away from L’Enfant Plaza and offers an array of benefits, like a professional yet welcoming environment and a modern workspace. Getting there from anywhere in D.C. is straightforward, whether by Metro, bus, or car. L’Enfant Plaza is served by multiple Metro lines, and there are several bus routes that stop nearby. Those driving can also access parking garages that are easily within walking distance.
Illustrator is a key tool for creating logos, icons, diagrams, and scalable graphics that appear in presentations and official materials. With this, Noble Desktop's instructors guide students through vector workflows step by step so they can build clean, flexible artwork. Learning at this school also offers a wide range of professional development opportunities, with classes led by expert instructors who can help you acquire skills that get you ready for the real world.
Brian is an educator and training leader passionate about helping professionals grow in fields like project management and AI. He designs adaptive learning programs that combine instructor-led sessions, live online experiences, and self-paced study, making training practical and within reach for anyone. Brian’s work also centers heavily around AI integration, particularly in training situations to show organizations how easy it can be applied to the workplace, showing ways to tackle real-world problems, enhance leadership, streamline projects, and support better decision-making. Beyond teaching, he has also developed curricula and led training on a massive scale. Brian’s blend of talents and interests makes him well-positioned to train others and help them navigate the complexities of the subject matter.
With more than 25 years of experience, Clarissa is a seasoned corporate trainer, Project Manager, and Business Consultant and has helped professionals and organizations alike achieve tangible results around the world. Her work has taken her to amazing places around the world, from China to Africa, training over 10,000 participants in leadership, project management, business analysis, and emerging technologies. Clarissa has worked with teams at NASA, Microsoft, Citibank, and FEMA, just to name a few, and is known for designing interactive yet practical sessions where her listeners can apply their skills immediately. At Graduate School USA, she played a pivotal role and contributed to numerous programs, including the Managing for Results course. She’s a quality instructor, focusing on subjects like project management, AI, and even Adobe, and has a heavy commitment to professionalism, innovation, and student success.
Michele’s professional record in Human Resources, organizational development, and leadership training has been acquired over 25 years in the field. She is a Business Strategist and HR innovator who has helped public, private, federal, and higher education organizations on their path to success. In particular, Michele excels in organizational assessment, project and performance management, workforce development, change management, conflict resolution, and AI initiatives. She prides herself on guiding individuals to leverage their strengths while fulfilling their professional lives. Her consulting work includes leading the DC Courts HR Division’s Five-Year Strategic Plan and Workforce Development Program, “Fulfilling Our Future.” She’s also held senior executive positions at Howard University, the Air Line Pilots Association, and Executive Transitions International. She’s currently working as an adjunct faculty at Graduate School USA and Anne Arundel Community College.
Alan Zucker brings real-world expertise from both the federal government and Fortune 100 companies to the classroom. With more than 25 years of professional work in project management, he makes for an ideal instructor. He has managed the project execution organization of 175 professionals, led high-visibility strategic initiatives, and delivered thousands of successful projects. His education began at George Washington University, where he earned his Bachelor’s, before progressing to earn a Master's in Economics from the University of Maryland. Moreover, he holds a wide variety of certifications, such as the Project Management Professional Certification (PMP), PMI-ACP, Disciplined Agile Coach, SAFe Program Consultant, Certified Scrum Professional, and Agile Leadership Academy Trainer. Alan is an active member of the project management community, having served as a keynote speaker, frequent industry commentator, and author of nearly 150 articles on project management.
Tashea is a Human Resources Executive and Federal Consultant, holding over 23 years of experience across multiple federal agencies, including the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, Treasury, State, and Health and Human Services. Known for her ability to strategize and take the lead, Tahsea has transformed HR policies to align with mission strategies and outcomes, influencing government-wide procedures such as onboarding and pay equity. Tashea is a staunch advocate for ethical leadership, inclusivity, and organizational success. In addition, she prides herself on her authenticity and purpose-driven spirit, which translates into her work as an educator as well. In addition to teaching subjects like AI. She’s an author and entrepreneur, and is always looking for ways to help organizations and individuals alike.
With a strong foundation in federal human resources management and legal counseling, Charles is a highly knowledgeable Employee and Labor Relations Consultant in Washington, D.C. He began his education at Loyola University, earning his B.A. in Business Administration and Political Science, before graduating from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Throughout his career, Charles has guided agencies through complex HR and labor-related challenges, managed HR programs, and represented organizations in legal proceedings. He has also designed and delivered specialized training in human resources, project management, and marketing. Charles’ professional background has led to numerous accolades and awards, showcasing his impact in the field.
Dr. David E. McCullin, better known as Dr. Mac, specializes in strategic communication, homeland security, data analytics, and accurate decision-making. Prior to his work at Graduate School USA, Dr. Mac obtained his Bachelor’s in Engineering, his Master’s in National Security and Strategic Studies, and a Doctorate in Management of Complex Adaptive Systems. He served 24 years in the U.S. Army, including 13 in Special Operations. He later worked at the Department of Homeland Security as an Intelligence and Infrastructure Security Analyst for nearly a decade. Through his education and solid professional career, he has been able to teach students a variety of important skills and has also developed innovative learning tools and games that help improve decision-making and analytical thinking skills.
As a part-time instructor at Graduate School USA for over 15 years, Natalya’s expertise cannot go unnoticed. She’s an educator and has developed curricula for the school, including the Change Management Workshops and several project management courses. Not to mention, she’s also served as a learning coach, facilitator, and instructor for government leadership programs and has developed the Define and Achieve Your Goals Process. Natalya earned her Master’s in Project Management and her Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification, making her a well-qualified and effective educator, project manager, coach, and consultant.
Alan is a retired combat veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Navy with over 30 years of experience in federal and commercial budgeting, auditing, programming, operations, supply chain management, and IT acquisitions. He holds an MBA from George Washington University and a Teaching Certification from Harvard’s Bok Center for Teaching and Learning. Throughout his career across federal, state, and local government agencies, Alan has worked for numerous departments, such as the Department of State and Defense, as well as the Office of the Mayor of D.C. Alan is also an accomplished consultant and business strategist, having aided in the development of organizational projects at Lockheed Martin and PwC, to name a few. His background and lengthy career make him an ideal instructor for those looking to learn more about finance, accounting, and project management.
As a skilled instructor and business leader, Derk Mattocks possesses the skills and career experience to bolster his credibility. He gained his B.S. in Organization Management from Nyack College and his Master’s in Leadership and Military Installation Management, as well as an MBA in Financial Management and Analysis from the University of Maryland. He is a licensed Certified Advanced Professional Business Coach and trained mediator, with the certification to facilitate the “Five Practices of Leadership” workshops. Derk has also served as a Senior Advisor and Instructor for the U.S. Army. Overall, he has the credentials to serve as an accomplished and well-versed instructor, often covering topics related to project management and marketing.
Melanie is a federal acquisition and contracting expert with over 30 years of professional experience in Washington, D.C., spanning both government and education sectors. She has served as the Vice President of Acquisition Policy at SAIC and as the Managing Editor of the Federal Contracts Report at Bloomberg BNA. She’s currently an instructor at Graduate School USA, often teaching classes related to the marketing realm. She’s a Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) and a Fellow of the National Contract Management Association, positioning her as a person with incredible leadership skills and knowledge of her field. She earned her MBA from Georgetown University and is known as a clear, trusted instructor who consistently challenges students to take their skills to the next level.