Graphic Design Portfolio Bootcamp NYC or Live Online: Learn Design Fundamentals & Develop Your Portfolio

Course Note: This is the capstone course in our Graphic Design Certificate and requires prior knowledge of Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. Our Graphic Design Certificate is open to beginners and includes four courses (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and the Graphic Design Bootcamp) at a 25% discount. The certificate also includes 1:1 mentoring with a design expert.

Graphic Design Bootcamp Overview

In this hands-on graphic design bootcamp, you will expand your knowledge of design concepts and processes while producing portfolio projects. This class focuses on how to design and assumes knowledge of Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.

Throughout the course, you'll produce several portfolio projects, including logos, social media graphics, stationery, book/eBook covers, album covers, event posters, and email announcements.

Assignments will be critiqued during class both by the instructor and during group critiques. You’ll incorporate the feedback into your work and finish the assignment in class, or outside of class as homework (you should expect to work outside of class). By the end of this class, we hope you’ll have at least five finished pieces for your portfolio.

Get Started with the Graphic Design Applications

Working knowledge of Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator is required for this course. Students looking to learn these programs should check out our full suite of graphic design courses in NYC. Learn any app you’re interested in or learn them all to be a well-rounded graphic designer. Then take this Graphic Design Bootcamp where you’ll put your skills into practice and start building your professional portfolio.

Earn a Certificate

Take this Graphic Design Bootcamp along with Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator to earn a New York State-licensed Certificate in Graphic Design.

Noble Desktop is a leading design school in New York City, specializing in graphic design, web design, and UX/UI design. Since 1990, we have taught thousands of designers and freelancers the latest trends and applications. Advance your skills with hands-on classes and certifications, or customize a corporate training program for your team.

This course has a prerequisite

Students should have strong working knowledge in Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.

Take this class as part of a certificate program and save:

Learn the Skills Guarantee™

Hands-on training in small groups

Work on projects proven to boost retention
Time-tested curriculum and supporting materials

Refined over many cohorts for an optimal learning experience
Learn from industry experts with teaching experience

Experienced educators who are driven to help you succeed
Retake the course for free within one year

Refresh the materials and gain additional practice

Learn the concepts and skills covered in this course or your tuition is on us. See details and terms & conditions.

The teaching method at Noble Desktop is perfect and the classes provide you with infinite knowledge that makes you eager to take everything they offer. I love Noble!
—Ivonne Ackerman

What You’ll Learn

Learn about the elements of design
Develop and expand your graphic design portfolio
Learn how to speak about your work and how to incorporate and evaluate critiques
Broaden your understanding of graphic design concepts and processes, both formal and conceptual
Enhance your skills as a graphic designer

Learn with Hands-on Projects

Learn practical skills by working on real projects with instructor guidance and lectures to strengthen and improve your skill.

Course Syllabus

Download Syllabus PDF

Section 1

What is Graphic Design?

Brief overview and discussion
Elements of design
Gestalt Principles

Word Work

Letterform Anatomy
Type Classifications
Speed design with limited source material!

Design Assignment: Logo Design

Brief slide show on what makes a good logo
Design assignment: Choice of logo redesign for an existing company or create your own personal logo design.
Create two distinct design options for your logo.

Section 2

Design Process

Explore ideation and the creative design process
Logo exploration (Ritos del Sol, Vaya)
Learn logo drafting using the template feature in Illustrator
Introduction of Photoshop mock-ups
Sketching exercise. Learn to work quickly and creatively within fixed parameters.

Color Interaction

What do colors mean?
How do designers use colors effectively
Color palettes: we will explore how to choose appropriate color palettes for different assignments

Design Assignment: Identity System

Finalize your logo to design an identity system using a "color study" and complimentary typeface. Use this visual system to either create a stationery design or social media graphics.

Section 3

Typography

Typographic Overview
Type Selection
Type Pairing
Foundry Overview
Optical Spacing

Design Assignment: Book/eBook Cover Redesign

Create either a book or eBook cover design for a re-issue of a famous piece of fiction. Use type and imagery to create a visually appealing cover that will entice a reader.

Section 4

Historical Design Movements

Arts & Crafts
Art Nouveau
Dada
Destijl
Constructivism
Bauhaus
Swiss International

Design Assignment: Album Art Cover/Spotify Graphic

Create cover art for a band to be used for online purchases of music or streaming music services. Use a mixture of typography, imagery, and basic graphic elements, with consideration for different screen sizes and resolutions.

Section 5

Information Hierarchy

What goes first? Second? Last? And why?
Are there rules? How can we be creative within these rules?
We explore the who, what, where, when, and why of laying out information.
Learn about grid systems.

Design Assignment: Event Poster or Email Announcement

Students will design a poster or email announcement for an event. Designs should convey a concept relating to the subject, and use a clearly identifiable visual hierarchy.

Section 6

Design Hero Slide Show

The instructor will show a brief slide show of past and present design visionaries

Portfolio Criteria & Revision

Ten points to consider when developing a professional Graphic Design portfolio.
Recommended book list
Revision, completion and collection of any final revised exercises or projects.

Schedule & Enrollment: Graphic Design Portfolio Bootcamp

$975
18 Hours

NYC or Live Online
Free retake
Setup assistance
Expert instructors
Small classes

Discounts
Discounts
- 10% Alumni Discount: Get 10% off this course if you’ve previously taken any 12+ hour course.
- $100 Individuals Discount: Take $100 off this course if you’re an individual paying for yourself (you’re not being reimbursed by a company).
Discounts are applied at checkout (no promo code required) and will be verified after you place your order. Discounts are subject to change. Read our discount policies for more details.
Policies

Course times are listed in Eastern Time.

Filter

Registration closing soon
October 1–22

Fridays, 10–3:30pm
- Mon
- Tue
- Wed
- Thu
- Fri
- Sat
- Sun
Enroll in this class
November 3–December 15

Wednesdays, 6–9pm except Nov 24
- Mon
- Tue
- Wed
- Thu
- Fri
- Sat
- Sun
Enroll in this class
November 19–December 17

Fridays, 10–3:30pm
- Mon
- Tue
- Wed
- Thu
- Fri
- Sat
- Sun
Enroll in this class
December 5–19

Sundays, 10–5pm
- Mon
- Tue
- Wed
- Thu
- Fri
- Sat
- Sun
Enroll in this class
December 14–30

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6–9pm
- Mon
- Tue
- Wed
- Thu
- Fri
- Sat
- Sun
Enroll in this class
January 28–February 25

Fridays, 10–1pm
- Mon
- Tue
- Wed
- Thu
- Fri
- Sat
- Sun
Enroll in this class
March 25–April 29

Fridays, 10–1pm
- Mon
- Tue
- Wed
- Thu
- Fri
- Sat
- Sun
Enroll in this class
April 10–May 1

Sundays, 10–5pm except Apr 17
- Mon
- Tue
- Wed
- Thu
- Fri
- Sat
- Sun
Enroll in this class
April 12–28

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6–9pm
- Mon
- Tue
- Wed
- Thu
- Fri
- Sat
- Sun
Enroll in this class

Show more dates

Tuition

As one of our smaller courses, tuition for this course is due in full before the start date. The best way to save on this course is to take it as part of a certificate program.

Full Tuition

$975
Due before the class starts

What’s Included

18 hours of hands-on instruction
Live, project-based training from experts
Retake for free within 1 year
Verified digital certificate of completion

What’s included with my tuition?
- A hands-on learning experience working on projects and exercises, which is proven to boost comprehension, retention, and engagement
- Expert instructors who are industry professionals and experienced educators that are driven to help you succeed
- Top-notch curricula that have been tried and tested over many cohorts and are consistently improved for an optimal learning experience
- Supplemental materials to assist both during and after the course - please refer to specific course pages to see what supplemental materials are offered
- A 1-year free retake policy which allows students to retake any part of the course or program for free to refresh the materials and gain additional practice
- A certificate of completion to verify your accomplishment
Are there any additional fees or expenses?

There are no extra fees or taxes for our courses. The price you see on this page is the maximum you’ll pay us.

However, if you plan to take the course live online, you may need to obtain required software. We’ll help you get set up with a free trial of paid software prior to the class. Most of our coding classes utilize freely-available open-source software. For most of our design and motion graphics courses, we will help you get set up with a free trial of Adobe Creative Cloud. If you attend the course in-person, we will have a computer already set up for you with all of the required software for no additional cost.
Do you offer any discounts for this course?
Discounts
- 10% Alumni Discount: Get 10% off this course if you’ve previously taken any 12+ hour course.
- $100 Individuals Discount: Take $100 off this course if you’re an individual paying for yourself (you’re not being reimbursed by a company).
Discounts are applied at checkout (no promo code required) and will be verified after you place your order. Discounts are subject to change. Read our discount policies for more details.

Take this course as part of a certificate program and save:
- Graphic Design Certificate
  
  Price: $2,995 | Hours: 72 Hours
- Digital Design Certificate
  
  Price: $3,995 | Hours: 102 Hours
- Visual Design Certificate
  
  Price: $3,495 | Hours: 84 Hours

This Course is Available in NYC or Live Online

On Campus in NYC

185 Madison Ave, NYC

Get face-to-face interaction with an instructor and other students when you learn at our NYC campus. Courses are hands-on with a computer and software provided.

Live, interactive class
Experienced instructor in the room with you
Computer and software provided
Free retake within one year

Instructor writing on markerboard in a classroom, while displaying code sample on screen

Students seated in computer classroom with workbooks, paying attention to instructor

Live Online

Remote, from anywhere

Get the same interactivity and access to the instructor as in-person students. There are no extra fees and we’ll work with you to ensure your remote setup is perfect.

Live, interactive class
Experienced instructor teaching over Zoom
Remote setup assistance provided
Free retake within one year

Online Training Demo

1-Minute Overview

Testimonials for Live Online Training

“Overall experience on Zoom was maybe even better than in IRL classroom because the instruction takes place right on your own screen, with less distraction. Great overall experience.”
“Given the fact that we had to do this entire class remotely due to Covid-19, I didn’t have very high expectations it would run so smoothly. However, I don’t think it could’ve gone any better. Not only do I feel very comfortable with the program now, but I’m actually excited to use it!”
“This was the first online class I’ve taken with ND and it was a great experience. Looking forward to the other classes I’ve signed up for!”

More about live online training

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring anything to the class?

No. We provide computers (Mac or PC) with Adobe Creative Cloud installed. Choose your operating system at checkout.
What is the focus or goal of this course?

This course covers graphic design theory and techniques and helps participants develop and apply skills to projects. This course does not focus on how to use any particular design application.

If you are interested in learning professional design apps (Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator) in addition to developing portfolio projects (which you do in this class), we recommend our Graphic Design Certificate Program.
Does this course require any prior knowledge or experience?

Students should have strong working knowledge in Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.
Do you offer payment plans or student financing for this course?

This course does not qualify for payments plans or student financing. See our Payment Plan FAQ to find related programs that qualify.
Can I take this course online (remote learning)?
You may attend this training virtually (online) at the scheduled time the course is offered (New York, Eastern Time).

How does attending “live online” work?
- Students can attend this training remotely through screen sharing software (we use Zoom).
- Participants can hear the instruction, ask questions, and even share their screen with the instructor.
- For audio you can use your computer’s microphone/speakers or call a phone number that we’ll provide.
- Classes are activity-based and taught by a live instructor, so we strongly encourage students who are local to the area to attend in person!
- You will need your own computer and copy of any required software. If you don’t have the software, you can usually do a free trial or purchase your own license. If you need assistance, contact us at hello@nobledesktop.com

Corporate & Onsite Graphic Design Training

Purchase group class vouchers at a discount for our regularly-scheduled group classes in NYC, or create a custom training program at your offices.

Private Training

Available onsite at your location
Modern computer labs available at our offices
Customize or choose from our existing courses
Free instructor consultations to finalize content

Group Class Vouchers

Send employees to our group classes
Extensive offerings and flexible scheduling
Simple billing and logistics
Computers and training resources provided

Rated NYC's Best Graphic Design Bootcamp

Learn the fundamentals of graphic design at Noble Desktop, a leading graphic design school in NYC since 1990, by learning the applications and creating several projects.

Create Portfolio Projects

“Graphic Design Fundamentals is a great class for new or experienced designers. Alfred gives a perfect synopsis of graphic design history, influential graphic designers and great creative examples. I left the class with exciting new portfolio pieces and I highly recommend this class.”
Victoria Greiss, Creative Director
Earn a Certificate in Graphic Design

Learn graphic design applications & techniques at NYC's best graphic design classes and earn a NYS-licensed Visual Design or Graphic Design certificate.
Design Real-World Projects

Learn the fundamentals of graphic design as you design and produce five real-world projects. Design and create a range of projects including a logo, social media graphics, books, album covers, stationery, and an event poster.

Highly Reviewed by Our Alumni

From our hands-on training style to world-class instructors and proprietary curriculum, we deliver a learning experience our alumni can be proud of.

15 Students Rated Our Graphic Design Portfolio Bootcamp 5 Stars

Graphic Design Fundamentals is a great class for new or experienced designers. Alfred gives a perfect synopsis of graphic design history, influential graphic designers and great creative examples. I left the class with exciting new portfolio pieces and I highly recommend this class.

Victoria Greiss

This is a thoughtfully organized, well paced and delivered, practical course—a sort of ‘finishing school’ for the graphic designer.

Dorcas Gelabert, American Thoracic Society

From now on, when I think of “creative/graphics” training, I’ll think of Noble. I loved the patience, knowledge, and professionalism of the instructor. I learned so much I feel I can now teach it :) Can’t wait for my future classes.

Dani Weiden, Caliper Corp.

Already working in the graphic design industry, this class was a great refresher course and helped me to remember why I chose to pursue graphic design as a career.

Kristine Seubert, Sherman Specialty

Real world assignments that strengthen your creativity.

Dianamarie Borrero

Alfred made each class very enjoyable. His energy and attitude made it easy to look forward to class each week. I recommend this course to anyone that is looking to learn more about Graphic Design.

Jack Smith

Noble Desktop is a wonderful resource for aspiring graphic designers. I would recommend the immersive certificate course to anyone who is looking to brush up on their Adobe Creative Cloud skills and get a jumpstart on compiling a portfolio.

Anna Otis, DoSomething.org

The Graphic Design Bootcamp was a great class in which my Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign skills all came together and improved, while building my own portfolio.

Anthea van der Velden

Helpful learning environment, Finished the bootcamp learning a lot more than I thought I would. Feel confident enough to work on my own.

Yanelly Quintanilla

This is a great class. I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn key concepts in Graphic Design.

Meryl Raffman

Everyone should take this class at Noble Desktop in order to remain competitive in the market. You will learn a great many useful skills needed to set you apart from the rest.

Rosanna Ramos

Eugenio was so patient and so knowledgeable. A rare commodity!

Anita Peltonen

The professors are very knowledgeable, very helpful, and I really enjoy the hands-on learning approach

Yasmin Tyrrell

I highly recommend taking classes with Noble Desktop. I got the lay of the land with InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, as well as the basics of design theory. If you are looking for a teacher-led class rather than a pre-recorded curriculum this is a great way to go. My instructor was very well versed in every program and was patient enough to explain things until we all understood. Sign up now!

Stacey

This is a great class if you know what you want to learn. It covers a broad range of topics and techniques so it really is a choose your own journey course.

Anna Stabler

Graphic designers use Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, & Illustrator

Graphic Design Applications

InDesign is the standard app used for creating print designs such as ads, books, magazines, and more.
Photoshop is an essential app used for retouching/enhancing photos and pixel-based graphics.
Illustrator is an app used for creating logos, patterns, packaging, and other types of vector graphics.

Adobe InDesign

InDesign is the standard application used for creating professional layouts.
Use master pages, paragraph and character styles to layout ads, brochures, books, magazines, and more.

Adobe Illustrator

Illustrator is an Adobe application used for creating logos, patterns, packaging, and other types of vector graphics.

Adobe Photoshop

Photoshop is the leading software for photo editing, color correction, and photo retouching.
With Photoshop you can also create graphics for print or web, design webpages and apps, create animations, and more.

Compare Graphic Design Portfolio Bootcamp to Similar Courses

Select up to two courses and tap Compare Courses to view a side-by-side comparison of Graphic Design Portfolio Bootcamp with your selected courses.

Compare

Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp

18 hours $975

Get a solid understanding of Photoshop so you can retouch and color correct photos, combine images, and create graphics. In this class, you’ll start with the basics and then move on to more intermediate features. Learn about color/contrast, photo retouching, layers, masks, paths, filters, type, and saving files for print/web.
More details
Compare

Visual Design Portfolio Bootcamp

18 hours $975

Learn to design websites for mobile and desktop using timeless principles such as color, layout, and typography, as well as visual conventions, standards, and trends. You will learn the process and principles for designing responsive websites through lectures and hands-on exercises.
More details
Compare

Adobe InDesign Bootcamp

18 hours $975

Get a solid understanding of InDesign so you can create page layouts with type and graphics. In this class you’ll start with the basics and then move on to intermediate and advanced features. You’ll work on a variety of projects such as books, magazines, and advertisements... learning about paragraph/character styles, colors, master pages, baseline grid, hyphenation, tables, and more.
More details
Compare

Graphic Design Certificate

72 hours $2,995

Become a graphic designer. Learn about design, typography, photo retouching, vector graphics, and much more as you study Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. Explore design concepts in a project-based Graphic Design Bootcamp, where you’ll work on designs for your portfolio to show prospective employers or clients.
More details
Compare

Digital Design Certificate

102 hours $3,995

Become a well-rounded Digital Designer: Graphic Design and Visual (UI) Design. Conquer the essential Adobe applications; learn design concepts and theory; and develop portfolio projects to showcase employers and clients
More details

Graphic Design Bootcamp Overview

Get Started with the Graphic Design Applications

Earn a Certificate

This course has a prerequisite

Learn the Skills Guarantee™

Hands-on training in small groups

Time-tested curriculum and supporting materials

Learn from industry experts with teaching experience

Retake the course for free within one year

Earn a Certificate of Completion

What You’ll Learn

Learn with Hands-on Projects

Course Syllabus

Section 1

What is Graphic Design?

Word Work

Design Assignment: Logo Design

Section 2

Design Process

Color Interaction

Design Assignment: Identity System

Section 3

Typography

Design Assignment: Book/eBook Cover Redesign

Section 4

Historical Design Movements

Design Assignment: Album Art Cover/Spotify Graphic

Section 5

Information Hierarchy

Design Assignment: Event Poster or Email Announcement

Section 6

Design Hero Slide Show

Portfolio Criteria & Revision

Schedule & Enrollment: Graphic Design Portfolio Bootcamp

Discounts

October 1–22

Fridays, 10–3:30pm

November 3–December 15

Wednesdays, 6–9pm except Nov 24

November 19–December 17

Fridays, 10–3:30pm

December 5–19

Sundays, 10–5pm

December 14–30

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6–9pm

January 28–February 25

Fridays, 10–1pm

March 25–April 29

Fridays, 10–1pm

April 10–May 1

Sundays, 10–5pm except Apr 17

April 12–28

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6–9pm

October 1–22

Fridays, 10–3:30pm

November 19–December 17

Fridays, 10–3:30pm

January 28–February 25

Fridays, 10–1pm

March 25–April 29

Fridays, 10–1pm

November 3–December 15

Wednesdays, 6–9pm except Nov 24

December 14–30

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6–9pm

April 12–28

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6–9pm

December 5–19

Sundays, 10–5pm

April 10–May 1

Sundays, 10–5pm except Apr 17

Tuition

Full Tuition

What’s Included

What’s included with my tuition?

Are there any additional fees or expenses?

Do you offer any discounts for this course?

Discounts

Take this course as part of a certificate program and save:

This Course is Available in NYC or Live Online