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.
Learn to create compelling video content with Adobe After Effects. This course covers the basics of animation, text effects, and file integration needed to start creating impressive visual content from scratch. Get hands-on experience with real-world projects taught by an experienced instructor.
Learn how to use Adobe Premiere Pro to create professionally edited videos in this comprehensive class. From importing and organizing footage to advanced editing techniques like multi-cam editing and green screen removal, this course will equip you with the skills to create compelling video content.
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 basics of Adobe Creative Cloud apps like InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and After Effects in this hands-on bootcamp. Gain practical skills and become proficient in using these industry-standard applications.
Master the Adobe Creative Cloud and get hands-on training in top applications like Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. Become an expert in designing for print, web, and motion graphics with project-based training.
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.
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.
Become a well-rounded Digital Designer by learning essential Adobe applications, Figma for UI design, and key design concepts and theory. Develop a comprehensive understanding of design concepts, processes, and workflows, create great-looking modern designs, and showcase them in a portfolio.
Gain essential skills in UI design for websites and mobile apps, including composition, typography, color, and attention to interactivity. Develop a portfolio showcasing your design projects and earn a NY State-approved certificate in UI Design.
Graphic design is all around us. It’s in the layout of your computer desktop and the label on your cereal box. When you study graphic design, you learn how light, color, text, layout, and other design considerations work together to communicate a message. In addition to design aesthetics, you will learn how to use powerful design tools used by professionals, including Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and others.
Graphic design is an important element of many careers that depend on the professional presentation of visual content. A graphic design certificate will prepare you to begin a career as a UI Designer, Visual Designer, or Digital Designer, or make you more effective in your current field. Advanced study in After Effects, Sketch, Adobe XD, and Photoshop will give you an even more impressive resume.
In Chicago, you’ll find countless career opportunities in the field of graphic design. Chicago is a city that values public art and design, as the home to the Art Institute of Chicago and multiple art- and design-centered festivals. It’s also a major location for prominent international corporations like Accenture, IBM, and Target. The presence of companies that regularly spend millions or even billions on marketing and branding makes finding a design career in Chicago a promising prospect. There are also several organizations for helping professional designers in the city connect and network, including AIGA Chicago and the Chicago Graphic Design Club.
Salaries for graphic design careers in Chicago mostly fall in the range of $60,000 to $80,000. Typically, you can expect to make more if you work with web or digital design. Digital designers in the Chicago area bring home about $75,000 per year and UI designers earn approximately $80,000 on average. Extensive graphic design experience may lead to a position as a Design Director, which is associated with an average salary of $120,000 in Chicago. Overall, most graphic design pay rates here are on par with the U.S. averages.
In-person graphic design programs are available from several schools in the Chicago area, including General Assembly, Future Media Concepts, New Horizons, Computer Training Source, and Ascend.
At Ascend’s location in the River North neighborhood, Ascend offers introductory and intermediate courses in industry-standard software like Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. The 2-day Adobe Design Basics course provides a more general overview of the Adobe Creative Cloud.
Training Connection, Computer Training Source, New Horizons, and General Assembly also offer classes on the most popular Adobe applications. Future Media Concepts offers training in Adobe design software as well as AutoCAD, another application used by graphic designers.
No matter which program you choose, you will want to assemble a portfolio of professional work samples as you go. These samples can make the difference between landing your dream job or missing out.
Another way you can learn graphic design is through a virtual class. Live online classes allow students to interact with the instructor and their peers in real-time, creating the same level of personal interaction and support experienced by students in the classroom.
Noble Desktop offers live online courses to teach graphic design principles. Their ||CPN548|| is a 72-hour immersive program covering the fundamentals of typography and design, with hands-on projects culminating in a portfolio of work in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. Noble Desktop's live online courses have been thoughtfully designed to ensure an experience consistent with their in-person classes. This is accomplished through small class sizes, facilitated by live instructors with deep professional expertise, and supported by Zoom tools.
The tools used by graphic designers may depend on their industry or specialty. Adobe Photoshop is often used for editing photos and Adobe InDesign is frequently used by publishers to design layouts for long documents such as magazines. Graphic design students can also take courses specializing in advanced skills in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Adobe XD, Sketch, and Adobe Illustrator, learning how to create publishing layouts for magazines, websites, vector graphics, animations, and fully edited videos. You will gain hands-on experience working with the same tools that professionals use, helping ensure you are ready to begin graphic design work.
Graphic designers work on everything from social media graphics to product packaging and everything in between. If it needs to look good and communicate a clear message, a Graphic Designer will have the skills and experience to achieve your goals. Graphic designers can build on their foundational skills by choosing an area of specialization. Additional training is available in Visual Design, UX (User Experience) Design, Fashion Design, and Web Design.
If you want more information about virtual graphic design classes available in Chicago, check out graphic design courses taught live online from NYIM Training and virtual graphic design classes from NYC Career Centers. Chicago high school students should look specifically at NextGen Bootcamp’s summer graphic design classes for high schoolers. NextGen’s classes include both industry-standard design software and general training in graphic design concepts.
If you’re looking for a career change or you want to add comprehensive graphic design skills to your current professional knowledge, you may want a more intensive learning experience than a single introductory class. Graphic design bootcamps in Chicago will provide career-oriented skills training and portfolio projects.
Virtual options include Noble Desktop’s ||CPN548||, and the Adobe CC ||CPN547|| from ONLC. ONLC provides computer lab and equipment access with its live online instruction, which is a great option for students who may not own a powerful enough machine for the work they’ll be doing.
Would you rather attend a face-to-face graphic design bootcamp? General Assembly offers in-person bootcamps centered on UX design and visual design. Both bootcamps culminate in a capstone project that you can add to your portfolio.
Formal graphic design training can be a profitable way for Chicago companies to start building a dedicated design team or teach a current team how to use new technology. Noble Desktop offers a wide variety of graphic design courses for corporate clients, including training in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, GIF creation, and more general design concepts.
Do you have a need besides these? Noble Desktop offers many courses, but your needs may require a different approach. In addition to their scheduled courses, Noble Desktop has custom training for individuals and organizations. For more information about training opportunities for you or your organization, please email Noble Desktop at hello@nobledesktop.com.
Noble Desktop:||CPN548|| Program
Noble Desktop’s ||CPN548|| program is designed to impart a comprehensive understanding of graphic design principles to its students. The curriculum dives into the significant design tools in Adobe Creative Cloud, focusing on Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign capabilities. Through in-depth exploration of these applications, students become well-versed in foundational and sophisticated design techniques crucial to professional practice.
The educational journey begins with an introduction to the critical theories underpinning effective design, including composition, color theory, and typography. This theoretical framework sets the stage for practical application, allowing students to engage in hands-on projects that solidify their understanding of these concepts. As students progress, they learn to weave together the functionalities of different software to create cohesive design projects. Throughout this process, they benefit from the seasoned insights of experienced designers who provide detailed feedback. Peer critiques also play a pivotal role, offering diverse perspectives that contribute to the student’s skill enhancement and readiness for a thriving career in the graphic design industry.
Noble Desktop:Adobe Certification Courses
Noble Desktop’s suite of Adobe Certification Courses offers a dual benefit for students: it prepares them for industry-recognized certification and equips them with practical professional skills. These courses comprehensively cover essential design tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, making them suitable for novices and experienced designers. Participants will delve into these software tools' complexities while engaging in real-world projects that sharpen their design abilities.
The program's core focuses on preparing students for the Adobe Certified Professional exams, with expert instructors leading extensive hands-on sessions. These are supplemented by private tutoring opportunities, ensuring students have the support they need to excel in their certification exams. The course fee includes the cost of exam registration, streamlining the process for students. Each lesson serves a dual purpose: preparing students for the certification test and providing them with the skills to build an impressive design portfolio. While obtaining the certification validates their skills, students can opt out of the exam in exchange for additional tutoring. To further support students’ success, the program allows them to retake the course within a year and provides ongoing access to comprehensive study materials for those considering taking the exam at a later date.
NextGen Bootcamp:Graphic Design Summer Program
NextGen Bootcamp’s Graphic Design Summer Program is crafted specifically for high school students eager to explore the world of creative design. The course thoroughly introduces the core principles of graphic design, explaining the decision-making processes used by professional graphic designers. Students will build a solid foundation in design theories and learn about composition, which is pivotal in creating visually compelling work.
Throughout the program, students become proficient with the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Instruction focuses on the practical use of each tool and the best practices for combining them to produce sophisticated designs. As part of their learning journey, students undertake initial design projects that will contribute to developing their professional portfolio. This is an essential element for students considering future studies in art or commencing a career in graphic design, as it represents the initial step in showcasing their burgeoning talent and technical skill set.
Evanston Art Center:Beginning Photoshop for Photography
The Beginning Photoshop for Photography course at the Evanston Art Center is designed to help both budding and aspiring photographers fully harness the capabilities of Photoshop. Recognized as the premier software for image editing, Photoshop offers a complex array of tools that can be challenging to master without proper instruction and practice. This course offers essential training for beginners, providing a solid foundation in navigating Photoshop’s interface and utilizing its key features such as selections, layers, and masks. While the course is focused on enhancing photographic images, the skills taught are also valuable for entry-level graphic designers. By completing the program, participants will be equipped with the practical experience necessary to transform their photos from ordinary to exceptional, catering to individuals at a beginner to intermediate skill level.
Computer Training Source, Inc.:Illustrator Part 1
Illustrator Part 1 at Computer Training Source, Inc. Is a foundational course that equips students with the necessary skills to create vector graphics using Adobe Illustrator. The course begins by instilling basic design principles, understanding the difference between raster and vector graphics, and familiarizing students with the Illustrator interface. Students will learn to create documents, utilize artboards, and draw basic shapes, setting the groundwork for more complex tasks.
As the course progresses, students will delve into path manipulation, drawing techniques, and managing object stacking order and layers—all essential skills for effective design. Typography is also a key component, with lessons on text insertion, styling, and special typographical effects. Additionally, the course covers object and shape customization, including fills, strokes, and gradients. Practical skills for preparing content for print and web such as wrapping text and optimizing documents, ensure that students can ready their designs for various outputs. By the end of the course, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of the tools and techniques required to create polished graphics suitable for both print and digital media.
General Assembly:Visual Design Bootcamp
General Assembly's Visual Design Bootcamp is an intensive workshop for visual thinkers who wish to delve into digital design. It provides a comprehensive overview of the essential programs and techniques designers employ to digitally bring their visions to fruition. The bootcamp transcends the boundaries of individual platforms, equipping participants with the skills to create designs that stand out across all content types and drive impactful results.
Participants will learn the fundamentals of Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, crucial print and digital design tools. The bootcamp also covers key design principles such as composition, color theory, typography, and the basics of UX/UI design. Students will navigate the digital design process through guided demonstrations, including research, mood boards, ideation, and prototyping. They'll acquire the ability to craft dynamic designs suitable for various content forms like magazines, websites, marketing materials, brochures, and social media. Moreover, the workshop opens pathways for further education in visual design, UX design, and other related fields, allowing attendees to continue building their skills and advancing their careers post-workshop. Students will leave with a deeper understanding of visual design fundamentals and in-class projects demonstrating their newfound abilities in print and digital formats.
School of the Art Institute of Chicago:||CPN548||
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago offers a ||CPN548|| focusing on print media, perfect for individuals aiming to immerse themselves in graphic design. This program encourages participants to explore analog and digital methods and allows them to integrate multiple disciplines into their work. The objective is to develop a portfolio that showcases a personal artistic voice and demonstrate the requisite technical, critical, and analytical skills of the graphic design industry.
To participate effectively in the ||CPN548|| program, students should have access to a Mac or PC computer with essential Adobe software such as Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. Students entering the program are expected to have a basic proficiency in computer use, specifically in managing files and directories. The curriculum includes a mandatory Introduction to Graphic Design course, followed by four studio courses, each extending 30 hours and concentrating on various aspects of graphic design. Color Theory may also be selected as one of the studio courses. Completing the certificate requires a successful portfolio review, part of the Portfolio Review Days held in the fall and spring. To officially receive their certificate, students must submit a completion form, provide high-quality digital images of their work, and participate in a concluding exit interview.
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago:Digital Design
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago provides an enriching Digital Design short course for adult students seeking to enhance their skills in various digital design disciplines. The course, available both online and in-person in Chicago, is designed for a global audience and offers a comprehensive curriculum covering Adobe Creative Cloud applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and InDesign. Additionally, it includes instruction in color theory, architecture, interior design, designed objects, graphic design, and typography. Course dates are flexible, with spring, summer, fall, and winter sessions to accommodate continuous enrollment throughout the year.
The course format is varied, with multi-week sessions, one-week and two-weekend intensives, and weekend workshops offered throughout the year to cater to different learning preferences and schedules. Designed to serve various experience levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, the course welcomes emerging and established artists. For those interested in a more structured approach, SAIC offers a ||CPN548|| focusing on print media. This program, typically completed in about one year, allows students to engage with analog and digital processes and encourages cross-disciplinary work, culminating in creating a portfolio that reflects the student’s unique voice and showcases their technical and analytical competencies in graphic design.