Dive into the principles of graphic design using Adobe software. Learn how to translate concepts into impactful visuals for brands, marketing, and digital media.
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 rooted in visual communication and requires a blend of technical, creative, and storytelling skills to be effective. These projects should not only look appealing but be effective in their purpose, whether that’s to promote products or inform the consumer. By blending images, icons, text, and other visual elements, graphic design makes conveying information easier. If you consider how many logos, brochures, flyers, websites, and packaging materials you see day by day—these are all forms of graphic design and are meticulously thought out as a way to entice you, the consumer, to continually purchase the product and keep the brand in the back of your mind.
You wouldn’t know it, but graphic design has been around for quite some time. With the invention of the printing press, graphic design became far more prevalent and easier to create. Today, technology has brought the graphic design field into the modern era with software and other digital tools to make reaching an intended audience even easier. With the internet at most people’s fingertips, businesses of all kinds are utilizing graphic design to stay relevant, trustworthy, and notable for the consumer.
Getting trained in graphic design opens new doors for professional advancement. You can specialize in marketing or publishing, or even find a position in the healthcare, finance, or education industries. Whatever your passion is, you can use your graphic design skills to make a significant impact and keep the business relevant within an otherwise competitive market.
As a Graphic Designer, no two projects will ever be the same. This keeps things exciting and makes you a well-rounded professional. One day, you may work on a social media campaign by creating graphics or a brand-identifiable profile image. The next day, you may work on website layouts. Then, before you know it, you’re working on product packaging, brochures, and posters. Each project presents unique challenges, but that is the beauty of a field that allows you to switch gears regularly—it enables you to develop a broad skill set and continue growing as a design professional.
Plus, you can use your graphic design experience for far more than just a professional purpose. You could save money by designing invitations, thank you cards, and business cards with your graphic design skills. Likewise, you could use your graphic design skills to take your hobby to the next level. For example, if you knit sweaters, scarves, and hats, you could design a webpage, social media profile, and other branding elements to help spread the word. This could lead to increased sales and eventually, you’ll have a profitable hobby turned side hustle. Whether for work or personal reasons, graphic design is a worthwhile skill to learn.
When you enroll in a graphic design class, you should check the syllabus to see what material the instructor will cover. Each graphic design class varies not only in length and depth but also in subject matter. Depending on what you’d like to focus on, you may end up learning about one or more of these topics. If you choose an all-encompassing course, you’ll likely hear a bit about them all.
The most important skill you will learn in a graphic design class is design software. Most commonly, your class will teach Adobe Creative Cloud applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to assist you with the design process. Each has its own unique function, whether that’s creating vector graphics, developing page layouts, or editing photos. Additionally, you may explore other applications such as Figma for webpage prototyping or After Effects for motion graphics. However, these are the applications you can count on learning across most graphic design classes.
Because graphic design is rooted in certain design principles, you will surely explore this topic as well. Concepts like balance, alignment, repetition, contrast, and hierarchy are especially important in graphic design projects not only because they make the design visually appealing but also because they can determine whether a message lands effectively or falls short. If a design lacks adequate contrast, some viewers may have difficulty reading the text. If there's a lack of hierarchical structure, the point of the design may not be clear. As such, many graphic design classes cover these principles.
You’ll often work with marketing teams as a Graphic Designer, and many classes focus on the importance of aligning your designs with certain branding expectations. The goal is to create icons, logos, graphics, and other marketing materials that are easily recognizable and memorable so the consumer keeps the company in mind. This helps build strong relationships with the consumer base and ensures that when choosing between products, they’ll reach for yours based on the look alone.
User experience (UX) is often discussed as well. This term refers to all the different ways designers can make a product more user-friendly, interactive, and intuitive. By prioritizing an effective layout, creating an attractive interface, and implementing easy-to-navigate elements, you’ll make it easier for the consumer to use the product and return to it regularly. For example, companies that have a well-organized and user-centric website are more likely to make sales. This skill is essential for maintaining a loyal client base.
A big part of graphic design is the ability to tell a story with your imagery and to communicate effectively with the intended audience. In class, you may explore different ways to connect with an audience and grab their attention. It’s incredibly important to know your intended audience and anticipate their reactions to your claims so you can more effectively persuade or inform them. This makes your work far more memorable but also makes the viewer more likely to partake in whatever it is you are promoting or sharing.
Getting into graphic design can feel overwhelming at first due to the sheer number of skills, tools, and concepts you will have to learn. Although there is a lot to absorb, many people find graphic design relatively simple to understand once they’ve had adequate time and practice with the material. Still, understanding graphic design in theory is easier than putting the skills into practice, so it may be difficult to develop a unique design style and truly master the skills. Regardless of your previous experience, background, or interests, the best course of action is to enroll in a professional training program that makes the learning experience far less challenging.
One of the biggest hurdles comes with combining your technical, creative, and storytelling skills. It seems easy enough, but once it comes down to applying these skills in one concise project, it may be rather challenging. Using software, being creative, and crafting an easy-to-follow narrative is a skill that comes with time. You’ll want to spend a good amount of time practicing so your designs come out as intended—meaningful, straightforward, and effective. This might be a little overwhelming at first, but with time and practice, it gets much easier. Keep in mind that the graphic design world is always evolving, constantly emphasizing new and exciting concepts, techniques, and technologies. If you can keep up with the pace of things and follow industry standards, you will be well on your way to becoming a graphic design expert.
If you have zero previous experience and want to become a professional, you can expect to spend a few months to a year before you feel comfortable with graphic design practices. Even after a year, you’ll likely continue learning and honing your skills throughout each new project or change in trends. However, if you want to become a novice in graphic design, you can spend a few weeks to a few months developing foundational skills. If you have previous or relevant experience, this may shorten the timeline considerably, but graphic design involves unique sets of techniques and tools that may still require some extensive time and practice.
You can learn graphic design in-person or online, but first, you have to decide which method is best suited to your needs. If you want more interaction and hands-on experience, consider an in-person course. These will allow you to discuss concepts directly with the instructor and gain more thorough feedback. Plus, a neutral learning environment makes it easy to stay on task. As long as your schedule is flexible, you live within a reasonable distance from a training center, and you have reliable transportation, an in-person option should be incredibly feasible and advantageous.
However, some people can’t make it to an in-person class, whether that’s due to schedule, location, or other reasons. In that case, opt for a live online class. This method is still interactive, although it may feel slightly less so than the in-person option. You can still engage with the material and instructor while studying from the comfort of home, the office, or wherever. Plus, you have more options to choose from since live online classes are offered all around the world. However, having a strong internet connection is essential, as technical issues may deter your learning experience.
The last option is asynchronous classes. These are self-taught classes that are incredibly flexible but require a heightened level of self-discipline. This method is not suggested for beginners who want to become professionals either, since there is no instructor to guide students through tricky concepts or provide feedback. If you already have experience with graphic design or just want to learn a little about the field, this option may work, but otherwise, it should be approached with serious consideration.
By exploring a wide variety of free online resources, you can gain a solid understanding of graphic design concepts. This is recommended for those who are considering joining a class but want to know more before doing so. You can search through training center websites such as the Noble Desktop Free Seminar page to find video tutorials and lectures on graphic design and related tools. Plus, Noble Desktop has a YouTube channel with curated playlists that offer additional insight. You can also explore other social media platforms, discussion boards, and blogs to find out more about the field and the daily life of a Graphic Designer. It’s worth noting that free resources cannot replace formal training. If you want to become a professional, use free resources merely as a supplement to your training.
To make yourself more marketable in the job search, consider learning additional skills and tools alongside graphic design. For example, some learn more about UX research since UX design and graphic design are closely related. Likewise, getting a handle on web development and coding can also be beneficial depending on the type of work you’d like to do as a Graphic Designer.
Graphic design requires you to learn Adobe Creative Cloud applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, but learning additional Creative Cloud apps may also be beneficial. For instance, if you want to add video editing, motion graphics, and animation to your resume, you may want to find a course that teaches you how to use Premiere Pro and After Effects. By blending these skills, you will expand your career opportunities and diversify your design portfolio.
San Diego has numerous industries that support the local economy. With each of these industries, you can find a need for graphic design. Whether it’s for informational materials or marketing content, a Graphic Designer works behind the scenes to ensure the companies within these industries have visibility within the market and can keep up with the competition. Read on if you want to learn how these major San Diego industries utilize graphic design.
The tech scene in San Diego has grown steadily over the past few years. The city is home to a mix of biotech, telecommunications, and software companies that contribute to the economy. There are both big-name companies and small startups alike, so there are a diverse range of businesses to consider for employment. In particular, San Diego is known for the combination of technology and healthcare, better known as biotech or HealthTech. With ample networking events and career advancement opportunities, as well as many major universities and research institutions, there’s always a steady flow of talent and advancement within this industry.
When it comes to graphic design in the tech industry, there are many uses. First, graphic design plays a large role in the overall user experience. Graphic Designers are often tasked with creating websites and applications that are visually appealing and functional so the user has the incentive to continue using the product. Second, many Graphic Designers create marketing materials for a tech company that wants to promote its new products and services. This may include social media content, email campaigns, or other types of branding material such as logos, icons, packaging, and banners. Lastly, they often design informational material such as flyers, brochures, and posters that help the user easily access, use, and understand the company or product.
With gorgeous weather, sunny beaches, and numerous big-name attractions, it’s no wonder that tourists flock to San Diego year after year. The city sees millions of domestic and international visitors each year, which is why the tourism industry is so prominent here. The blend of city life, beach vibes, and outdoor activities draws in a wide range of visitors, and the numerous amenities, lodging options, and culinary experiences expand upon that range. In addition, tourism supports many other industries, including hospitality and retail, which make up a large portion of jobs.
Many Graphic Designers work in the tourism industry since it relies heavily on marketing content to draw in more visitors. Designers often work on brochures and travel guides that inform visitors about the best attractions, restaurants, and sights to see. In addition, they’ll help the local government’s tourism department by contributing to branding. This may include making an identifiable logo, a catchy slogan, and effective social media content. When tourism organizations use graphic design, they can appeal to a wider range of travelers and draw in more regular visitors, making it an essential practice.
As San Diego is so close to the Pacific Ocean, there is a strong aerospace industry in the area. It’s become a hub for military and commercial aviation alike, which means that many major companies such as Boeing call the city home. However, there are both large and small companies that work on everything from aviation manufacturing and satellite technology to drones and other defense strategies. Plus, with the strong emphasis on research and education in this region, there are many collaborative opportunities between the aerospace industry and the education, technology, and government industries.
Graphic design is not commonly considered when thinking about the aerospace industry, but it is still heavily needed. Designers help with anything from airline safety brochures and detailed technical manuals to marketing materials for airlines. They may also work on different kinds of visual aids for stakeholder presentations, which can help the company share their innovations with a general audience in a clear, understandable way. Overall, graphic design is essential in this space to communicate an intended message, connect with clients, and share the new work that’s in place within the company or industry as a whole.
San Diego has a thriving healthcare scene, with many reputable hospitals, biotech companies, and research institutions. The city is often at the forefront of medical innovation thanks in part to its connection with the technology industry. Companies are often focused on cutting-edge tech, telemedicine options, genomics, and other developments that improve patient care. The innovations that emerge from this industry not only make healthcare easier for patients to access but also help keep the community informed, prepared, and focused on health-related issues.
The healthcare industry hires Graphic Designers for all kinds of reasons. For example, each hospital wants to have an easy-to-identify image that involves signage, logos, handouts, brochures, and other informational material. Moreover, healthcare-related companies must have an easily accessible and navigable website or mobile application. This not only instills trust in the patient but makes it easier for them to continue using the company's services. Graphic design, as a whole, builds trust, makes communication easier, and keeps a large community such as San Diego informed about any potential health-related risks or changes in the area.
With proper graphic design training, you can find a well-paying and exciting job that can vary by company. Of course, you can become a Graphic Designer, but you could also explore the broader field of digital design or specialize in user experience. You could also branch into marketing. If you’re interested in a graphic design career and want to work in the San Diego area, read ahead to learn more about your options.
A Graphic Designer is tasked with creating visual material that communicates an idea. This may include designing promotional material or educational content. They often create branding materials such as logos, social media graphics, and posters. A Graphic Designer will also use a wide range of tools, like Adobe Creative Cloud applications, and adhere to design principles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, San Diego-based Graphic Designers earn an average of approximately $71,000 per year. Furthermore, the the BLS also indicates that California is not only the state with the highest employment level for Graphic Designers but also the third highest-paying state for this profession.
Digital Marketers specialize in promoting products or services for a company through different online platforms. They often use graphic design skills to work on websites, mobile applications, social media pages, email campaigns, or other forms of marketing. They need to understand design principles and effective communication to reach their intended audience. Glassdoor shares that the estimated average pay for a Digital Marketer in the San Diego area is roughly $70,000, with opportunities for additional compensation. Plus, working your way through the ranks can bring that expected salary to $100,000 or even surpass that figure.
A Digital Designer works on a broad range of digital design projects such as websites, applications, social media, email, online books, and other forms of interactive digital media. The role requires strong technical and creative skills, similar to a Graphic Designer. Furthermore, they often have a strong understanding of web development, user-centric design, and various design software. In San Diego, Digital Designers can earn a profitable living. According to Indeed, the average salary for this role is $141,000.
User Experience (UX) Designers are entirely focused on the user experience—that is, they ensure websites and applications are easy for the user to navigate and interact with. They perform research, gather feedback, and analyze data to identify design improvements. If the user has a pleasant experience with both the functionality and the overall design, they are more likely to continue using the product and trust the company. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a UX Designer in San Diego is nearly $69,000, with plenty of room for advancement or additional pay through bonuses, commission, or profit sharing.
If you’re looking for an industry-standard learning experience in graphic design, the ||CPN548|| at Noble Desktop is the way to go. Over the course of 84 hours of instruction, you can dive into real-world design projects that reflect how you may work in the professional space. You’ll get hands-on experience working with Adobe Creative Cloud tools to design album covers, posters, book art, and other branding materials. You’ll learn the best practices for editing photos, designing page layouts, and creating vector graphics, and you'll walk away with a versatile professional portfolio, enhanced credentials on your resume, and a certificate of completion.
Noble Desktop also offers a 138-hour Digital Design Certificate course that covers useful skills in graphic design, UI design, and other forms of digital design. You’ll learn best practices for webpage layout and design by creating prototypes in Figma. In addition, you’ll get hands-on experience with graphic design projects and tools such as balancing color in Photoshop and creating travel brochures with InDesign. By the end of the class, you will feel well-equipped to handle a variety of design projects, from websites and applications to flyers and animations. Plus, you’ll have a solid portfolio, a thorough resume, and a certificate of completion.
If you want a less time-consuming option, consider the AI for Graphic Design. Noble Desktop offers this 12-hour course for graphic design professionals who want to learn more about integrating AI into their work. You’ll learn how to generate and edit images, and you’ll also learn how to use AI features in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, so you’ll get an all-encompassing education. This is a fun yet informative way to boost your graphic design abilities and take your designs in a new creative direction.
At Ledet Training, students can partake in the Adobe Photoshop 101 Introduction course. Over two days, students will get familiar with the Photoshop interface and use different tools to edit images until they are high-quality and professional. Plus, the instructor will teach everyone how to customize their Photoshop workspace so it better aligns with their intended use of the application. Students will also practice using Camera RAW and Adobe Bridge.
New Horizons hosts an Adobe Illustrator CC: Part I course where students can lay the foundation for future Illustrator projects. This two-day course covers Illustrator’s interface and tools and shows students how to customize objects and shapes as well as create graphs and paths. Moreover, students will learn how to scale their graphics and understand principles of graphic composition.
The Adobe InDesign CC (2020) course from Certstaffix Training is a three-day course that gives students the chance to complete 15 projects by creating various layouts, interactive forms, and publishing designs. Students will also learn design principles related to color theory, typography, objects, styles, and other key design concepts.
Corporate training in graphic design is one of the best ways to ensure your team is on the same page with their communication, technical, and creative skills. In the fast-paced digital world, keeping your team on top of the latest trends, techniques, and tools is essential. With Noble Desktop’s corporate training, your team can tailor the lessons to suit their needs. If you want to learn more about a specific Adobe Creative Cloud tool such as Illustrator, you can do so. On the other hand, you may want to get a generalized overview of graphic design. It’s entirely up to you—which makes this training especially beneficial. Furthermore, you can choose in-person or live online sessions, providing flexibility to everyone involved.
In addition to the collaborative, engaging learning environment, Noble Desktop provides these benefits and more. For instance, Noble Desktop also offers your organization the chance to purchase bulk vouchers for regular classes at a discounted rate. This helps everyone continue their education no matter their budget. Investing in this training will pay off immeasurably and be reflected in your team’s future graphic design work. If you are interested in learning more about pricing, scheduling, and training options, reach out to Noble Desktop at corporate@nobledesktop.com to learn more.