Adobe applications are often used by graphic designers, in addition to web developers and digital designers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS), which collects and analyzes information about the U.S. labor market, gives information about these professions. The agency predicts that in the next ten years, web development and digital design jobs will increase by 23 percent, which is much faster than average. The rate of increase in graphic design jobs is expected to be just below average.
According to the BLS, Boston ranks in the top ten metropolitan areas for the highest employment levels of graphic designers, and also for web and digital interface designers. Boston is also a top-ten-paying metropolitan area for these professions. Glassdoor provides salary estimates for cities across the United States. It reports that in Boston, a digital designer earns an average yearly salary of about $85,000, and a graphic designer earns approximately $60,000.
Noble Desktop: Digital Design Certificate
Key Information: This Digital Design Certificate, offered by Noble Desktop, takes 7 weeks full-time, or 5 weeks part-time, to complete. There are 138 hours of instruction in total. Tuition is $4,459. Noble offers a number of financing options including a 12-month plan and an installment payment plan, with no fees or finance charges for either. All students also get the option of a free course retake within a year. This program is approved by the New York State Department of Education.
Noble’s Digital Design Certificate is intended to prepare students to work in the field of digital design, and covers a number of industry-standard Adobe applications. Students also learn about design concepts, and design processes.
There are six courses in the certificate program. In the Adobe InDesign Bootcamp, students learn how to create layouts with color, text, and graphics. Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp is about adjusting images, and preparing them for the web, video, or print. In the Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp, students learn how to create a variety of graphics. The Graphic Design Portfolio Bootcamp covers graphic design concepts and processes. Students also take a Figma Bootcamp, where they learn about this application, and a UI Design Bootcamp, which is focused on UI concepts and best practices.
Another feature of the certificate program is that it includes career support. Students get eight one-on-one mentoring sessions. These sessions allow students to get extra practice on challenging concepts. They can also get expert feedback on their portfolio, resume, and LinkedIn profile, and advice about applying for jobs.
ONLC Training Centers: Adobe CC Graphic Design Bootcamp
Key Information: ONLC Training Centers offers a class called the Adobe CC Graphic Design Bootcamp. Students earn a certificate upon completion of the course. ONLC classes are live online, however, students also get access to a computer lab in Boston. This bootcamp runs for five full days, and tuition is $1,995. Students who plan to take this course should have basic computer and file management skills.
Students who enroll in this bootcamp will learn about Adobe Creative Cloud, with a focus on Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. The class also helps students become prepared for more advanced Adobe courses and for certification in these applications. Instructors begin by going over the basics of graphic design and Creative Cloud, including how to use Adobe Creative Cloud libraries.
After that, students learn how to use Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. For Illustrator, students learn about creating and editing vector graphics and illustrations. The InDesign part of the course covers when to use this application, and the core skills required for page design and layout. Students also learn about Photoshop, including image editing and compositing, and how to use Lightroom. Lastly, the bootcamp covers using Adobe Bridge for organizing projects and workflow.
NYC Career Centers: Graphic Design Certificate
Key Information: NYC Career Centers is based in New York City, but also offers a variety of online classes. Its Graphic Design Certificate includes instruction in a number of Adobe apps. Tuition is $2,995, and there are 14 class sessions. There are a total of 84 hours of instruction. NYC Career Centers also offers multiple financing options. The course is licensed by the New York State Department of Education. Students who want to refresh their skills can also take advantage of the school’s free retake policy, which allows the option of a free retake within a year of taking a class.
The Graphic Design Certificate is designed to teach students the essentials of graphic design. That includes learning Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, which are commonly used within the field of graphic design. There are four courses in total: Adobe InDesign Bootcamp, Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp, Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp, and Graphic Design Portfolio Bootcamp.
The InDesign class focuses on mastering tables and columns, creating books and magazines, using advanced text styles, and using XML. In the Photoshop course, students learn a wide range of editing techniques, and in the Illustrator class, they learn about vector graphics. For the final class–the Graphic Design Portfolio Bootcamp–students work on all of these skills further, in addition to working on a portfolio.
Students who take this class work on real projects, which they can use to showcase their design skills to potential clients or employers. They also get four private, one-on-one mentoring sessions, which can be a great way to get personalized advice on things like resumes and job applications, portfolios, and learning goals.
Lumenbrite Digital Design Training: Photoshop Training: Bootcamp
Key Information: Lumenbrite Digital Design Training offers live online Adobe classes that can be used to help students prepare for Adobe Certifications. The Photoshop Training Bootcamp runs for 4 days, and tuition is $1,595. Students should have basic computer skills. After completing the course, they will receive a certificate and a conversion tools bookmark.
Students who take this course learn many different Photoshop skills including how to set up a workflow, retouch, repair and manipulate photos, how to work with layers, typography, image effects, and compositing. They also learn about color management and advanced image manipulation, and how to output to different media. Instructors also cover best practices, and teach students how to avoid common pitfalls.
Students who enroll in this bootcamp also learn how to use the Brush tool and Shape tools, and how to work with Camera Raw. Additionally, they manage multiple Art Boards and manage Gifs. Finally, they learn about what channels are, and how to use them.
Training Connection: After Effects Bootcamp
Key Information: The After Effects Bootcamp at Training Connection takes users from a beginner to an advanced level over five sessions, and students receive a certificate upon completion. There are five class sessions in this bootcamp, and tuition is $1,845, payable upon enrollment. It is in a live online format. No prior experience with After Effects is required. Training Connection is an Adobe Authorized Training Center based in Los Angeles. Students who take this course receive a free training manual, and have the option of a free course repeat
The course is designed for graphic and video professionals, and takes users from a beginner to an advanced level in Adobe After Effects over five sessions. The instructor teaches students the correct workflow, how to master the tools, and useful shortcuts to speed up their workflow.
Some of the specific topics covered are: setting up, basic animation, animating text and shapes, working with masks, color correction, rendering, compositing, keying, and rotoscoping. Students also learn more advanced topics, like puppet tool distortions and advanced color options.
FAQ for Adobe Certificates
What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?
“Certificate” and “certification, ” while often used interchangeably, mean two different things. You get a certificate by completing a particular program of study through a college, university, or other type of school. Each school has its own unique certificate programs. An example of a certificate is Noble Desktop’s Digital Design Certificate, which is earned by completing a seven-week course of study in digital design.
Unlike a certificate, a certification is the same no matter where you get it. While a certification usually involves expanding your knowledge on a particular subject, a certification is focused on proving that you have mastered a particular skill. In order to get a certification, you usually have to pass a standardized test. For instance, to earn an Adobe Illustrator Certification, you need to pass a 50-minute exam at an approved testing center.
Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?
Both a certificate and a certification can be beneficial to your career. When you get a certificate, you gain more knowledge in your field of study, and that can help you find a job or advance within your current position. When you get a certification, you prove your mastery of a specific skill, and that can also lead to new job opportunities. In addition, some employers say that certificates and certifications help employees stand out because they show dedication, and the desire to learn new things.
Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?
You probably don’t need to become certified to find a job unless an employer specifically asks for it. However, there is evidence that becoming certified might make your job search easier. Certification exam provider Certiport explains that more and more employers are paying attention to certifications. It says, “Companies are more frequently considering alternatives to college degrees to determine if a candidate is qualified for the job. Certification credentials are being viewed as more valuable and given more focus and attention when considering skills and qualifications for open positions.”
What Certificate Program is Right for Me?
Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes
When you sign up for a certificate program, you may find that you need to choose between in-person and online classes. Each of these formats has both advantages and disadvantages. A big advantage of in-person learning is that the instructor is right in front of you, and you can easily understand what they are talking about and ask questions whenever you need to. It is also easier for the instructor to understand when you need additional help. Additionally, in-person classes give you the opportunity to interact with your fellow students, which can both enhance your learning experience, and lead to valuable networking connections. A disadvantage of in-person learning is that you need to commute to a classroom, which can be both expensive and inconvenient. Online classes, on the other hand, don’t require a commute. Instead, you simply attend by logging in via your computer. As a result, you’re likely to have a greater number of class options. You’re also more likely to be attending with a diverse group of students, from across the country, or even from other parts of the world. This can be beneficial because it can lead to expanded learning opportunities.
Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?
Some online classes take place live, while others are asynchronous, or on-demand. A live online class takes place in real time, as the name suggests. You log in on your computer and attend a live lecture. With live online learning, you typically get to interact with your instructor and fellow students in real time, and you have the opportunity to ask questions and get immediate feedback. In contrast, asynchronous classes are pre recorded, and you can attend whenever is most convenient for you, working through the course at your own pace. If you have a busy schedule, asynchronous classes can be a great option, because they offer so much flexibility. They are often less expensive too.