These certifications provide comprehensive training in design principles, software proficiency, and visual communication techniques. Aspiring graphic designers in the capital city can benefit from these programs by acquiring a competitive edge in a competitive job market, building a robust portfolio, and establishing credibility among potential employers and clients. Moreover, these certifications offer a structured learning path, networking opportunities, and exposure to the latest design trends, enabling individuals to excel and thrive in their graphic design careers while contributing to the vibrant creative landscape of Washington, D.C.
Noble Desktop: Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp
Key Information: This is an online course. It takes place over six evening sessions. The average class size is fifteen. The cost is $975.
Students will acquire the skills to eliminate undesired elements from images, create selections, optimize files for both print and web formats, and gain proficiency in various other Photoshop techniques. In a short span of time, students will witness their photo editing capabilities and graphic design competence flourish.
Throughout the duration of this course, students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a diverse array of hands-on projects. These projects will not only facilitate the mastery of essential graphic design skills, but also enable students to develop a discerning artistic eye. Aspiring graphic designers will delve into the intricacies of color and contrast manipulation, honing their ability to create visually striking compositions.
Learn Graphic Design
- Live & Hands-on
- In NYC or Online
- Learn From Experts
- Free Retake
- Small Class Sizes
- Certificate of Completion
This course will guide students through the intricacies of eliminating undesirable elements from images, a crucial skill for achieving polished and professional results. Moreover, students will acquire precision in selecting specific segments of an image, a technique that underpins targeted design work. By participating in this comprehensive learning experience, students will emerge not just as graphic designers, but also as visual storytellers.
Noble Desktop: Graphic Design Certificate
Key Information: Include details like the price of the course, how long it runs and prerequisites. You can also highlight important details like Noble’s free retake option.
In this graphic design class, students will delve into a comprehensive array of topics aimed at making them excellent graphic designers. The primary objective is for each student to produce a compelling portfolio, a vital tool for showcasing creative abilities to potential clients or employers. A key focus of the course lies in mastery of the Adobe Creative Cloud Apps, widely used by industry professionals.
Throughout the duration of the class, students will engage in hands-on learning experiences. They’ll refine their ability to edit and enhance photos using Photoshop, create intricate vector graphics utilizing Illustrator, and proficiently design page layouts with InDesign. At the same time, they’ll delve into the fundamental tenets of design, including typography, color theory, composition, and overarching design principles.
Students will create diverse visual assets like social media graphics, logos, and cover art. Students will compile these works into a portfolio for future clients or employers. By harnessing the capabilities of Adobe Portfolio, an inclusive feature of a Creative Cloud membership, students will curate a personalized online portfolio to effectively showcase their creative journey.
Stone Branch School of Art: Digital Art
Key Information: This class is for students sixteen and older at all levels. The average class size is 12. The cost is $320.
Students will discover the world of digital art through this practical and comprehensive course that focuses on the fundamentals of creating digital paintings, photo collages, and optical illusions using just a computer and their creativity. They’ll dive into essential skills, including effectively using style and content, working with reference materials and image resources, and uncovering handy tips and tricks within Adobe Photoshop.
Beginners will find a clear and supportive environment to build their skills, while more experienced artists can expand their repertoire and refine their techniques. By the end of the course, students will have the confidence and knowledge to embark on their own digital art projects, armed with a solid understanding of the tools and techniques at their disposal.
Learning Tree International: InDesign CC Advanced
Key Information: This course requires practical working skills with computers. The average class size is 16. This course is recommended for advanced students. The cost is $1,195.
This course is a gateway to mastering Adobe InDesign CC and CC 2014. Students will discover the latest features while learning to create tables, work with transparency, and manage colors effectively. Students will navigate printing and exporting. They’ll dive into the digital world, mastering the creation of Adobe PDF files with interactive form fields and ebooks.
Students will also explore the world of digital publishing with iPad publications. They’ll be able to tackle long documents efficiently and gain valuable insights from the instructor’s tips and tricks. Whether students are new to the software or inexperienced, this course will enable them to excel in Adobe InDesign.
Ledet Training: Adobe InDesign—Advanced Training
Key Information: Include details like the price of the course, how long it runs and prerequisites. You can also highlight important details like Noble’s free retake option.
The Adobe InDesign Advanced Training Course is designed to provide students with an array of advanced techniques and tools, enhancing their skill set. For example, students will understand the art of precision design with the Advanced Pen Tool. They’ll broaden their design capabilities with an immersive dive into Libraries, a feature that streamlines the management and reusability of design assets across diverse projects.
Students will also navigate the intricacies of handling extensive content, undergoing an in-depth exploration of strategies for managing long documents effectively. This will ensure students maintain an organized workflow and optimized productivity. This course also delves into the process of creating indexes, empowering students to craft user-friendly navigation for even the most intricate documents. They’ll also learn, among other skills, XML integration, which will teach them to seamlessly incorporate structured data.
New Horizons Washington, DC: Adobe Illustrator CC: Part 1
Key Information: This class is for beginners. The class size is eight. The cost is $790.
This course is designed to cover the objectives of graphic design and illustration using Adobe Illustrator CC, with the primary aim of assisting students in their preparation for the Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) exam.
Upon successful completion, students will gain the ability to effectively utilize Adobe Illustrator CC for the creation of intricate illustrations integrating both graphics and text. Throughout the course, they’ll develop the skills to identify the various components and capabilities inherent in Illustrator CC, create foundational shapes, craft personalized paths, produce visual featuring tailor-made text, customize objects to align with a specific requirement, and adapt basic shapes to suit your creative vision, and finally, prepare documents for deployment or distribution.
SoftTek Services: Introduction to Adobe InDesign
Key Information: This class is for students at all levels of experience. The average class size is fourteen. The cost is $325.
Throughout this course, students will work to develop a comprehensive understanding of the InDesign workspace. They’ll navigate through the intricacies of placing graphics and objects. They’ll acquire skills needed to proficiently create and oversee new documents, a fundamental aspect of design workflow. They’ll also learn how to apply master pages to documents.
Students will also explore the intricacies of layers and frames, which will allow them to organize their design elements with precision and efficiency. They’ll also learn how to wrap text around objects. By the end of this course, they’ll emerge equipped with the expertise to navigate the InDesign landscape with confidence, and will be empowered to bring their creative visions to life.
Digital Workshop Center: Design Fundamentals for Beginners
Key Information: This class takes place over the course of two evening sessions. The average class size is six, and it’s best for beginners. The cost is $289. This is an online course.
In this class, s students will explore the core principles of effective design. They’ll dive into digital design history and learn essential tools. They’ll gain practical skills for translating creative visions into impactful projects—relevant across various roles. Unlike software-focused classes, this course prioritizes a solid grasp of design principles, helping students answer the fundamental question: “What makes good design?”
Led by local graphic designers, the Introduction to Design Fundamentals is a popular class that keeps students updated on design trends, enhancing their digital products. By the end of the course, students will be able to confidently apply design elements using both analog and digital tools, guided by robust principles. They’ll receive modern design vocabulary and learn to provide and receive valuable critique.
Lumenbrite Training: Illustrator Training: Corporate Marketing 1
Key Information: This course takes place over two full day sessions. The material is appropriate for beginners. The cost is $995. The average class size is eight students.
Students will gain practical expertise with Adobe Illustrator in this focused course designed for business professionals aiming to create compelling corporate marketing materials and effective communications assets. Through hands-on projects, students will learn how to personalize and integrate well-crafted designs into their workflow.
From designing logos and impactful flyers, to creating design guides, graphs, and infographics, students will fully utilize Illustrator’s capabilities. They’ll also master essential techniques like efficiently working with Acrobat PDF documents, prototyping, and mastering key design elements. Students will join a diverse community of learners, including professionals from different industries.
Future Media Concepts: Photoshop CC Advanced—Web and Video
Key Information: This course is one full-day session. The average class size is eight. It’s suitable for advanced students. The price is $795.
This course is a practical guide to mastering digital imagery. Students will start with the basics of digital images, then learn Adobe Bridge, Camera Raw, and advanced compositing. They’ll dive into HDR techniques and animated effects for photos.
Students will then move onto video editing, preparing files for the web, and animation. They’ll explore 3D image manipulation and printing, design graphics for videos, and gain useful tips. The course structure provides a solid road map, but the instructor can adjust to meet class needs. This course is a blend of hands-on skills and creative learning.
FAQ for Graphic Design Certificates
What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?
The distinction between a certificate and a certification lies primarily in their purpose, rigor, and recognition. A certificate is typically granted upon the successful completion of a training program workshop, or course. It serves as evidence that an individual has acquired a certain level of knowledge or skill in a specific area. Certificates are often offered by educational institutions, online platforms, or training centers and are aimed at enhancing an individual’s expertise or understanding in a particular subject. However, certificates may vary widely in terms of their duration, depth, and credibility, as they are not always subject to standardized assessments.
On the other hand, a certification is a more formal and standardized recognition of an individual’s competence in a specific field or profession. It involves the successful completion of an examination or assessment that is designed to evaluate a person’s knowledge, skills, and abilities according to established industry standards. Certifications are often offered by professional organizations, governing bodies, or industry associations. Achieving certification signifies a higher level of expertise and is usually associated with certain professional roles or responsibilities.
Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?
While both certificates and certifications acknowledge an individual’s accomplishment or competence, certifications are generally more formal, standardized, and widely recognized within specific industries. Certificates are typically linked to completing training courses, while certifications involve passing assessments that validate proficiency in a given field. The choice between pursuing a certificate or certification depends on the individual’s goals, career aspirations, and the level of recognition and credibility they seek to attain.
Certificates often serve as a way to expand one’s knowledge or skill set in a particular subject, making them valuable for personal development or for demonstrating a basic understanding of a topic. They can enhance a resume and potentially open doors to entry-level positions or new opportunities within a current role. Certifications, on the other hand, hold greater weight when it comes to career advancement and specialization. Many professions require specific certifications as a prerequisite for employment, advancement, or level practice. Ultimately, individuals must carefully assess their objectives and the industry norms to determine whether a certificate or certification aligns better with their career trajectory and aspirations.
Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?
Whether or not you need to become certified to find a job largely depends on the industry, the specific role you’re pursuing, and the expectations of employers within that field. In some industries, certifications are considered essential and may be a requirement for even entry-level positions. These certifications often validate your competency, adherence to industry standards, and ability to perform specific tasks. For instance, professions like nursing, information technology, project management, and certain trade jobs often demand specific certifications as a baseline qualification. In such cases, being certified not only demonstrates your expertise but also puts you ahead of other candidates who lack the credentials.
While it’s definitely possible to get a role in many industries without certifications, there are other industries where certifications aren’t mandatory but can significantly boost your chances of landing a job. These credentials can act as differentiators, especially in competitive job markets. Employers may view certifications as a way to gauge your commitment to continuous learning and your dedication to professional growth. Obtaining certifications in fields like digital marketing, graphic design, or even leadership and management can help you stand out and provide evidence of your skills beyond what’s listed on your resume.
In contrast, some industries place more emphasis on practical experience, education, and soft skills, and certifications may not carry as much weight. In such cases, a degree, portfolio, internships, or work experience might be more crucial. It’s essential to research the specific job market you’re targeting and assess whether certifications are commonly requested or valued by employers. While certifications can undoubtedly enhance your employability, they are just one piece of the puzzle, and a holistic approach to skill development and job search is often the most effective strategy.
What Certificate Program is Right for Me?
Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes
The choice between in-person and online classes depends on various factors, including your learning style, preferences, goals and the specific subject matter being taught. Each mode of learning offers distinct advantages and challenges.
In-person classes provide a traditional classroom setting where students engage directly with instructors and peers. This format often allows for immediate clarification of doubts, real-time discussions, and hands-on activities. The structured environment can foster discipline and routine, while face-to-face interactions facilitate networking and relationship-building. In-person classes are particularly beneficial for subjects that require hands-on practice, laboratory work, or physical demonstrations. However, they might be limited by geographical constraints and scheduling conflicts, and some students might find the pace too fast or too slow for their learning needs.
On the other hand, online classes offer flexibility and accessibility. Learners can access materials and lectures from anywhere, allowing them to balance education with work, family, or other commitments. Online courses often offer a diverse range of subjects and specialized programs that might not be available locally. They can cater to various learning styles through multimedia resources, discussion forums, and self-paced learning. However, online classes require self-motivation, time management, and strong digital literacy skills. The absence of direct, face-to-face interaction can make it challenging to receive immediate feedback or build relationships with instructors and peers.
Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?
The decision between live online and asynchronous classes depends on your learning style, schedule, and the specific demands of the course. Each format offers unique benefits and considerations.
Live online classes, also known as synchronous classes, allow you to participate in real-time discussions, lectures, and interactions with instructors and fellow students. This format closely mimics the traditional classroom experience, offering the opportunity for immediate clarification of doubts, dynamic discussions, and active engagement. Live classes can provide a sense of structure and accountability, helping you stay on track with the course material. They also promote a feeling of community and connection, which can enhance the learning experience. However, live classes require you to adhere to a set schedule, which might not be convenient for those with busy or unpredictable schedules. Technical issues or time zone differences can also pose a challenge for some learners.
Asynchronous classes, on the other hand, allow you to access course materials, lectures, and assignments at your own pace and convenience. This format provides flexibility, enabling you to balance your education with work, family commitments, or other responsibilities. Asynchronous classes cater well to self-directed learners who prefer to study independently and create their own learning schedules. This approach can accommodate various time zones and reduce the pressure of meeting fixed deadlines. However, the lack of real-time interactions can make it challenging to receive immediate feedback, engage in dynamic discussions, or establish a strong sense of community. Additionally, asynchronous learning requires a high level of self-motivation and time management skills to ensure consistent progress.