When embarking on the journey to master Figma, one of the initial considerations is the cost of the courses available. From introductory workshops to intensive bootcamps and formal degree programs, the price range for Figma courses can vary significantly. However, it's essential to recognize that not every option fits everyone's budget. Understanding the different types of courses and their associated costs is crucial for individuals seeking to enhance their design skills effectively. Depending on one's learning goals, financial resources, and preferred learning style, a Figma course suits their needs and constraints.
College Degrees: Most Expensive and Most Broad
College degree programs in graphic design, web development, or user experience (UX) design provide a comprehensive but expensive option for learning Figma. These programs usually offer diverse courses covering different aspects of design, including Figma training. Yet, embarking on a college degree journey often comes with a hefty financial burden. Tuition fees can fluctuate significantly, ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars each year, contingent upon the chosen institution and program. There are supplementary costs, encompassing textbooks, materials, and living expenses, particularly for those enrolled in on-campus programs.
Despite the high cost, college degree programs offer extensive resources and structured curricula, providing a well-rounded education in design and Figma. Students benefit from access to experienced faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities for hands-on learning. Earning a degree can enhance your credibility and open doors to various career opportunities in the design industry. However, weighing the financial investment against the potential benefits and considering alternative options if cost is a significant concern is essential.
Professional Development Programs for the Career-Focused
Professional development programs provide targeted and practical training in Figma for individuals aiming to advance their careers in design or transition into UX/UI design roles. Unlike college degrees, these programs are typically shorter in duration but offer intensive and industry-relevant instruction tailored to the needs of working professionals. They encompass certificate courses, bootcamps, or workshops provided by professional training centers or online platforms, catering to individuals seeking specialized skills in Figma and related design disciplines. Though not exempt from expenses, professional development programs typically offer a more economical alternative than college degrees. Tuition fees for these programs can vary, typically within a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, contingent upon factors like program duration and intensity.
Despite the lower cost, professional development programs offer substantial benefits, including focused instruction, practical skills development, and networking opportunities within the design industry. Experienced instructors provide students with practical training and invaluable insights into industry standards, empowering them to implement their learning directly in their professional endeavors. These programs frequently offer flexible scheduling, accommodating individuals' diverse commitments by allowing them to manage their studies alongside work or other obligations. Professional development programs provide a cost-effective and efficient pathway for individuals looking to enhance their skills and advance their careers in design.
Live Introductory Training
Live introductory training sessions or workshops, led by seasoned instructors, present an alternative option for individuals seeking to learn Figma. These sessions, typically spanning from a few hours to a few days, prioritize hands-on instruction and guidance for students. Although they may not delve as deeply into the subject matter as more extensive degree programs or professional development courses, live training sessions offer a highly interactive and immersive learning experience.
Despite their shorter duration, live introductory training sessions can equip students with essential skills and insights into Figma's functionalities. Students benefit from direct engagement with instructors, immediate feedback on their progress, and opportunities for collaborative learning with peers. The cost of these sessions varies depending on the provider, location, and duration, but they generally offer a more budget-friendly option compared to longer-term educational programs. Most programs will range from a couple hundred to over a thousand, depending on the length and depth of the content.
On-Demand Courses: For Flexible Learning
For individuals prioritizing flexibility and convenience in their learning journey, on-demand courses from platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning offer an accessible and cost-effective solution. Such courses enable students to engage with lectures and study materials according to their timelines, catering to diverse schedules and individual learning paces. On-demand courses, suited for professionals juggling work or other commitments, provide the flexibility to study anytime, anywhere, eliminating the constraints of fixed schedules.
The affordability of on-demand courses further enhances their appeal, especially compared to traditional educational avenues or professional development programs. Students can explore courses that suit their financial limitations, with pricing models dependent on variables such as the platform, instructor, and course content. Many platforms offer subscription-based models or pay-per-course arrangements that provide additional flexibility, enabling students to tailor their learning experience to their financial capabilities and specific learning objectives.
Free Resources: How Far Can They Get You?
Free resources such as tutorials, documentation, and online forums are valuable assets for individuals interested in exploring Figma at their own pace and without financial commitment. While these resources may not provide the structured approach or depth of paid courses, they offer beginners an entry point into Figma's world, helping them grasp basic concepts and functionalities. The accessibility of free resources, requiring only an internet connection, makes them attractive for those with budget constraints or uncertain about committing to paid courses.
However, it's crucial to acknowledge the potential limitations of free resources. While they offer foundational knowledge, they may lack the depth and comprehensive coverage of paid courses. As a result, students utilizing free resources may encounter gaps in their understanding and proficiency in Figma, requiring additional supplementation through other resources or courses. Free resources remain valuable tools for initial exploration and self-directed learning, providing a stepping stone for individuals to familiarize themselves with Figma's interface and basic operations before advancing to more advanced training options.
Learn Figma with Noble Desktop
Noble Desktop offers students various options for mastering web design using Figma. Figma courses are available in person at Noble's Manhattan campus and online from the comfort of your home. Experienced instructors teach these courses, and even the online courses have small class sizes that allow students to receive focused attention to their learning needs in real time. Almost all of Noble's courses come with tech support, with in-person students using in-house computers and distance students receiving set-up assistance to ensure everyone is on the same page. Plus, these courses can take a free retake within one year. Students can refine their skills during this retake, compensate for their missed work, or simply gain extra practice with Figma.
Students looking to learn the intricacies of Figma may consider enrolling in Noble's Figma Bootcamp. This course will teach students how to build web designs using Figma independently and as part of a collaborative team. Students will learn the basics of the program, such as how to create and resize vector illustrations, optimize their designs for different-sized screens, and export their designs for prototyping or demonstration. Then, students will collaborate on advanced designs, including features such as hovers, scrolling elements, or web assets. At the end of the course, students will know how to use Figma to build professional quality web designs.
For students looking to strike out into a new career as a Web Designer, Noble offers many professional training options for students hoping to learn Figma. The UX & UI Design Certificate program teaches students in-depth user experience design practices, allowing them to test and research user behavior to make informed decisions about the interfaces they are designing in Figma. This assures that their web pages will be more accessible and easy to navigate.
Noble's Web Development Certificate program teaches students the technical side of web page design. After learning how to build a layout in Figma, students will learn how to use HTML/CSS, Flex, Bootstrap, and JavaScript to turn that design into a functioning webpage or user interface. More creatively oriented students may look towards Noble's Digital Design Certificate program. This course, aimed at aspiring Graphic Designers, will teach students how to build assets for web interfaces using Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign before teaching them how to import those designs into Figma to serve as templates or plugins for later use.
How to Learn Figma
Master Figma with hands-on training. Figma is a popular design application for creating, editing, and sharing clickable prototypes of websites and mobile apps.
- Figma Bootcamp at Noble Desktop: live, instructor-led course available in NYC or live online
- Find Figma Classes Near You: Search & compare dozens of available courses in-person
- Attend a Figma class live online (remote/virtual training) from anywhere
- Find & compare the best online Figma classes (on-demand) from the top providers and platforms
- Train your staff with corporate and onsite Figma training