Are Graphic Design Bootcamps Worth It?

Graphic design bootcamps provide different benefits for different people, but overall they are an incredibly worthwhile endeavor. Before enrolling in a bootcamp, you will want to consider a few key aspects of your learning journey. Of course, cost and time requirements are a large factor in what bootcamp you will choose. It is important to research numerous bootcamps and give thought to the level of involvement each one requires. You could also consider if the bootcamp offers the opportunity for advancement and professional development or if it is a basic overview of graphic design. This may determine whether you want to take the course or not. Additionally, some bootcamps focus on practical skills and provide insight into what you get out of a graphic design career. It all depends on varying factors, which will be discussed in this article.

Consider the Cost

Enrolling in a bootcamp will be costly, so it is worth it to consider your purpose and intentions while learning graphic design. You want to ensure you have enrolled in the best possible bootcamp for what you want to achieve. If you want to turn graphic design into a profession, it will most likely be expensive, but ultimately pay off in the end because you are gaining skills that can help you advance in your career or land the graphic design job you’ve been working toward. While cheaper options exist, such as self-help books, online resources, and on-demand classes, these are mostly supplemental, particularly to those who have zero or minimal experience. It is wonderful that students have so many options to choose from, but it is imperative that students judge the bootcamp based on factors important to the individual, which will likely include cost or whether the bootcamp offers financing options or flexible payment plans.

Advantages of a Graphic Design Bootcamps

While they can be time-consuming and costly, there are ample reasons to enroll in a live, instructor-led graphic design bootcamp. Graphic design bootcamps are an ideal way to gain professional skills and kick-start a career in the field. Most bootcamps are immersive and give students a chance to develop their portfolios. Additionally, they are taught by an expert in the field so students can be sure they are learning from someone who truly understands the material and the work that goes into graphic design. Here are a few benefits of graphic design bootcamps.

General benefits

In general, live bootcamps give students a leg up in the job search as most offer additional benefits and resources outside of the class. For example, many training centers have bootcamps with career support, setup assistance, and mentoring sessions. In addition, bootcamps allow students to create projects rooted in real-life situations so they have practice doing what a professional Graphic Designer would do. The instructor is a sturdy support system for students as they guide everyone through the material, provide ample feedback on student’s work, clear up any confusion, and answer any graphic design-related questions. In addition, they’re able to help with errors or issues in software and help fix projects with design concerns. Likewise, learning alongside others with similar goals can help make the learning process less intimidating. Most students agree that a traditional, live bootcamp offers the most in-depth and useful training. No matter the subject, it is useful to have guidance and support so you can overcome any challenges and absorb as much information as possible.

Access to Programs and Applications

Unfortunately, some may hold off on furthering their graphic design education because they are unable to spend money on the necessary software and tools that make graphic design possible. Many graphic design applications, such as Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, require users to subscribe to their services before using the software. These Adobe applications are under their Creative Cloud service, which is a host of different design software ranging from graphic design and motion graphics to photo editing and video editing These subscriptions are relatively pricey, sometimes costing hundreds or thousands, so they may not be worthwhile for someone with minimal graphic design skills to purchase. Plus, they have challenging functions and tools that may be demanding to learn on your own. Luckily, bootcamps negate the urge to needlessly spend money on unknown software. In addition to thorough education, most bootcamps provide students with course materials. This includes programs, software, and applications used for graphic design. Training centers frequently give their students limited licenses so they can access the materials throughout their time in the bootcamp so they get the most out of their class experience.

Learning Design Theory and Principles

Graphic design bootcamps are generally taught by a seasoned professional who can provide more insight into the behind-the-scenes aspects of working in the field and how design principles work. Studying the software and other design tools is essential, but those who use graphic design regularly in their professional lives should have a firm grasp on the theory, principles, and basic concepts that make up the graphic design field. Graphic design is necessary in different industries and job positions, so it is important to understand not only what graphic design is, but how graphic design works. At its core, graphic design is the art of communication just as much as it is designed, so many bootcamps elaborate on ways to improve reaching your audience and send out an intended message. An effective graphic design catches the viewer's attention and shares information seamlessly with the hope of achieving its branding, marketing, or messaging purpose. With the right graphic design bootcamp, you will be able to adopt skills necessary for integrating design principles such as negative space, hierarchy, contrast, and repetition to create an eye-catching and effective project.

Hands-On Experience

One notable advantage to a live bootcamp is the hands-on experience the students gain. Most beginners have no way to practice their skills outside of the classroom, which is why the projects, lessons, and activities completed in class are conducive to a well-rounded design career. The instructor assigns projects that often present a real-life scenario, such as creating branding material for a company to use on their social media pages and websites or designing promotional material for a digital or print marketing campaign. Bootcamps are immersive and realistic; in fact, many students complete projects in class that are similar to the ones they go on to create in their graphic design careers. Hands-on experience is remarkable for a beginner student because it provides exposure to the field, gives students a chance to develop their resume and portfolio, and gives them more confidence in completing projects in the future.

Direct Feedback from Instructors

As previously mentioned, bootcamps allow students to receive direct feedback from their instructors, which is invaluable for those who need a thorough, in-depth educational experience in graphic design. Many who enroll in bootcamps are novice graphic design learners or at least intermediates. They enroll with the intent of advancing to the next level and perhaps mastering the subject matter. So, these students need ample feedback on their work so they can enter the field with more structure, discipline, and understanding. It can be virtually impossible to determine the effectiveness of your own work, so receiving advice and constructive criticism from an expert, and perhaps even other peers, can make all the difference. Bootcamps are immersive and hands-on thanks in part to the instructor who encourages students to get familiar with tools as soon as possible. Students who receive feedback or work in a series of drafts are more likely to catch errors, fix mistakes, and avoid making these same mishaps in the future, so bootcamps offer this advantage as well.

Building a Professional Portfolio

Those who hope to become professional Graphic Designers will want to enroll in a course that offers a hands-on approach to graphic design training. The exercises, activities, and projects students complete during the bootcamp can be added to a collection of works most commonly referred to as a portfolio. Some students may not realize how important a well-developed professional portfolio will be during the job search, but it can be the determining factor between landing a job role or having to move on to the next. If you are interested in a graphic design career, a bootcamp will provide you with career support, real-life experience, and portfolio development. Your portfolio is a glimpse into your design process and shows employers all your abilities, so it is important to refine and update your portfolio regularly so that companies can see all the skills you have to offer.

Considerations When Searching for a Graphic Design Bootcamps

Graphic design bootcamps can be imperative to start a profitable and rewarding career, so it is no small decision. You should take a few things into consideration before enrolling. Some students need more instruction in a particular tool than they do the subject as a whole and other students need a bootcamp with a flexible schedule. In addition, students should also consider factors specific to their purpose for learning. Listed below are a few personal aspects to consider while searching for a graphic design bootcamp.

General Considerations

Live bootcamps require students to have ample time to attend class, study concepts, and practice their skills. It is necessary to consider your schedule, as traditional training methods have a regimented schedule, regardless of whether the bootcamp is in-person or online. Additionally, some classes require students to have time outside of class to work on assigned homework or to study for upcoming discussions, quizzes, or exams. An in-person class would also require students to have reliable transportation for their commute, but a live online course requires students to have a strong WiFi connection and a quiet space so they can participate in the lectures. Students will also need to consider their ability to keep up with course material, as some may find the lessons too fast or too slow-paced.

Balance of Learning Theory and Gaining Hands-On Practice

Although it is useful to learn both, students likely have different goals and learning needs before enrolling in a graphic design bootcamp. Students should determine what level of theory or practical application they need for their end goals. Some may need to study the history of graphic design and the theory behind effective graphic design more than actual graphic design techniques. Likewise, those who want to learn practical applications may not need to spend time learning about the history of graphic design and how it has changed over the years. While learning terminology and basic history is useful or supplemental for practical application, it may prove wasteful. Students can find an easy medium between the two but should consider what they prefer to focus their time and energy on throughout the course.

What Skills You Need

One of the most important considerations is what you intend to do once your training has ended. If you are aiming for a professional career in graphic design, you will want to spend the time, effort, and money on the best bootcamps possible. Alternatively, for those who want to learn basic techniques or gain experience with a specific software, it may be more beneficial to enroll in one introductory course or a bootcamp that focuses on one particular skill. Similarly, if you already have some experience with graphic design, or perhaps already work as a Graphic Designer, your skill sets may be well-developed already. In this case, it may be worthwhile to enroll in an on-demand class or follow up on certain concepts from supplemental resources like online seminar pages or YouTube accounts.

Is It Worth Enrolling in a Graphic Design Bootcamp?

Who Will Find Graphic Design Bootcamps Most Worthwhile?

Total beginners will find graphic design bootcamps most worthwhile, particularly if their end goal is to turn their skills into a career. In a bootcamp, students learn vital skills to become a Graphic Designer and have access to career support like mock interviews, portfolio development, and learning how to apply practical design concepts to their projects. While it may cost a hefty sum at the beginning, learning these skills can result in a meaningful career that ultimately outweighs the financial cost.

Additionally, those with intermediate skills could benefit greatly from a bootcamp. Creatives who want to expand their horizons and acquire buildable skills will want to consider enrolling in a graphic design class that allows them to take their skills to the next level. Some bootcamps may blend theory with practicality or focus on one particular application, software, or technique. Bootcamps offer courses at varying levels of advancement. The intermediate-level courses ensure students leave with the skills that help them achieve their goals. They often provide a review of the basics, discuss certain concepts and theories, and provide exposure to more complex techniques and actions.

Who May Benefit from Graphic Design Bootcamps?

Even if you are not considering a graphic design career, there are reasons to enroll in a graphic design bootcamp. Those who work in a creative position outside of graphic design may benefit from learning some basic concepts and tools. For example, content creators and marketing experts often use design software for social media posts, commercials, websites, and other digital spaces. By learning some graphic design techniques, marketing experts can create aesthetically pleasing logos, brochures, and flyers that help share information on the company and their products or services.

Those who work in related fields like animation, motion graphics, and web design could also benefit from a basic graphic design education. Simple graphic design concepts can be beneficial when creating a visually appealing website. Graphic design focuses more on conveying information, while animation often tells a story. Combining the two can make for an effective composition. Plus, a graphic design course helps students build upon both their technical and creative skills. With a well-equipped arsenal of tools, skills, and knowledge, new opportunities can open in your current design career.

Who Should Avoid Taking a Graphic Design Bootcamp?

Although graphic design bootcamps are useful, they may not be necessary for everyone. For instance, if you are already a professional in the field, there is likely no sense in enrolling in a graphic design bootcamp. Additionally, someone who needs to learn one specific skill or gain more insight into a particular project may not directly get what they want out of a graphic design bootcamp. In these situations, on-demand, self-paced courses can be more useful instead.

Hobbyists and non-professionals can also avoid enrolling in a full-on bootcamp; while they are able to gain introductory skills and foundational knowledge, hobbyists do not work on time-sensitive projects. Therefore, a bootcamp won’t meet their needs or may ask too much of the average hobbyist. Plus, those who learn graphic design for fun or as a means of expression don’t have to worry about maintaining a job, so they can learn at a slower pace. Similar to the seasoned professional, a self-paced option is the best learning method for hobbyists as it offers a low-stakes option for someone who just wants to learn graphic design as a fun way to express themselves or as a way to help spread the word about their side hustle.