Best Part-Time Graphic Design Bootcamps

Part-time classes and bootcamps instruct students on the same material as full-time options but differ in a few key ways. First, they follow entirely different schedules. Many full-time courses follow a schedule that is set during typical class time, such as during the day and throughout the work week. However, part-time options can occur on weekends or in the evening so you can still fit the lessons into your day. In addition, part-time classes are paced differently. They will usually last longer, but classes can be shorter and farther apart than they would in a full-time option. As a result, part-time classes may feel less intense or daunting but you will still learn all the necessary material. As a whole, part-time options are equally effective but suit certain people’s needs more than others.

Why Learn Graphic Design Part-Time?

You may wonder how part-time education can be as worthwhile as full-time. It’s understandable; after all, full-time classes are immersive and quick-paced, which may be ideal for those with deadlines or hectic schedules. However, full-time methods aren’t always the best. In fact, learning part-time typically affords more flexibility than the full-time counterpart and allows students to learn at a gradual pace. This means you can still live your regular life while enrolled -- you can work, tend to your responsibilities, enjoy time with loved ones, and still find time to study. The courses are spaced out accordingly and give you just enough information to satisfy until the next lesson.

Because part-time classes teach the same material as full-time just at a different pace, you can still benefit from career services or professional advancement. Whether you choose to enroll to start a new career or to complete an upcoming project at work, you will find use in a part-time graphic design course. They are hands-on and give you the chance to have your work reviewed. Through constructive criticism and personalized portfolio help, you can leave with a well-developed, diverse, and professional-looking portfolio that will help you succeed in your job search.

However, you may want to learn graphic design purely for personal reasons. In that case, a part-time option is best because you are in no rush to master all the skills. If graphic design is simply a fun way for you to create art, then you can learn at a gradual pace and feel less of a time crunch. This way, you can learn without being overwhelmed. Plus, you could one day apply the skills you learn to your side hustle by creating different branding materials on graphic design software. You could also learn how to update your family photos. If you are an avid writer, you could one day design and self-publish a book. If you have created a website, you can update it by adding graphics and other visual design elements. The possibilities are vast and with a part-time graphic design class, you can explore all this and more.

Drawbacks to Learning Graphic Design Part-Time

Despite all its advantages, part-time learning is not for everyone. Due to the extended class length, this format is not preferred if you have a deadline at your current job or want to start a new career as soon as possible. Although part-time and full-time courses attempt to mirror one another, a part-time option could potentially feel less immersive since the lessons are often shorter and further apart. It may be hard for you to keep the momentum if you typically prefer a more fast-paced setting. 

In addition, it may still be challenging to balance personal responsibilities and part-time education. You will start your career later than you may like; however, you can mitigate these issues by putting in place a plan and reviewing what your end goals are. Keeping your eyes on the prize and maintaining a dedicated and positive mindset will help reduce the drawbacks associated with learning part-time.

Is a Part-Time Graphic Design Bootcamp Right for You?

A graphic design bootcamp may be the perfect choice for working professionals and aspiring experts alike. If you work a full-time job, a part-time graphic design bootcamp will afford you the flexibility to fit an educational endeavor into your schedule. In addition, a part-time bootcamp may be suitable for freelance individuals who have more flexibility in their current schedules as opposed to someone who works in-house at a firm or company. 

If you want to learn graphic design and have zero time constraints or deadlines, a part-time option is especially appealing. Or, perhaps you simply prefer learning at a slower pace. If that applies, part-time instruction would be preferable over full-time. Hobbyists can also learn part-time because they have less responsibility attached to learning the material and can therefore take it at a slower pace. Overall, a part-time bootcamp may be the best option depending on your schedule, learning needs, and goals.

Ways to Make Learning Graphic Design Part-Time Easier

Learning graphic design may be challenging, but you can adopt certain mindsets and habits to make your experience less difficult and more rewarding. First, you have to define your goals and continually check in with them. Once you decide why you want to learn graphic design, you can find a class or bootcamp that fits into your schedule. With this new schedule in mind, try to maintain a routine that helps you maintain consistency. If you are a beginner, you will naturally start from the very basics and work your way through the varying levels of difficulty, either in a bootcamp or a series of courses.

Additionally, don’t be afraid to seek out a little extra help. Use free resources, like the pre-recorded lectures on Noble Desktop’s Free Seminar page, to help you grasp challenging concepts and gain more clarity on a subject. You can find YouTube videos, social media pages, blogs, and other online communities where you can ask questions, share projects, and request feedback. Of course, you are encouraged to study outside of class, but you can also take advantage of class time to ask instructors more challenging questions and for more thorough feedback. You will gradually feel more comfortable receiving criticism and will grow as a creative design expert.

Graphic design is an ever-growing field that is constantly ebbing and flowing in a creative direction. What works stylistically one year may be outdated or distasteful in the year to come. As a result, it’s important to keep up with popular trends and new industry standards. Staying updated about graphic design helps make the learning process less challenging as you already have a clear idea of what may work and what may not.

Choosing the Best Part-Time Graphic Design Bootcamp

Choosing the right part-time graphic design bootcamp is a process. You will have to consider circumstances specific to you, such as budget, schedule, and current skill level. This may require you to research different training options and compare the cost, duration, and level of difficulty. Most importantly, you will want to establish your reason for learning graphic design. Specifically, you will want to find a bootcamp whose curriculum aligns well with your goals. This will help you get the most from the lectures and projects.

In addition, you should consider the delivery method and format. You may be able to commute to class and opt for an in-person bootcamp. However, if you live in a smaller city or a rural area, your in-person options are likely limited. If you are otherwise unable to attend an in-person class, a live online option is the appropriate choice. Much like the bootcamp itself, you will want to also research the right training center. Credible training centers with expert instructors, like Noble Desktop, are the ones you want to find.

If you feel as though finding the right part-time bootcamp is overwhelming, remember to weigh the cost-benefit ratio. It will certainly take time and energy to find the right bootcamp; in addition, bootcamps can be expensive. However, the cost of time, energy, and money it takes to become a graphic design expert is worthwhile. Your skills will pay off in the long run and it will feel rewarding to achieve your goals. Plus, you can always reach out to the training center for more clarification and to have questions answered.

Lastly, you will want to find a bootcamp and training center that offers additional resources, such as tech support or setup assistance. Many training centers offer limited software licenses, workbooks, recordings, and other class resources. In addition, training centers such as Noble Desktop offer a free retake of the course within a set period and will award students with certificates of completion. They also often provide career support such as portfolio assistance, interview preparation, and bonus review sessions. These are all worthwhile and help make the graphic design experience feel that much more immersive, despite being in a part-time format.

Live Classes and Bootcamps at Noble Desktop

If you want to learn all about creating vector graphics, consider the Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp at Noble Desktop. Here, an instructor will show you how to use essential Illustrator tools, such as the Pathfinder panel and the Pen, Selection, Shape, and Paintbrush tools. With these tools and more, the instructor will show you how to blend colors, draw distinct shapes, and combine objects. The projects will range from creating signs, t-shirt designs, and 3D designs like a box. Throughout the bootcamp, you will have access to additional services such as setup assistance, bonus mentoring, and class recordings. Once the course ends, you can retake the course for up to a year at no additional cost and will have a verified digital certificate to show for your efforts. 

Likewise, you may want to learn about Photoshop. Noble Desktop also offers an Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp that teaches design principles, basic functions and tools, and realistic application of your skills. Students will complete hands-on projects where they manipulate, edit, and enhance photographs for different professional purposes, such as nature photos, action shots, marketing campaigns, and portrait photography. The projects will give students necessary practice with applying color theory, removing backgrounds, manipulating objects, and preparing photos for distribution. Students in the Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp will have access to benefits like those in the Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp, including the certificate of completion.

However, you may want a more comprehensive overview of graphic design as opposed to extended instruction on one particular software. In that case, the Graphic Design Portfolio Bootcamp is an ideal learning opportunity. This bootcamp emphasizes professional development and skill advancement through hands-on projects. Over several weeks, students will learn design principles, use multiple applications within Adobe Creative Cloud, and undergo peer review to ensure their projects are portfolio-ready. These projects, ranging from book covers and event flyers to marketing material and album art, will help you diversify your portfolio and set of capabilities. The extended exposure to the material will help you learn quickly and gain practical experience that can transfer easily to the professional realm. In this bootcamp, you will have similar resources available, such as setup assistance, free recordings, and workbooks to help with the learning process. You will also have a free retake and can use your certificate to your advantage in the job search.

However, there are more intensive options that may align with your current skill level, career aspirations, and educational preferences. Noble Desktop hosts a Graphic Design Certificate that is offered in-person and live online as well as part-time and full-time. In this course, you will learn industry standards and gain realistic expectations for the world of graphic design. In particular, students will learn how to use the relevant applications in Adobe Creative Cloud through a series of lectures, activities, discussions, and hands-on projects rooted in real-life assignments. Specifically, you will retouch photos, create vector graphics, design page layouts, and learn about graphic design concepts, theories, processes, and design elements. Projects may include album art, book covers, advertisements, and other forms of brand identification. In this course, you will have many of the aforementioned benefits but receive six additional mentoring sessions where you can focus on portfolio development, build your resume, receive interview advice, and review challenging concepts. You will also have access to different payment plans. Lastly, you will earn a verified digital certificate of completion that serves as proof of your skills.