What is the Fastest Way to Learn Graphic Design?

Every now and then, you may need to learn a new skill with optimal outcomes in as little time as possible. There are a few scenarios where this may be true. Perhaps you have an upcoming project that requires some graphic design knowledge and need to learn more about the techniques and tools before the deadline. Maybe you are eager to make a lateral career move from motion graphics to graphic design and want to broaden your capabilities. Or, let’s say you want to start a new career altogether. Whatever your reason for learning graphic design, it is important to know your options. There are many ways to learn quickly, effectively, and thoroughly. This article will discuss the various ways learners can acquire proficiency in a skill with the best possible outcomes.

Basic Free and Low-Cost Resources

Sometimes, all you need are basic graphic design skills to complete a project or perform one task in your job position. If this is the case, consider looking for free resources online. With the click of a button, learners can find hundreds of video collections, social media pages, blogs, websites, books, and other useful resources that provide foundational information to the beginner or skill-specific learner. For instance, you can find YouTube pages that dedicate their efforts to teaching techniques on Adobe InDesign or Photoshop. Some websites have pages with numerous blog posts and articles that clarify troubleshooting techniques and provide tips for using more complex features. Additionally, Noble Desktop has a free seminar page that provides learners with pre-recorded lectures on various subjects, including graphic design and related software.

These resources are some of the best ways to quickly learn the basics. While free resources don’t necessarily provide a thorough, in-depth overview of the subject, they still provide useful information that can help both beginners and experts alike. There is an abundance of free resources so everyone can find something that suits their needs and learning preferences. Whether you prefer to learn by watching a video or reading through different texts, you can find credible, free resources that help take your graphic design skills to the next level. While they aren’t sufficient resources for becoming a professional, Graphic Designers still use them for questions or troubleshooting purposes.

Introductory Classes

For a more immersive, hands-on approach to learning graphic design, consider introductory courses. In this course option, students have an experienced instructor who lectures, assigns projects, and guides students through the more rudimentary concepts. Noble Desktop and related training centers offer courses at varying levels, from beginner to advanced, that focus on various subjects and software. For instance, they offer Adobe Illustrator classes in varying levels of advancement as well as graphic design certificate courses. They also offer courses in subjects related to graphic design, such as motion graphics, video editing, and animation. These classes generally last a few hours to a few days, which is preferable for many with busier schedules or who need to learn the basics quickly.

Introductory classes start at the very beginning and offer insight into graphic design concepts, software interfaces, and basic tools and techniques. They also allow students to work on simple projects that help them apply graphic design skills outside of the classroom. These courses focus more on technical skills and practical application, so students can leave feeling more familiar with the foundational skills needed to complete graphic design projects. Plus, students are encouraged to move through the ranks in advancement, so once they finish beginner courses, they can move on to intermediate and advanced-level courses. Overall, introductory classes are a great place to get started on your graphic design journey.

Certificate Courses

If you are looking for a course that is hands-on, focused on real-world application of skills, and aids in career-building, then certificate courses are the best option. These are the most thorough of course options that offer real benefits. Noble Desktop offers certificate courses in graphic design and related fields and tools to help students achieve their goals and gain employment quickly. Certificate courses provide students with as much information in as short a time as possible, which may be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on whether you enroll in a part-time or full-time course. The instructors are equipped with expert skills and guide students through assignments based on realistic, professional graphic design projects so that students feel more confident when entering the job search. In addition, certificate courses can help students prepare to take certification exams, which is the next step in the learning journey.

Certificate courses are arguably the longest option out of the bunch, but that’s no real surprise. They are considered the most effective due to the time and effort spent practicing. Extended exposure to a subject results in understanding it better. Regardless of the slightly longer course length, these are great options. Additionally, certificate courses provide an easy balance of basic information and more complex concepts, which is ideal for those who want to breeze through levels of advancement. While certificate courses typically avoid discussing theoretical concepts, students typically feel better equipped once they leave the classroom. All in all, certificate courses are an easy medium between learning on your own and learning from a higher education institution like a college or university.

On-Demand Courses

There are dozens upon dozens of on-demand course options for graphic design. These are mostly appealing due to the ease of access and the way students can easily integrate an on-demand class into their day-to-day lives. They can study at their convenience and complete assignments on their own time, so long as it is all completed within the set period of time. Some on-demand courses do not even require students to complete assignments, but instead provide video collections, pre-recorded lectures, and other resources. On-demand courses, unfortunately, are a little harder to gauge in terms of effectiveness because everyone learns at their own pace and values learning different skills. In addition, some students learn best through hands-on instruction whereas others can learn skills just by fine following along with tutorials.

On-demand classes lack feedback, guidance, and advice from an instructor, which is why they are best suited for those with previous experience or those who want to learn one specific skill or software. For example, some students who choose on-demand classes do so because they need to learn a specific skill in as short amount of time as possible. Once the on-demand class is purchased, students can begin learning immediately, which means they can spend as little or as much time as they want to learn the material. Students could finish their lessons within a week or string assignments out throughout the predetermined class time. In addition, on-demand classes may be best for those who already have some experience with graphic design because they can understand more difficult concepts than a beginner and may have fewer questions. Even if the seasoned student has questions or encounters problems, they may have an easier time finding answers or identifying what the issue is with their software.