How do Beginners Learn Graphic Design?

Any aspiring graphic design professional will start at the very beginning. Novice graphic design students can find thousands of training options that vary in delivery method, length, level of advancement, price, and specific subject matter. Most opt for live online courses, as these are the most effective and offer additional benefits. Beginner graphic design classes often focus on the foundational skills students will need to learn before being considered familiar with the subject matter, such as graphic design software and their corresponding tools. Additionally, many beginner classes teach design development and how to stay true to a brand’s wishes. Once a beginner feels comfortable applying these skills, they will have built a foundation of skills to be built upon in the following higher-level classes.

Getting Started with Graphic Design

Before you begin a graphic design class, you should ensure you have a few materials and mindsets on hand. First, you will need basic computer literacy skills. You should feel comfortable using your personal computer or, for in-person students, the computers provided by the training center. In addition, you will want to consider how you will access the software and tools required to complete the course. While there are free options, most graphic design experts use subscription-based software services, such as the applications in Adobe Creative Cloud. You will likely consider whether you can financially afford to enroll in a course and purchase somewhat expensive graphic design software. However, most live training options offer their participants limited licenses throughout their time enrolled, which lessens the financial burden greatly.

You could also equip yourself with certain free tools that may be useful before the class starts. This could include graphic design applications, code editors, research databases, and other useful resources. As a total beginner, you may not have an online portfolio created yet. It may be worthwhile to set one up and add completed projects to it throughout the course. However, many live training options value career and portfolio development, so you may do this regardless. Additionally, check in with each course’s prerequisites. Some may require students to have previous knowledge or experience before enrolling whereas others are geared towards a novice.

The First Steps when Learning Graphic Design

A beginner-level course is the catalyst to starting a worthwhile, fulfilling graphic design career. The first steps when learning graphic design usually include the most basic skills that will help build an arsenal of skills, tools, and knowledge that can be added to over time. Most new students will learn to use the most common graphic design tools, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. These take time to learn, and depending on your comfort with new technologies, there may be a learning curve. Even more foundational than learning the software is knowing how to create an effective design. You may brush up on typography, color theory, and design principles before ever developing a design. Many professional Graphic Designers work in a marketing-laden space, so learning how to display visual communications to an intended audience is essential. Other soft skills, such as time management and attention to detail, are also important skills to strengthen throughout the learning process.

Each person’s learning experience will differ, as no two courses are the same and everyone learns in a different way and at a different pace. While this is a mere overview of the most essential graphic design skills, they are all necessary to learn when you start learning graphic design. Graphic design can bridge the gap between a brand and its audience, influence public opinion, and share crucial information, all of which can be a driving force in promoting societal change and awareness. To successfully do this, you will need the foundational graphic design skills previously mentioned. In any beginner graphic design class, you will learn ways to convey a message in a way that is effective, purposeful, and visually pleasing.

Any immersive, hands-on graphic design class will enable you to put your creative efforts toward a project, utilize your communication skills, and share your technical abilities through intricate designs and drawings. As a beginner, you will start at the very beginning and work your way through the varying levels of advancement, perhaps even earning a certificate or certification. Throughout your time enrolled in class, practice your creative skills as much as your technical skills since graphic design is a visual field. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and come up with new ways to promote the brand, share information, or educate the audience. With the right skills, you can lay a foundation that can be built upon for years and years to come.

Free Graphic Design Tools for Beginners

If you are interested in learning graphic design, you may want to explore a few free learning tools and resources before diving into a course. Luckily, you can find many with the push of a button. Hundreds of video collections, social media platforms, blogs, and chatrooms discuss graphic design concepts or provide useful information relevant to the graphic design field. For instance, Noble Desktop’s Free Seminar page has a plethora of useful, pre-recorded video lectures in varying fields, subjects, and technologies. You could watch a graphic design lecture or focus on a specific tool, such as Adobe Illustrator. The options on the internet are vast, so there is a resource out there for everyone, regardless of skill level or reason for learning.

In addition to free learning resources, some graphic design tools and applications are free to use. Figma, Canva, and Wix are all highly popular online graphic design applications that anyone can access whether they are beginners or experts in graphic design. Many graphic design classes, both beginner and advanced, will teach students how to use free software such as Figma so it is worthwhile to have an account set up. While there is a time and a place to rely on free resources, these are all a few of the most common free graphic design tools for beginners to have on hand or that they will learn in a beginner course.

Live Graphic Design Training for Beginners

All classes differ in many ways, including their delivery methods. Some are offered in an on-demand format and others occur live and in real-time, either in-person or online. On-demand classes are an asynchronous option, meaning the student does not attend a lecture or interact with an instructor and peers. Asynchronous classes are becoming increasingly popular but are not the best option for everyone. This delivery method may work for some, but most agree that a live setting provides the most benefits. There are distinct differences between the two that are worth considering before enrolling in a course.

Live training is widely considered one of the best ways to learn a new skill, and for good reason. Overall, a live training course provides ample benefits and advantages that help facilitate the learning process. The main advantage of a live course is that it frequently promotes interactivity between the student and the material. Most live online classes provide students with plenty of hands-on practice, which overall allows for a more personalized experience. Additionally, the instructor is able to provide direct feedback in a live course, which is not offered in an on-demand course. This feedback, interaction, and realistic practice with the graphic design material make the learning process much less daunting.

All of this is especially true for beginner students. As mentioned previously, on-demand classes are not a great option for everyone -- namely, beginners. Live classes are the most effective learning method for beginners because they provide an immersive experience. By prolonged use of the technologies and tools used in graphic design, students leave feeling more adept at using their skills in the real world. In addition, many live training options help students with portfolio development, which can make all the difference once entering the workforce. If you’re a total beginner and aspire to become a graphic design professional, a live training course is one of the best ways to start your journey.

The Next Step

Once you obtain foundational graphic design skills and knowledge, you’ll likely want to diversify your abilities and learn more complex concepts and tools. After completing a beginner course, you can enroll in intermediate and advanced-level courses that bring you one step closer to your goals. An intermediate course will help you surpass your beginner knowledge and allow you to complete more challenging and industry-specific projects. At this level, you’ll likely just begin applying theory to the practice at a greater level and gain a better understanding of design principles.

Advanced-level courses pave the road to mastery, which is the goal if you want to become a professional Graphic Designer. Advanced graphic design courses go beyond basic theory and application and focus heavily on complex topics and concepts. Many lessons are related to user experience, color and design theory, and computer software knowledge and the majority of projects are more demanding than those in a lower-level course. Some advanced graphic design courses even incorporate coding into their curriculum, depending on the themes taught within the class.

Once you have completed advanced training, a world of possibilities will open before you. There are options to complete certificate courses, which can in turn help you prepare for certification exams. While there are distinct differences between certificates and certifications, it is useful to obtain either one (and in some cases, it will be necessary to earn a certification). Advanced training also values career development and portfolio building, so many students take advantage of the class time dedicated to perfecting their resumes, portfolio projects, and interview techniques. To become a graphic design professional, you will have to go through advanced training and have sufficient work to show for it. This is often made possible through completing various classes, a bootcamp, or a certificate course.

Live Training Options at Noble Desktop

Many aspiring Graphic Designers learn a few software and applications at a time. A great place to start would be in Noble Desktop’s Adobe Creative Cloud classes, such as the Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp. Illustrator is a vector graphics-based application that enables users to create intricate digital artwork for logos, icons, social media, websites, and other digital and print spaces. Students will learn to create complex shapes with the Pen tool, adjust the color with blending methods, create compound paths, and other creative effects. In each Noble Desktop class, students have additional resources to help them through the learning process. For instance, in this class, students can request setup assistance and retake the course for free within a year. They can also take advantage of an extra 1-on-1 training session and earn a verified digital certificate of completion.

Similarly, the Adobe InDesign Bootcamp aims to show students everything they would need to have a foundational knowledge of InDesign. Students will learn to apply paragraph and character styles in addition to other creative endeavors such as stylistic text, colors, and imported photos. InDesign can be used for print or digital media, so students will learn about both by completing a series of projects on magazines, books, and advertisements. Overall, this is a good place to begin a graphic design learning journey and affords students ample benefits like setup assistance, a free retake, additional training, and a certificate of completion.

The Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp shows students all the different ways to use Photoshop for photo retouching, object manipulation, and color correction. The instructor will show students everything they need to know about the interface and help them understand how to apply filters, layers, masks, and typography to their images. Students will be able to use the foundational tools and features in Photoshop to the fullest extent, whether for personal or professional reasons. They will receive setup assistance, additional workbooks and training sessions, and a free retake of the course within a set time. Students will also receive a verified digital certificate of completion.

Perhaps you are ready to dive in head first and learn as much about graphic design as possible. In that case, consider the Graphic Design Certificate Course. This is an intensive and immersive course that provides a comprehensive understanding of graphic design concepts and tools. During 84 hours of instruction, students will learn design principles, color theory, typography, and composition through various hands-on projects and lessons. This course also emphasizes career readiness and practical use of the applications, so each student will leave with a more well-developed professional portfolio. Students can attend six additional 1-on-1 training sessions, receive workbooks and setup assistance, choose from different payment and financing options, and retake the course within one year. Upon completion, students will also receive their certificates as proof of their hard work and dedication.