Can I Learn Graphic Design in 3 Months?

Generally speaking, it will take most students longer than three months to master graphic design. However, you can easily learn the fundamentals and gain a foundational understanding of the skills within that time frame. Before starting your learning journey, you will want to define your goals and sign up for classes that reflect your desires. Once you find a course or bootcamp that suits your needs, you will then learn the basics, such as software, design principles, and building a portfolio. These are some of the most foundational aspects of becoming a Graphic Designer, which can all be achieved within three months. However, be mindful that graphic design is a field that is continually growing and shifting, and your work will have to reflect that in order to keep up with trends. If you plan to be a professional in graphic design or a related field, you will want to dedicate additional time to go well beyond the basics. 

How Much Graphic Design Can I Learn in 3 Months 

It will vary greatly from person to person how quickly they can learn. Some may take three months to gain foundational skills and then some, whereas others will have to pace themselves a little more. Generally speaking, you can gain a basic understanding of graphic design in three months. This may depend on whether you are learning solo or with a live instructor as well as if you choose a part-time or full-time course.

Realistic Expectations: Full-Time, Part-Time, and Self-Teaching

You should discuss realistic expectations regardless of whether you plan to study graphic design full-time, part-time, or by self-teaching. Full-time study has a structured curriculum, so you will know what to expect each week. You will have to dedicate more time to your studies weekly, but the class will go by quicker than a part-time option. In addition, full-time instruction affords you with ample feedback and guidance. You will have access to additional networking opportunities through classroom interaction and partnerships the training center may have with other companies. Alternatively, part-time study is flexible, allowing you to balance a professional life with your personal life. In addition, the course duration is usually spread out more than full-time options, so you will have fewer hours each week to dedicate to the learning process. Self-taught methods are also incredibly flexible, even more so than part-time options. However, on-demand classes are entirely hands-off. While there are abundant resources available online, they are unlikely to provide an adequate graphic design education. In addition, the lack of guidance from an instructor can make completing projects challenging and troubleshooting errors incredibly time-consuming. Most of all, self-taught methods will require you to have an inspirational level of motivation and self-discipline, since no one will be present to assist or encourage you along the way. With these methods in mind, you can determine which path is best for your needs, preferences, and end goals.

Relevant Graphic Design Software

Within three months, you can easily navigate the interface of multiple graphic design software. Some of the most common graphic design software reside in Adobe Creative Cloud, a subscription-based program full of creative design applications. Graphic Designers often use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Some graphic design experts who lean into web-based design also use Sketch or Figma. Three months is ample time to feel comfortable with at least a few of these applications. Many choose to learn Adobe software first because it is the most widely used and an industry-standard. In Photoshop, you can learn how to create raster-based graphics. Illustrator is ideal for designing branding material and vector-based graphics, such as logos, illustrations, posters, and typography. Alternatively, Graphic Designers utilize InDesign for layout designs, such as brochures, magazines, and other print material. You can gain a foundational understanding of these applications, which are also often used in tandem with one another. On the other hand, if you enroll in a class that teaches applications like Sketch and Figma, you can learn how to use responsive design tools, prototype, and collaborate on different projects. As stated previously, it is best to focus on a few applications at a time as opposed to learning everything at once. Once you have gained a base-level understanding of the standard graphic design software, you can progress to more complex design techniques and concepts.

Design Principles and Theories

Three months is ample time to learn and practice using the basic design principles in your graphic design projects. Design principles are a set of guidelines and considerations that enable Graphic Designers to create more organized, visually appealing, and effective projects. In most beginner classes, you can learn about typography, otherwise known as the different kinds of fonts and typefaces. Many courses will also cover color theory, including the wide range of colors to use and how to apply certain colors to communicate a message or emotion. In connection with color theory, you will likely discuss contrast, negative space, emphasis, and pattern. Hierarchy is one of the most vital design principles to master, including how to use size, contrast, text, repetition, and balance to convey a strong, clear message. These are just a few of the many principles you can easily learn to identify and understand within three months. You can learn how to apply these principles effectively to your graphic design projects through continued practice and experimentation in the months following.

Branding and Marketing Concepts

Many Graphic Designers work side-by-side with marketing professionals and other branding experts. Within three months, you can likely gain some vital marketing and branding skills that help you create designs that are more in line with what the company or client wants. Graphic design is a field that requires strong creative, technical, and communication skills. By learning the necessary graphic design software, you can learn how to reach an intended audience through various modes of communication, including auditory, visual, and verbal cues. In addition, you may practice how to appeal to the audience’s emotions, sense of morals, or logical sensibilities. In addition, learning how to communicate through branding designs and marketing material effectively will help you collaborate with others in the workplace and discuss design concepts and concerns with clients.

How Can I Learn Graphic Design Quicker?

While learning a new skill is always going to take some time, you have options on how you choose to spend that time. To learn graphic design in as quick of a manner as possible, you can access several resources, classes, and learning options. They vary in length and depth, so it is important to choose the course that best suits your needs and end goals.

Free Resources

If you want to learn graphic design as quickly as possible, you have options. Suppose you need to acquire graphic design skills for a time-sensitive project at work. Or, maybe you want to start a new graphic design career as soon as possible. There are ways to learn quickly, but each method will differ depending on your end goals. For instance, you can take advantage of free resources. With the quick click of a button, you can have access to video collections, social media pages, websites, blogs, discussion rooms, and other graphic design sources. Free resources such as these are useful but may cause confusion or otherwise require you to spend extra time away from your studies to research answers to your questions. Although these are not an adequate learning method on their own, these free resources are an ideal way to brush up on previously acquired skills, pick up basic concepts related to graphic design, or prepare for a graphic design course or bootcamp so you enter the classroom more prepared and confident to expand your studies.

Live Training Options

However, you can opt for live training options for a more thorough experience that still spans a reasonable length of time. Live classes can occur in-person or online, which is perfect for those who live in remote areas and can’t attend class or make the commute. In addition, these appear as stand-alone courses that vary in levels of depth and advancement. You can begin with a beginner-level course and progress through intermediate or advanced-level courses. Each course typically lasts anywhere from a couple of hours to a few hours spread across a couple of days. This is a quick and easy way to learn graphic design and affords flexibility, as you can either knock out a few classes in succession or you can spread them out as needed.

Bootcamps

Additionally, live bootcamps are often beginner-friendly and cover a wider range of skills. This is a slightly lengthier course option that provides more information at once, so you will go beyond beginner and intermediate-level skills. Bootcamps are the ideal option for anyone who wants to become a professional as the curriculum, instructors, and training centers balance flexibility and specificity, as well as brevity and thoroughness. A typical bootcamp may last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, but this entirely depends on the training provider and whether you choose a full-time or part-time option. Some bootcamps also specialize in certain skills, so if you already have some graphic design skills, you can find a bootcamp that focuses on a certain concept in graphic design. Although the lengthier option, it is still a quick way to learn graphic design, particularly in comparison to a typical degree program.

What Graphic Design Skills Will I Need to Learn After 3 Months?

The first three months are merely the starting point in your graphic design career. To become an expert, it will take a little more time and practice to truly hone your skills and develop as a creative design professional. With an advanced and diverse set of skills, you can stand out in the job search.

Advanced Course Options

After learning basic graphic design skills, you can take an intermediate class. However, you may wish to continue your learning experience. In that case, you can enroll in top-tier advanced-level training courses at numerous training centers, like Noble Desktop. These classes are designed with experience in mind, so you can be sure to learn as much as possible and not waste much time reviewing basics. In addition, you can find advanced bootcamps or bootcamps with a specialization that is more in line with your career goals. Of course, there are degree programs at numerous universities and community colleges, but these are incredibly costly and time-consuming, and may not be suitable for certain people. Other opportunities exist, such as those offered through a local university’s continuing education program, which may include certificate classes and certification exams.

Specific Skills You Will Likely Learn

In these classes, you may learn advanced graphic design skills such as how to apply design principles and theory to a project, use more technically complex software features, and adapt your creative style to fit each brand, marketing campaign, or project. Some advanced classes may also teach students certain business concepts and project management skills, which could be beneficial in the workforce or if you want to advance through the graphic design field. In addition, your graphic design journey may include learning related fields, such as motion graphics, animation, or 3D design. You could study these in the following months to diversify your skill set and broaden your graphic design abilities. In addition, students can study web design or user interface design for the same purpose.

What You Can Do with Advanced Training

After completing advanced graphic design training, you will have a plethora of opportunities available. You can start your career in the graphic design field as a professional Graphic Designer, but this is not your only option. You can venture into other fields and creative design positions, such as Motion Graphics Designer, UX/UI Designer, or Creative Director. Most of these job positions are available in-house or remotely and you can often find part-time or full-time positions. However, you can also become a freelance professional where you determine your hours and workload. This can be an ideal side hustle as well, especially if you have superior skills and design capabilities.