Graphic Design Training for Veterans

Are you a veteran returning to civilian life or a member of a veteran’s family aiming to avail yourself of entitlements and benefits? This article is designed to help you navigate your options for taking advantage of these services to enter into a professional skills training program and learn the graphic design skills you’ve always wanted to learn. Graphic design training is a versatile and expansive skill set that will help you find a creative job in the public or private sector without needing to invest in a two-year or four-year degree program. Plus, learning graphic design tools like Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator will give you a solid foundation for future skills training, keeping the door open for entry into several diverse, high-paying career fields.

Veterans and military families can build new careers by learning graphic design. This is a fantastic path to transition back into civilian life and serves as a career that offers excitement and creative expression, flexibility, greater earning potential, and stable work. It doesn’t matter whether you have previous or relevant experience, or if you are an entirely new learner -- you will receive the support you need to succeed in these programs. If you are eligible, consider taking advantage of these services and take the first step toward a meaningful career in graphic design.

Noble Desktop offers specialized training programs approved for the training of veterans and other eligible persons and is meant to provide support for veterans who want a smooth transition back to civilian life. You can use your Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33), Veteran Readiness and Employment Program (Chapter 31), and Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) benefits to gain valuable skills by enrolling in a graphic design training program. Doing so ensures you are investing in your future with a rewarding and engaging career path.

What is Graphic Design?

Graphic design is the process of creating visual content to communicate a message, usually rooted in marketing or branding. It involves using imagery, typography, colors, and layouts to make ideas become reality. If you look around, you’ll notice graphic design is everywhere -- from the logos on your favorite brands to website designs, advertising, product packaging, brochures, flyers, posters, and social media posts. Companies hire graphic design experts across virtually every industry as they make products and services look far more appealing. Graphic design is mainly effective because it uses multiple modes of communication. Think of it this way: a promotional email that utilizes text alone is less likely to be read thoroughly than one with imagery, graphics, and other visual elements. At the end of the day, graphic design grabs people's attention and helps them understand information quickly, which leads to increased viewership, brand recognition, and, hopefully, sales.

Because graphic design is so widespread, there are many different projects you could work on once you find employment. For instance, a Graphic Designer working in the tech industry may design packaging for companies like Apple that have distinct, sleek, minimalist packaging that projects an elegant and refined brand identity. On the other hand, healthcare graphic design experts would design content for brochures, websites, and email newsletters that are more intent on building trust and informing the public about health initiatives. Even Graphic Designers working for the entertainment industry have a different approach as their movie posters, album covers, and video game trailers all must be striking and attractive while setting the tone of the project in order to reach the right audience. In all, graphic design professionals often have a wide range of responsibilities and projects which keeps things interesting.

The field of graphic design as it’s known today was far different when it first emerged in the 20th century. The rise of mass communication methods such as print media led to advertising opportunities. This, paired with many new artistic movements of the time period brought in a modern, exciting visual twist to most campaigns. Today, graphic design relies heavily on tech tools and digital platforms to have an effective design, messaging, and delivery method. It’s hard to say what graphic design techniques and tools may look like in the future, but with new tech emerging such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud-based tools, and various digital platforms, graphic design is going to continue developing into an exciting field that is dynamic, creative, and rewarding.

What Can You Do with Graphic Design Skills?

Graphic design skills can open a whole new world for a veteran coming back to everyday civilian life. There are numerous career opportunities for those with graphic design experience in all kinds of industries. For instance, Graphic Designers work on print and digital media. Additionally, graphic design positions are often offered as freelance, remote, or in-house at a company. Startups, large corporations, and small businesses alike hire graphic design experts to work on packaging and advertisements. You can also work in marketing, motion graphics, web design, and other related fields that keep you thinking creatively and in the know about the latest visual design tools. These jobs are abundant and offer comfortable salaries across the country, so you will have security and stability if you pursue this professional path.

Although many learn graphic design for professional advancement, there are countless ways you could use your graphic design skills in everyday situations or personal projects. For instance, if you have a hobby, such as knitting, and you want to start selling your scarves, sweaters, and hats, you could design packaging, branding materials, and advertisements. This can turn your hobby into a profitable side hustle. Likewise, you could use your skills for volunteer opportunities, special events, personal blogs, and your social media accounts. The list goes on and since graphic design is rooted in creativity, you can always find a few ways to utilize your skills.

What Will I Learn in a Graphic Design Class?

Every graphic design class is different and ranges in length, subject matter, and level of depth. In addition, you may have to factor in the training provider. Regardless, no matter what class you take, you will likely learn a few key skills that are essential to mastering the craft. Here are a few main skills you can expect to learn in virtually any graphic design course.

Design Principles

First, every graphic design student will learn design principles, which are the foundation of everything within the field. You will learn how to use these principles to make an effective, accessible, and visually appealing design that draws in viewers and, hopefully, consumers. These design principles, such as contrast, repetition, alignment, proximity, hierarchy, movement, and balance, organize elements in a way that makes sense and guides the viewer's eye without feeling chaotic, cluttered, or confusing. Without proper use of the design principles, a design could fall flat.

Adobe Creative Cloud

You’ll also get hands-on experience with the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, which is an industry-standard collection of design applications. Graphic Designers most commonly use Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for their projects. They help with everything from creating logos and building layouts for websites to editing marketing content and adding graphics to email newsletters. These programs are essential for print and digital projects alike so it will be essential to master these applications if you want to become a Graphic Designer.

Color Theory

In graphic design classes, you’ll learn how colors interact and how they can make or break the tone of a design. Color is far more than just picking out a shade that looks good -- it’s about considering the psychology behind each color and learning how different hues can influence the viewer's emotions and behaviors. If you can design a logo or social media post that effectively uses color to the company’s advantage, you will have a highly successful marketing or branding project.

Typography

Much like color, typography is a huge part of design that many might overlook. Think about some of your favorite brands -- they likely use a distinct font on their packaging and advertisements that makes them stand out easily in comparison to other similar brands. In a graphic design class, you will learn how to choose the right font, pair them effectively, and understand how typography affects readability. You will learn to use type not just as text but as a design element that adds personality and structure to your work.

Web Design Basics

In today’s digital world, web design skills can be incredibly useful regardless of whether your main focus is graphic design, marketing, or even software development. A graphic design class may teach you how to design websites that are visually appealing and easy to navigate. This includes designing a basic layout, choosing the best color scheme, using easy-to-read typography, and ensuring your designs are mobile-friendly and responsive so they look great and operate as intended on a desktop, laptop, tablet, or cell phone.

Marketing

Graphic design isn’t just about making advertisements, packaging, social media content, and logos look nice -- it’s also about communicating a message to an intended audience with a specific goal in mind. For example, graphic design projects often appeal directly to consumers to entice them to purchase products or enroll in services. As such, graphic design experts often collaborate and work directly with marketing professionals. In a course, you’ll likely explore how design plays a huge role in marketing, from branding to creating eye-catching promotional materials. This enables you to cater your designs to a certain audience and help the company reach its business goals.

Support for Veterans

If you are a veteran thinking about the next step but feel unsure of where to start, consider looking for your next career through the various educational benefits and resources available to you. Established in 1944, the GI Bill is a federal program that promises veterans everything from college tuition and vocational training to online courses, certifications, and even entrepreneurial training. This program supports veterans and their families as they transition into new careers.

You may worry about the availability of these educational opportunities, but there is no need to fret. Even though the original GI Bill benefits depend on when you were discharged, the Forever GI Bill ensures that you are not left behind no matter what. If you served at least 90 days of active duty since September 10, 2001, or were honorably discharged or received a service-related disability after 30 days of service, you could be eligible for this program. Ultimately, these programs are all about giving veterans the education support, and training they deserve.

The positives are that the GI Bill and the Forever GI Bill both assist with tuition, fees, books, supplies, and housing if you choose to attend school full-time. If you are considering taking courses, check out the ones that are offered at Noble Desktop. Their in-person programs are eligible for veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) and you may also qualify for more benefits. Contacting the United States Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to confirm your eligibility and learn more about your benefits is always a good idea before you get started, especially if you have more questions.

Why Learn Graphic Design?

If you are a veteran looking for a new career path, learning graphic design could be one of the best moves you could make. It is a broad and constantly evolving field that requires both creative and technical skills, so it’s a very engaging role to hold. The skills you’ll learn through these programs are career-driven, designed to make you job-ready in a short amount of time and the time and money you invest pays off quickly in terms of job security and career growth. Plus, the work-life balance is truly enviable, which helps you make the transition back into civilian life even easier.

Job Availability

Graphic design is in high demand across nearly every industry, from tech companies and healthcare providers to nonprofits and marketing agencies. Any business that sells products or offers services will need skilled designers. As a veteran, you could offer a unique perspective to the field that employers would value. You would have insight into a key audience and be able to communicate messages effectively. Plus, graphic design professionals can work in-house, at a design agency, remotely, or as freelance professionals, so graphic design jobs are not only available but varied.

Employability

There are many scenarios where a company will need graphic design expertise. From marketing and branding materials to print and digital media, graphic design is everywhere. As such graphic design is a highly employable skill. Veterans have an edge in the graphic design job market due to their ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, multitask, and handle responsibility. Through graphic design bootcamps and certificate courses, you will gain real-world experience with graphic design projects and be able to enter the workforce and hit the ground running.

Salary Expectations

Graphic Designers can earn a solid income, which is why many choose this field. With the right experience and training, your salary potential grows quickly. Whether you start as a junior designer or jump into freelance work, you can expect competitive pay. As you gain experience, you can often work up through the ranks in your position and step into more senior-level roles, such as director or manager.

Flexible Work-Life Balance

One of the best parts of a career in graphic design is the flexibility it offers. Many graphic design positions are offered in-house, but there are just as many remote or freelance opportunities as well. Likewise, you can work part-time or full-time at a variety of companies. This can give you the balance you need to transition smoothly into civil life while also pursuing a career that gives you plenty of time for family, hobbies, or other personal goals. As a veteran, you may especially appreciate the chance to have more control over your schedule. 

Both a Technical and Creative Field

If you are someone who thrives in both creative and technical environments, graphic design is the perfect choice. On any given project, you’ll unleash your creative side while mastering technical tools and skills like Adobe Creative Cloud applications or web design software. This combination keeps the work exciting and challenging while still offering opportunities to learn new things, develop your skills, and create effective designs.

Why Choose a Graphic Design Bootcamp or Certificate?

As a veteran, choosing a graphic design bootcamp or certificate program is a solid choice when deciding what to do once you get back to civilian life. These programs are designed to get you up to speed quickly and provide you with the hands-on, practical experience that employers prefer. Plus, many bootcamps and certificate courses provide job assistance through resume building and professional portfolio development. Moreover, it’s a quick way to gain skills. All in all, graphic design is a thriving field that is easily accessible if you know where to look for training.

Hands-On, Practical Experience

Bootcamps and certificate programs focus on real-world application of skills. This means you will focus on projects that are rooted in a realistic workplace scenario and give you the experience that helps you build a professional portfolio. Instead of spending hours and hours sitting in lectures and taking multiple choice quizzes, students in bootcamps and certificates get to interact directly with the material and practice creating logos, brochures, websites, social media posts, and other marketing content. For veterans, this type of direct, action-based learning is typically appreciated and considered rather effective.

Career-Driven in Little Time

One of the biggest advantages of a bootcamp or certificate program is that you won’t spend years waiting to receive your education like you would at a university or community college. These programs are specifically designed to help you acquire the skills you need to start a career and focus on getting you job-ready. For veterans, this means you can learn new skills without feeling like you’re wasting time. Your transition to civilian life will be seamless and quicker than expected thanks to a bootcamp or certificate program.

Job Assistance and Other Benefits

Many bootcamps and certificate programs offer job assistance, networking opportunities, and career support to help you land your first job. From resume help and interview prep to connecting you with hiring companies, these programs make sure you are not left in the dust while figuring out the next steps. As a veteran, you will receive additional benefits through your training, which makes the switch to living back home even smoother.

Learn Graphic Design at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers several graphic design courses and courses in related subjects. Each of these programs has been approved for veterans and other eligible persons using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Veteran Readiness and Employment Program, and Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance benefits. In addition, these programs come with many additional benefits, such as one-on-one mentoring outside of class and flexible payment plans. Students in these programs will also receive workbooks (with the exception of those in the Digital Marketing Certificate course) as well as a free retake within the first year and a verified digital certificate of completion. If you are a veteran interested in learning graphic design, this is a great place to start.

The Graphic Design Certificate is a fantastic place to start. Over 84 total hours, you will learn the fundamentals of the field, including the standard graphic design principles and processes. Specifically, you will learn how to use Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator to the fullest extent to retouch photos, create page layouts, and design vector graphics. You’ll complete projects like designing social media graphics, business cards, and brochures, to name a few. This course will open your eyes to the world of graphic design, both practically and conceptually, while giving you the skills and tools to develop professional-grade skills. Plus, you will upload your work to Adobe Portfolio to create a professional, well-developed portfolio website.

Similarly, the 138-hour Digital Design Certificate offers instruction in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator for similar reasons -- to retouch photos, create layouts, and design vector graphics. However, this course also covers user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design. Through hands-on web design projects, you will use Figma to create prototypes for interactive websites and explore the importance of effective UI design in more depth. This program, combining graphic and print design concepts with UI and web design, offers a comprehensive education in this diverse field.

Noble Desktop also offers a 120-hour Digital Marketing Certificate course that touches upon basic graphic design concepts while going more in-depth on digital marketing practices. For instance, you will learn how to market on several social media platforms, like Instagram and Facebook, which requires understanding design principles and practices to be effective. In addition, you’ll learn search engine optimization (SEO) techniques, Google Analytics, and WordPress. Overall, this course gives you the skills to effectively communicate a message to an intended audience, which is essential for graphic design and marketing. But it also zeros in on the best practices for increasing website traffic, earning a high ROI, promoting the business, and improving future campaigns.

The Video Editing and Motion Graphics Certificate lasts 126 total hours and covers Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, and Portfolio. Throughout the lectures, discussions, and projects, you will learn how to edit photos and create stunning motion graphics that engage with audiences. This includes creating 3D models with Cinema 4D Lite in After Effects and clearing up audio in Audition. This course will help you understand design principles at another level while building a demo reel and design portfolio. In addition, you can enroll in an additional Photoshop or AI for Video Editing and Motion Graphics course in this program.

Over 120 hours, you’ll learn the importance of graphic design, web design, and visual design in the UI Design Certificate course. This program teaches students how to design websites for desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile that are as visually appealing as they are functional. You’ll practice using Figma for prototyping the UI of the website and learn to create graphics, icons, logos, and other marketing materials. This course helps you understand design concepts on a greater level while producing engaging and beautiful interfaces.

In addition, Noble Desktop also offers a Web Design Certificate that spans 162 hours and covers important web design tools like WordPress, Figma, Visual Studio Code, and Git. Additionally, you will learn how to use some of the most commonly used coding languages, such as HTML, which is the basis of all webpages, and CSS, which helps style the content and layout of the webpage. You will also explore front end development with JavaScript, another widely used programming language. Overall, this course enables you to design, create, and deploy websites that are functional, visually striking, and impactful.