How Much is an Illustrator Course?

Many considerations go into selecting an Illustrator course. For most people, the cost is a large part of that. Though plenty of Illustrator courses are marketed as accessible and affordable, that may not be the case for everyone. Classes can sometimes take a heavy financial toll. You’ll need to know the value you’re getting for your money to select the best class for you. That requires comparing the costs and the benefits. In this article, we’ll explore the costs associated with taking an Illustrator course, and help you choose an opportunity that aligns with your interests, goals, and bank account.

Factors That Influence Cost

Duration of Course

Depending on how long the course is, you may be expected to pay more to attend. For example, short courses, one-day courses, and workshops are notably cheaper than courses that run longer, like bootcamps, certificate programs, or university programs. If you’re taking a class that only runs a few days, you have less time to master the content. With week or month-long courses, you’ll get a more in-depth education spread out over a longer period, but it will cost you. Another consideration is that a longer course will more likely come with provisions. This might be software access, project files, or exclusive content like books, preparatory materials, tutoring, or other services. These resources will enhance the learning experience, but they may add a hefty fee. The choice between long or short courses is dependent on several factors, but if the cost is a big one, the length of the class should be considered.

Content Level

The proficiency level of the course has a lot to do with how much is charged. Introductory courses tend to be less expensive for a few reasons. The first is that the content is often accessible even outside of the class, though it is missing the curriculum and structure that you might get in an official program. Another reason is that they require less time and fewer resources. Because Illustrator is such an intuitive platform, the basics can be learned relatively quickly. Intermediate and advanced courses will spend time building on specific skills to reach educational goals, and so they cost more because of the comprehensive curriculum, the updated projects, the additional resources, and the exclusive content. Unfortunately, choosing between beginner and advanced courses does not come down to just cost, but is directly related to your abilities. If cost is an issue, beginner and introductory courses can be taken as refreshers until you financially cover the cost of professional and advanced-level courses. 

Institution

The reputation of an institution can influence the cost of the course. Industry-recognized schools and programs can justify a larger price tag if their credibility and track record show success in their students after they leave. The bonus is that this reputation can carry over into the professional field. Students who have prestigious institutions attached to their resume, portfolio, or other professional documents, may gain access to unique personal and professional opportunities. It’s important to note that class cost is not always associated with quality. There are plenty of courses that are affordable and from institutions that are smaller and less recognized, but which still boast a high-quality learning experience. When choosing a course, it’s important to consider reviews, previews, and descriptions before choosing. It is not recommended to choose a course on the institution name alone, especially if that course asks for an above-average price.

Certification or Accreditation

If a class offers certification or accreditation, then you can expect it to be slightly more expensive. Certification directly relates to your earning potential post-graduation and is crucial for career advancement in some industries. Because certification acts as an endorsement, the value of it extends long past the end of the course. An accredited course means that the institution itself has gone through rigorous testing to make sure that it’s a quality establishment, or that it is offering a program that meets certain standards of quality. Whether you are looking to get certified, or taking a course at an accredited institution, these class types traditionally cost more, as their value is considered higher thanks to the boost you can get in your professional career. For those who are not yet financially committed to a full certification course, certificates of completion may be offered for any other class type. Those are endorsements in their own right but only show that you have met the requirements for that specific course, rather than industry standards.

Free and Low-Cost Options

For those on a tighter budget, there are free Illustrator-related resources available. Websites like YouTube offer tutorials that can cover both basic and advanced techniques. There is also Adobe’s website, in which you can find learning resources, as well as extensive guides and tutorials. This is a recommended website, as it can also walk you through complimentary software for Illustrator, such as Photoshop and InDesign. There are community forums, chat boards, and blogs that can provide you with tips, tricks, and techniques collected over the years by like-minded individuals. This also doubles as valuable networking and doesn’t cost a dime. Low-cost alternatives can often be found with the help of websites like Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool that can line up the available classes and allow you to directly compare the costs and choose those that fit within your budget. 

Learn Illustrator with Noble Desktop

No matter your budget, Noble Desktop can help you learn Illustrator for your personal and professional needs. They have a range of courses, starting with their short, one-day courses like Illustrator in a Day. This course is geared towards beginners and those who want to refresh their skills. You’ll learn how to use the pen tool, trace images, draw lines and curves, and more. This course is only hours long and provides all of the essentials to get you started on your Illustrator journey at minimal cost with maximum value. 

Noble Desktop also offers more advanced classes. Their Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp teaches content and techniques that range from a basic to an advanced level. You can pick up skills in effects, layers, masks, and more. Become a seasoned professional at creating logos, icons, and other packaging, all while building your professional portfolio through hands-on projects like posters, and ad creation. You can get the bootcamp as part of the Illustrator Certification Program, which guides you through a structured curriculum and prepares you for the Adobe Certified Professional exam. This course offers a retake for both the class and exam within a year. You also get access to a custom workbook with step-by-step instructions, hours of private tutoring, pre-exam reviews, and proctoring for your exam. These courses provide added value without hiking up the price tag and are a great option for those who want to boost their resume or portfolio without breaking the bank.