Where to Find Illustrator Classes

Illustrator is a valuable skill to add to your portfolio and your resume, but where can you actually find Illustrator classes? There are a range of institutions that can offer you an education, and finding those opportunities might not be as difficult as you think. From professional training centers to online platforms, there are plenty of avenues to explore. Let’s take a closer look at the different options available so that you can discover which one might be the right fit for you.

Professional Training Centers

Professional training centers are an excellent place to start your search. Not only will they offer you a structured curriculum, access to industry professionals, and certificates and certifications, but they are a great option for those who particularly enjoy in-person classes. Training centers are likely to host both online and in-person opportunities at a school, center, or other establishment. The teaching style is often highly interactive, with a class focus on hands-on projects that can train you for the professional workforce. When choosing to attend a professional training center, it’s important to consider that these courses are highly technical, and often focused on specific topics rather than the bigger picture. They can easily offer a comprehensive education, but you’re likely to have to choose which content you’d like to prioritize, as these curricula are generally run over shorter periods than their other counterparts. These classes often require a commitment to a set schedule, though there are occasionally more flexible online courses. With Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool, you can find and compare different professional training centers and certificate programs, making the selection that much easier.

Universities and Colleges

If you are looking for the bigger picture in your courses, university or college may be an additional option. Illustrator is frequently used in art-related programs, especially graphic design and digital art. Many of the related courses will cover the essential software that makes your job as an artist easy. Even if you’re not taking a degree, for those in higher education, elective courses may offer opportunities to learn and use Illustrator. In academic settings, the teaching style is similar to that of professional training centers. It’s very hands-on and project-based, and there are assignments that help reinforce lessons learned throughout the semester. That being said, university and college courses are often expanded in terms of content. They are longer, so there’s more time to cover those small details you might be missing in other class types. It’s important to keep in mind that many university and college courses require some form of admission to the school. Double-checking whether courses are open to the public, or admitted students only will be important in saving you time and money.

On-Demand Learning Platforms

On-demand learning platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning, can offer Illustrator courses that can be taken at your leisure. These platforms are dedicated to comfort and flexibility. Unlike professional or university courses, these offer video tutorials, downloadable resources, modules, interactive assignments, and other work that is self-paced, which can take the stress out of scheduling your classes. Instructors of these courses are still industry professionals, though they may not be as accessible as they are in other formats. When finding an on-demand course online, it is recommended that you check both the previews and the reviews to avoid paying for a course that does not align with your learning style or goals. It’s also important to keep in mind that if you’re a learner who requires direct and consistent feedback, on-demand platforms are not ideal for these preferences. A professional training center, university, or other in-person course may be a better choice. When paying for an on-demand Illustrator course, be mindful of the payment options, as it’s not uncommon for on-demand platforms to request a subscription fee, or require you to download the course you want as part of a bigger package.

Workshops and Networking Events

Workshops and networking events may be hosted by professional training centers, traditional schools, or other businesses and institutions, and may be in-person or online. They often work as standalone events, or they may be a part of larger conferences and meetups. An Illustrator based workshop will provide you with an intensive look at the application while highlighting collaboration and peer work. Unlike on-demand courses, these class types are highly interactive, offer feedback from a live instructor, and help you gain confidence with Illustrator in a relatively short period of time. We’re talking hours or a few days, rather than weeks or months. Events that are hosted by graphic design agencies and organizations may offer one-day Illustrator courses, which are similar to workshops, but often require a full dedicated day to learn the software, rather than a few hours. You can find workshops and networking events through websites like Eventbrite or one-day classes through Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool. You’ll want to pay close attention to any registration fees, and potential commutes for those that are happening in-person.

Free Online Resources

Free online resources include websites like YouTube channels, blogs, forums, and any other online platforms that host resources or offer accessible ways to learn Illustrator. Online resources are a great way to pick up tips, tricks, and techniques from experienced users. They are also an excellent way to network with like-minded individuals, which is a highly relevant note for those hobbyists who are simply trying to learn the fundamentals for their own personal projects. Learning through online resources is completely self-paced. For motivated and disciplined students, this might be an ideal method of learning, but for those who like structure, want a full curriculum, or want to earn a certificate or some form of recognition, other learning formats are more ideal. It’s also worth mentioning that while these resources are free, they often lack the depth and conciseness of paid materials. They’re great for getting started, but if you’d like to eventually transition to professional credentials, you’ll eventually want to consider the paid course options. 

Private Tutors and Coaching

Hiring a private tutor for an Adobe Illustrator course is an option for those who either want a learning experience tailored towards them. Tutors, mentors, and coaches are available in many of the other formats. They can also be found outside of programs through platforms, tutoring agencies, or networking. Because tutors are often hired to work with you directly, their teaching styles may differ, and it will require research and reviews to learn more about if their method of instruction works with your method of learning. That being said, tutors are great for adapting lessons so that they can address your specific weaknesses or interests. Scheduling is often more flexible, as it is done between the tutor and the tutoree. If they are part of a program, the tutor may be required to work with the student during specific hours, but students always have the option to secure a tutor or a coach outside of their lessons. Certain programs, like Noble Desktop’s Illustrator Certification Program, come with hours of private tutoring. If you’re looking for a learning experience created just for you, private tutors and coaches might be your best bet.