Photoshop Training for Veterans

Former military service members and their immediate families have access to fantastic educational opportunities while transitioning back to civilian life. If you’re looking for a stable career that offers a more creative edge than your previous job, consider learning Photoshop. It could be the first step towards starting the photography business you’ve always dreamed of or becoming a graphic design professional. Whether you’re coming from a tech and design background or completely new to the field, these skills are essential to help you succeed.

For instance, Noble Desktop offers programs that are specifically approved for veterans and other eligible members. These courses give you hands-on training in Photoshop and with the support of benefits like the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), Veteran Readiness and Employment Program (Chapter 31), and Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35), you can quickly gain the technical skills you need to start your new career. These programs will give you the tools and confidence to move forward in civilian life, opening up all kinds of career possibilities.

What is Photoshop?

Adobe Photoshop is a powerful application within Adobe Creative Cloud that’s used widely in numerous fields for photo editing and restoration. It’s an essential tool for professionals in fields like photography, graphic design, digital design, marketing, web design, and related fields. Users can create, edit, and manipulate digital images with this application and perform specific tasks like removing blemishes and removing objects. The software is simplistic enough when performing basic touch-ups, like adjusting the brightness, but also offers complex design features like illustrations and 3D art. With the various brushes, layers, masks, filters, and tools, you’ll have the freedom to work on your image however you see fit.

With Photoshop, you can tackle all kinds of projects. For instance, you can design physical marketing materials like flyers, posters, and business cards or create digital projects like social media graphics. You can also design product mockups for everyday items like t-shirts, mugs, and packaging materials. The application is so versatile, and so widely used in all kinds of companies, that the limitations of Photoshop align only with your imagination.

Created in 1987 by brothers Thomas and John Knoll, Photoshop was originally named “Display” but had the same basic concepts. Since its purchase by Adobe in 1988, the application has undergone more changes than just its name. Photoshop has seen numerous updates, with additional features like layers, filters, and 3D elements, and is likely to continue evolving in the future. With the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, users can now automate tasks and make editing even easier. In the future, Photoshop could become even more accessible, versatile, and powerful, reminding everyone why it is considered an industry-standard tool across numerous fields.

What Can You Do with Photoshop Skills?

Once you transition back into civilian life, you’ll likely want to get started on a meaningful and enjoyable career. With Photoshop skills, you could be on the right track toward such a job. You could use Photoshop as a Graphic Designer for marketing purposes or photo editing as a Photographer. You could also use Photoshop to work as a freelance professional where you could work on any number of projects, from adding cohesion and flair to a company’s social media page or designing a vibrant and engaging website.

Although Photoshop is a useful professional tool, you may want to learn for personal reasons. As a veteran, you may want to spend your time as a civilian honing your creative skills and Photoshop gives you numerous outlets to do so. For instance, you could create custom art for your home or create unique designs to put on gifts for loved ones. You could also start a scrapbook and photo album to look back on your time in the military or keep mementos of all your adventures post-service. No matter what you choose to do with your Photoshop skills, there are tons of projects you could create after learning.

What Will I Learn in a Photoshop Class?

Every Photoshop class is different based on the provider, level of depth, length, and even the instructor. However, using Photoshop requires understanding a few key concepts and being able to use several essential tools, so you will likely learn a blend of these skills based on the level of experience you are aiming to achieve. As a veteran, you may reflect on your time in the military and recall very few moments where you got to showcase your creative side. In a Photoshop course, this is your chance to hone this skill and develop it further.

Retouching Tools

In all Photoshop classes, you will learn photo retouching tools that enhance images and perform tasks such as removing blemishes, smoothing skin, and adjusting the lighting with the Spot Healing Brush, Patch, Clone Stamp, Blur, and Spot Healing Brush tools. Through various projects, you’ll learn how to make marketing images look more professional and polished or practice making portraits look flawless without looking fake.

Layers and Masks

Photoshop uses layers, which are much like transparent sheets of paper stacked on top of one another. You can use layers to add design elements without changing the original image. You can see through the layers and work on individual layers at a time to experiment with what you may want the final product to look like. In addition, masks let you edit certain parts of the image without permanently changing anything. Both layers and masks give you more creative freedom and agency, so it’s essential to learn how to work with these in Photoshop.

Typography

Marketing professionals use Photoshop often to enhance and perfect their promotional materials, such as flyers and posters or online content like social media posts. Typography helps these projects stand out and effectively convey information, so it’s important to choose a font that matches your design, the brand, and the purpose. You also have to consider other design principles, such as contrast, alignment, proximity, and repetition, which will be covered extensively in a Photoshop course.

Filters and Other Effects

Most Photoshop classes also teach students how to use filters and other effects. In Photoshop, you can use filters as a shortcut to make images look a particular way. You can add specific hues that give your work a vintage vibe or add effects that make it look futuristic and modern. You will also learn how to layer these filters for added depth and personality. This makes your images stand out and look even more visually intriguing.

Color Theory

Designs are often formed around a color scheme, especially when they are created for branding purposes. That’s why it is so important to learn color theory, so nearly every Photoshop class will cover this skill. You’ll perfect the art of creating the right colors that work well together, providing an adequate amount of balance and contrast. Whether you’re designing for the web, print, social media, or other mediums, knowing how to work with color can set the tone for your piece and reach the right audience.

Web and Print Design

Photoshop classes provide you with skills that are suitable for both print and web. With the various tools, the application allows you to create images that are perfect for physical formats, like banners, flyers, posters, and cards, or digital platforms like social media, websites, and blogs. You’ll get hands-on experience using these tools and possibly create multiple types of projects, both web and print.

Support for Veterans

Veterans starting a new chapter in life, you might be wondering where to begin. It can feel a little overwhelming, but you are not alone. There are tons of resources to help you out, but exploring the benefits of the GI Bill is a great place to start. Since 1944, veterans have been able to transition smoothly from military to civilian life with the help of this bill which gives you access to education after service. Whether you want to enroll in a traditional university or complete certificate programs, the GI Bill is here to take some of the stress out of the process.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify for benefits under the GI Bill, you can always refer to the Forever GI Bill, which adds enhancements to the prior bill and fills the cracks that you may otherwise slip through. For instance, the Forever GI Bill expands upon already existing benefits and offers more benefits to more veterans. So if you served at least 90 days after September 10, 2001, were honorably discharged, or have a serve-related disability, you are eligible.

Both the GI Bill and the Forever GI Bill cover virtually everything you may need for your education, including tuition, supplies, books, fees, and even housing if you opt for a full-time, in-person program. If you are considering pursuing Photoshop training, you may want to check out a reputable training center like Noble Desktop. They offer programs approved for veterans and some additional perks that make the learning process less stressful and more enjoyable. You have worked hard and deserve these benefits, so use them to your advantage.

Why Learn Photoshop?

There are many reasons to learn Photoshop, especially as a veteran. Most veterans have very little opportunity to express themselves creatively during their military service; as a result, learning Photoshop can open doors to more expressive careers that allow more creative control. In addition, there are dozens of job positions that hire Photoshop experts, so you can find a career in a variety of fields by learning Photoshop. If you are interested in starting a new career and learning a specific tool that can help you advance professionally, consider learning Photoshop.

Job Availability

Learning Photoshop opens job opportunities beyond what you may have imagined. Whether you’re interested in graphic design and photography or marketing and interior design, Photoshop skills are in high demand. Almost every field that deals with visuals, creativity, or digital media uses Photoshop so you can expect to find plenty of job openings.

Employability

Photoshop is a highly employable skill across numerous fields and professions. It’s used by a wide variety of professionals and knowing how to navigate the software is a huge asset. From content creators and marketers to photographers and designers, photoshop is an essential tool. The good news is that it isn’t just limited to one career -- mastering Photoshop can lead to a wide variety of career moves in virtually every industry, which makes it more likely that you can find a job anywhere you want.

Salary Expectations

When deciding on a career, you are likely wondering what the payoff might be. As Photoshop is used in numerous fields, you can expect a wide range of options. Learning Photoshop can lead to careers in photography, digital design, graphic design, interior design, and other lucrative, interesting, and engaging fields. For example, Indeed shares that the average Photographer in the United States earns roughly $53,000, with some cities like New York City seeing average salaries as high as $80,000. Similarly, Graphic Designers use Photoshop all the time and they earn closer to $61,000. Indeed shares that those in higher-level positions can earn closer to $76,000 on average, but the expected salary can go as high as $104,000.

Work-Life Balance

Learning Photoshop opens up a world of opportunities, all of which have a healthy work-life balance. Let’s say you’re learning Photoshop to start your own photography business. This gives you the ability to choose when and how you work and make money the way you see fit. Even if you decide to work in-house for a company, you will likely work in a position that is relatively lucrative yet mindful of the transition you are about to make from military to civilian life. With most jobs that use Photoshop, from Interior Designer to Graphic Designer, you will have adequate time to spend with loved ones, partake in hobbies, or accomplish other personal goals.

Creative and Technical

Photoshop isn’t just about being artistic. It is also a highly technical tool that many employers look for when hiring a new employee. Whether you’re enhancing photos, creating stunning visuals, or designing web layouts, you will be applying both creative and technical skills. Learning Photoshop allows you to tap into your creative side while developing problem-solving and technical abilities that are highly valued in the workplace. The combination of both is what sets you apart from the rest and makes Photoshop so powerful and versatile.

Why Choose a Photoshop Bootcamp or Certificate?

There are dozens of reasons to learn Photoshop from a bootcamp or certificate, especially as a veteran. You not only learn from direct, hands-on interaction with the material but you also benefit from flexible class times and job assistance. Plus, these programs are far less lengthy than other training methods such as degree programs. If you are interested in learning Photoshop, consider one of these methods.

Hands-On, Practical Experience

As a veteran, you are probably used to learning through hands-on experience, whether it’s on the job or during training. Photoshop bootcamps and certificate courses offer realistic, practical experience with the software by completing projects that build your skills quickly. You will work on design tasks like photo editing, graphic design, and digital marketing. Through these courses, you will develop a professional portfolio that showcases your abilities and helps you prove to employers that you are capable of your job requirements.

Flexible Scheduling

One of the best things about a Photoshop bootcamp or certificate course is that they are flexible. You can schedule these classes whenever you have time -- from the weekend and the evenings to remote learning and self-paced courses, there is something for everyone. Many certificate programs and bootcamps offer courses that make it easy to fit your education around your family, personal commitments, or even part-time jobs. This lets you pursue your new career without feeling overwhelmed.

Career-Ready in Less Time

After years of military service, you are probably ready to start a new career without spending an exorbitant amount of time. Photoshop courses can help you acquire career-ready skills in just a few months rather than years. These fast-paced programs focus on the most important skills you will need so you can start working as soon as possible. This training method gives you discipline, problem-solving skills, and relevant skills in whatever field you are interested in.

Job Assistance and Other Benefits

Many Photoshop bootcamps and certificate programs offer career services to help you land your first job after completing the course. As a veteran, you will likely receive additional support tailored to your transition into civilian life, including job placement assistance, resume reviews, and interview coaching. Plus, many programs accept GI Bill benefits, which can help cover tuition costs. The additional resources, mentoring, and networking opportunities available through these bootcamps make it easier for you to step into a creative role with confidence. 

Learn Photoshop at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop is a top training provider offering courses in Photoshop and other Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Their certificate programs are perfect for veterans and other eligible members and are approved through their benefits. In addition, Noble Desktop offers resources, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and flexible payment plans to sweeten the deal. You’ll receive assistance with portfolio and resume development and can retake the course at no additional cost within one year of your original enrollment date. By the time you complete the course, you’ll have acquired the necessary skills, developed a polished portfolio, and earned a certificate of completion to help you take the next steps in your career.

A great place to start learning is in the Graphic Design Certificate course. This program lasts 84 hours and covers the basics of graphic design and then some. You’ll master Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign and create eye-catching images, layouts, and vector graphics. Along the way, you’ll get experience creating business cards, social media graphics, and brochures. By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills to become a graphic design professional and will have a well-developed portfolio published to Adobe’s portfolio site, aptly titled Portfolio.

In addition, the 138-hour Digital Design Certificate dives into Adobe applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign as well as Figma for prototypes. You’ll learn how to retouch photos, create layouts, and design vector graphics. Moreover, you’ll cover user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design and complete projects rooted in realistic workplace scenarios. You’ll design interactive website prototypes and explore the importance of providing a well-designed and visually appealing project. Overall, you’ll learn the skills needed for various types of digital design and gain experience with industry-standard skills.

Marketing professionals use Photoshop extensively. In Noble Desktop’s 120-hour Digital Marketing Certificate program, you’ll learn how to use Adobe Creative Cloud applications, search engine optimization (SEO) techniques, WordPress, and Google Analytics. Through projects, you’ll learn how to effectively communicate with your intended audience through design principles, typography, branding materials, and other methods. You’ll learn the creative side of digital marketing but also the business side, such as tactics for increasing web traffic, earning a high ROI, and improving future campaigns.

Some courses aren’t specific to Photoshop but provide skills that, when paired with Photoshop knowledge, make a well-rounded set of design skills. For example, the UI Design Certificate course spans 120 hours and covers graphic, web, and visual design concepts. You’ll learn how to design websites for desktop, laptop, tablet, and mobile that are aesthetically pleasing and functional. You will learn how to use Figma for prototyping and learn to create graphics and icons. These skills, paired with Photoshop knowledge, allow you to create stunning websites and platforms that keep people interested.

Similarly, Noble Desktop’s Web Design Certificate lasts a total of 162 hours and covers tools like Figma, WordPress, and Git as well as programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You’ll dive into coding every aspect of the webpage and style the layout and design content. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to design, build, and deploy a website that is functional, visually appealing, and purposeful.

Lastly, the Video Editing and Motion Graphics Certificate from Noble Desktop offers a nice complement to Adobe Photoshop skills. This course lasts 126 total hours and covers Adobe applications like Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, and Portfolio. Through discussions and projects, you’ll learn to edit videos and create motion graphics that can grab an audience's attention in a commercial, movie, show, or other production. You’ll learn to create 3D models with Cinema 4D Lite, offered within After Effects, and you’ll spruce up the audio with Audition. This course helps you develop a demo reel and portfolio and even allows you to take a Photoshop or AI for Video Editing and Motion Graphics course at no additional cost.