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Best graphic design courses NYC
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The best graphic design classes and certificates NYC

Graphic design your thing? This is how to put your passion into overdrive

Written by
Camila Karalyte
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Visual communication is one of the most important aspects of everything from public service to advertising to web development. All of these projects require skilled graphic designers who understand how to create text, images and graphics that communicate and persuade. In these certificates, you can blend your creativity with a touch of technical knowledge as you learn how to use applications like Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign to create stunning and evocative works of art.

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Top design certificate programs in NYC

Graphic Design Certificate

This Graphic Design certificate program offers immersive training in all three major Adobe graphic design applications: Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. You’ll have the chance to participate in hands-on design exercises and build projects that you can add to your professional portfolio as you learn the advanced skills that graphic designers need. Blend your creative drive with a lot of technical expertise as you edit and manipulate photos in Photoshop, design vector graphics assets in Illustrator, and create striking page layouts using InDesign. In addition to technical skills, you’ll study the fundamentals of design, with lessons covering typography, color theory, and composition, as you build your portfolio with projects like photographs for social media, vector graphic logos, and magazine cover art.

Digital Design Certificate

In addition to working on traditional print media projects, graphic designers are also often tasked with creating assets and layouts for webpages using tools like Figma. In this digital design program, you’ll learn about essential design processes, workflows, and modern aesthetics styles as you craft a portfolio of projects that showcases your artistic voice and skills. You’ll work with industry-standard Adobe design applications (like Illustrator and Photoshop) to create web assets, and you’ll learn  UI design, where you’ll have the chance to create functional and visually stunning web pages.

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Motion Graphics Certificate

Dive into dynamic visuals and creative storytelling with this certificate in motion graphics. You’ll learn the ropes of Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Cinema 4D Lite as you explore the art of animation, video editing, and special effects. Craft a captivating motion graphics demo reel highlighting your newfound skills, and you’ll be ready to impress potential clients or employers. From concept to fully animated graphics, you’ll develop a workflow for turning your creative ideas into stunning visuals. Unleash your creativity on projects that will not only teach you the software but also the secrets of crafting eye-catching motion graphics and great-looking special effects.

User Experience Design Immersive

Look to General Assembly for an immersive user experience course will help you gain the skills to tackle intricate user problems and future-proof your career in digital experience design. The growing field of UX design is essential to businesses for driving revenue and product success. This expanded curriculum covers UI design, Agile methodologies, and collaboration with product teams, aligning with today's top hiring priorities. Plus, you'll craft a professional-grade portfolio showcasing your solo, group, and client projects and receive personalized job support to help you ace design interviews and build your brand. This program offers flexible, part-time scheduling so you can train on your own time—nights and weekends included – and be ready to launch your lucrative tech career.

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Graphic Design at Pratt

Learn to communicate your message with typography, layout, color, and image. In this course at Pratt, you’ll engage in small, interactive classes with real-time instruction as you master essential skills and Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Use your new skills to create brand design and corporate identity and explore AI and CAD. You’ll learn design for products, exhibitions, fashion, web, UI/UX, photography, and video production. Prepare to launch your new career in graphic design with a certificate from Pratt and a professional design portfolio.

Certificate in Graphic Design at Hunter College

When you complete a graphic design certificate at Hunter College, you’ll have the beginnings of a stunning professional portfolio and be prepared for a career in Graphic Design. This comprehensive certificate consists of 12 courses that provide the theory and hands-on skills you need to succeed as a Graphic Designer. Beginning with the basics of visual communication and design, the course covers essential tools like Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver, basic coding with HTML, the history and use of typography, and video production using Adobe Premiere and After Effects. You’ll learn to organize and complete a portfolio representing your personality and design capabilities, and you’ll be ready to pursue your dream job in Graphic Design.

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Graphic Design Program at Shillington

This immersive design program offers a positive and inspiring learning environment where you’ll prepare for creative success and career growth. In as little as three months, you can be ready to work in the exciting field of graphic design and start earning. Classes mimic a studio environment, where you’ll work with briefs, deadlines, and feedback from peers. You’ll leave with an incredible industry-ready graphic design portfolio and be prepared with technical skills and design thinking. Plus, you’ll join the Shillumni community with access to a global network of industry connections.

Graphic design courses for beginners

Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp

Unlock the magic of Photoshop and transform your images into masterpieces with a focused bootcamp. You’ll delve into the basics and beyond as you learn color correction, photo retouching, and the art of layering. Discover the secrets of removing unwanted elements, making precise selections, and saving your creations for web, video, or print. This course is your passport to Photoshop mastery, from adjusting color and contrast to seamlessly combining images. Along the way, you’ll tackle diverse projects, mastering essential tools like layers, masks, filters, and type.

Adobe InDesign Bootcamp

Dive into the world of design with this bootcamp and unlock the secrets to creating professional page layouts that captivate. This comprehensive class is your gateway to styling text, importing graphics, and utilizing essential techniques like styles and parent pages. InDesign is the ideal tool for crafting visually stunning books, magazines, and ads, and you'll master the art of page layout from start to finish. Make your pages sing with features like paragraph and character styles, parent pages, baseline grid, hyphenation, and tables. Then learn to package files for printing and generate PDFs like a pro. 

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Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp

Adobe Illustrator is the industry workhorse for illustrations and vector graphics, but tapping into its impressive capabilities may seem daunting. This bootcamp breaks it down into bite-sized chunks so you’ll quickly master the essential features. You’ll master both basic and advanced features, like the Pen tool, effects, layers, and masks. Illustrator is ideal for crafting eye-catching logos, icons, and packaging, this course is your ticket to mastering Illustrator's vast potential. From logos to patterns and packaging to type, unleash the vast capabilities that await you. You'll explore Illustrator’s diverse capabilities and create numerous graphics throughout the course. Plus, you’ll get a handle on making the most of the Pen tool and learn ways to create complex shapes more easily. You’ll be able to put these techniques to work for any kind of graphic, whether for web, video, or print.

Figma Bootcamp

Figma is one of the most popular collaborative user interface design applications on the market. Learning how to use this browser-based tool can be an effective way to jumpstart a user interface or user experience design career because Figma is often utilized for a wide range of digital design projects. This course will help students learn the essentials of the Figma interface, building reusable components and styles, then using Figma’s prototyping features so you can test and iterate on a working version of you design. You’ll get hands-on experience working with Figma to build real-world, practical designs and prototypes that you can add to your design portfolio.

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Figma Masterclass

Figma makes pro-level graphics fast and easy. In this course, you’ll cover all the content of the Figma Bootcamp plus get extra lessons covering Figma's advanced features. Master the versatile features of Figma, such as designing in light-mode and dark-mode, and explore advanced prototyping features. For example, you’ll learn to mock up a working shopping cart that calculates totals and keeps track of which items are in the cart. This class provides the hands-on experience and training you need to start using Figma in your professional design work.

Graphic Design Portfolio Bootcamp

Build a career in the dynamic world of graphic design with this career-focused bootcamp. You’ll gain hands-on experience, broaden your design knowledge, and build a killer portfolio. This course focuses on design concepts and assumes you have prior familiarity with Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. Throughout the bootcamp, you'll complete multiple portfolio projects like logos, social media graphics, stationery, book/eBook covers, album covers, event posters, and email announcements. Expect interactive critiques and instructor feedback to elevate your work. When you take this Graphic Design Portfolio Bootcamp along with Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, you’ll earn a New York State-licensed Certificate in Graphic Design.

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Beginner AutoCAD

Tackle the ins and outs of AutoCAD with a beginner-friendly AutoCAD course at NYIM. You’ll unlock the secrets of AutoCAD's fundamental commands and tools with live, in-class instructors guiding you every step of the way. Dive into the world of drawing creation using various shapes and techniques. This course is perfect for beginners or those with limited AutoCAD experience. You'll master essential commands and unleash your drawing abilities.

AutoCAD Bootcamp

An intermediate AutoCAD course is a great option if you’re an experienced user and you just need a little more AutoCAD training. However, if you’re starting from scratch, you’ll want a program that begins with the basics of this complex program. NYIM’s AutoCAD Bootcamp provides both, combining all of the lessons in the beginner and intermediate AutoCAD classes. You’ll learn key skills like drawing shapes and figures with the pen tool and working with advanced object types. Plus, you’ll master advanced interface techniques and learn how to create data tables for your designs. This course is perfect for anyone looking to become familiar with the professional uses of AutoCAD.

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AutoCAD Masterclass

If you want to learn more than just the basics of AutoCAD, you can enroll in the immersive AutoCAD Bootcamp at NYIM. This course provides students with a complete AutoCAD education. It includes enrollment in the beginner, intermediate, and advanced AutoCAD courses, meaning that even if you have no experience with AutoCAD, you can enroll in this course and be an expert in only a few weeks of training. The course covers everything from basic drawing to the kinds of advanced 3D model work that AutoCAD professionals utilize. Once you complete this masterclass, you’ll be ready to tackle your AutoCAD certification exam.

Photoshop in a Day

Launch your journey into Photoshop with this quick class covering all the basics to get you started. This course is perfect for beginners craving quick wins to start editing photos and creating designs in Photoshop. You'll start practicing the art of retouching so you can banish unwanted elements. Learn to make selections to change the parts of an image you want to. Plus learn about the best file formats to save files for print or web. In class you’ll be enhancing photos and crafting dazzling graphics. This six-hour sprint is tailored for those using Photoshop casually, offering a swift start for busy schedules—just one day (or two nights) unlocks a world of creative possibilities.

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Illustrator in a Day

Learn to craft vector graphics that you can scale for every use in this express Illustrator class. In this class, you’ll dive into creating sleek vector graphics. Learn about the mighty Pen tool, conjure lines and curves, paint with colors, and navigate the art of layering. In a swift six-hour burst, you'll start using the Pen tool to sketch straight lines and curves, creating shapes with Illustrator’s vector tools, using colors, layers, image tracing, and beyond. This course is ideal for Illustrator enthusiasts on a tight schedule—just one day (or two nights) unlocks a world of graphic design possibilities.

InDesign in a Day

Unleash your inner designer at warp speed with this intensive one-day course. You’ll delve into the essentials of page layout, typography, and image. Whether you're a beginner or seeking to refresh your skills, this class lays a rock-solid foundation in InDesign. Dive into the art of crafting visually stunning pages with text and graphics, and learn to command typography, seamlessly add photos, and conjure vibrant colors. This six-hour design workshop is tailored for InDesign enthusiasts with tight schedules—just one day (or two nights) separates you from design prowess.

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Adobe Photoshop Level I

Level up your image manipulation skills with this introductory course at Manhattan Edit Workshop. Whether you're a producer, editor, assistant editor, or motion graphic artist, this two-day class will equip you with essential Photoshop skills. Learn about the Photoshop workspace, tools, project planning, workflow, basic photo correction, retouching, and restoration, and master the art of layers, masking techniques, and channels. This skill-boosting experience will have you unleashing your creativity with confidence in no time.

Introduction to Adobe Photoshop

Learn the essential skills to edit, create, and manipulate images in Adobe Photoshop at the New York School of the Arts. You’ll crank up your creative potential as you learn to manipulate images using this industry-standard software. Whether you're an artist, designer, or photographer, Adobe Photoshop is your go-to tool for graphics and image editing. Throughout this course, you'll cover the basics and delve into advanced features, ensuring you're equipped to handle the most essential tasks and extract maximum value from the program. 

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Adobe Lightroom for Beginners

This bootcamp is designed to get beginning photographers and artists up and running quickly.  You’ll learn to work with the digital workflow in Lightroom and quickly edit photos for whatever use you need them for, whether that’s applications, grants, exhibitions, websites, or social media. You’ll master importing/exporting images, organizing and sizing files, and using editing tools to bring your visuals to life. Elevate your photography game and make your creativity shine with the Lightroom skills you learn in this class.

Adobe Photoshop Level II

Learn the advanced capabilities of Adobe Photoshop in this course at Manhattan Edit Workshop. You’ll discover the full design potential of Photoshop using typography, vector drawing, advanced layers, and the art of compositing. You’ll build on the fundamentals of Photoshop Level 1 and take your Photoshop skills to the next level. This class is tailored for producers, editors, and motion graphic artists who want to make the most of Photoshop.

High school graphic design classes in NYC

Graphic Design Summer Program NYC

Spend your summer becoming a master of graphic design tools and theory at NextGen BootCamp. In this course designed especially for high school students, you’ll master essential Adobe applications including Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, and you’ll learn the theories behind graphic design. This course offers you the chance to work on exciting, real-world design projects that bring theory to life. In the Photoshop segment, you’ll learn about retouching photos, merging images, and crafting graphics for the web. The InDesign section covers everything from creating page layouts with text and graphics to threading text frames and defining colors. Finally, master Illustrator and craft pro-level graphics using the Pen tool, Effects, and Layers. You’ll finish the course with a portfolio for college applications or a job search.

UX & UI Design Summer Program NYC

Learn the secrets of crafting user-friendly apps and websites. This summer program is your gateway to mastering both UI (user interface) and UX (user experience) design. It focuses on using Figma, a powerful prototyping app. You’ll begin by exploring UI design fundamentals and how to use shared visual language and standard patterns. Then, you’ll learn about UX design concepts and how to create user personas, scenarios, and journey maps. Figma’s clickable prototypes bring your ideas instantly to life. By the end of the course, you’ll showcase your UX & UI design skills in a glowing portfolio.

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Graphic Design Summer Program Live Online

This design program delivers real-time guidance and interactive learning, all online. You’ll master essential skills in Adobe Photoshop, like photo retouching, image blending, and web graphics. Delve into the power of Adobe InDesign and learn to craft page layouts with text, images, and multi-page documents. You’ll sharpen your ability in Adobe Illustrator and explore a range of graphic creation techniques, from drawing tools to typography and color palettes. By the end of the program, you’ll emerge with a solid foundation in graphic design fundamentals, a polished portfolio, and skills ready for the real world.

Graphic design corporate training for groups

Group Design 2

Get training in core design principles for your team. These interactive sessions are specifically designed for teams looking to enhance their design skills in Figma, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop or Adobe InDesign. Schedule a workshop that enhances your team’s skills and fosters a collaborative and creative team spirit.

Graphic Design Certifications in NYC

Adobe Illustrator Certification Program

Master basic to advanced Illustrator skills and earn certification as an Adobe Illustrator Professional in this comprehensive program at Noble Desktop. You’ll learn to confidently craft stunning vector graphics, logos, and illustrations under the guidance of expert instructors who are available to answer questions and provide constructive feedback. An integral part of the program is an additional six hours of private tutoring, where you’ll be able to work through advanced topics in detail and overcome any challenges you might be facing. When you’ve completed the program, you can take the Adobe Illustrator Certification exam. Certification in Illustrator will enhance your career prospects and validate your software expertise.

Adobe InDesign Certification Program

Unlock new career opportunities as a certified Adobe InDesign Professional with this comprehensive certification program. Throughout the course, you'll master the art of creating great-looking layouts for projects like magazines, brochures, and books. Expert instructors lead your interactive classes, where you'll receive immediate feedback and collaborate with peers to enhance your skills. You'll have six hours of personalized tutoring sessions to address any challenges and reinforce your understanding of InDesign concepts. When you complete the course, showcase your expertise by taking the Adobe InDesign Certification exam.

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Adobe Photoshop Certification Program

If you’re ready to elevate your Photoshop expertise and become a certified Adobe Photoshop professional, this program will help you prepare for your exam and your exciting new career. In a few short weeks, you can excel in digital imaging and graphic design. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, expert instructors will guide you through essential Photoshop techniques and advanced design principles in engaging live lessons. This course features two intensive Photoshop classes, six hours of personalized private tutoring sessions, and exam preparation resources. When you complete the program and pass the Adobe Photoshop Certification exam, you'll stand out in the competitive fields of graphic design and photography.

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