Graphic Design Certificate

Learn Photoshop and Illustrator to build a portfolio that gets you hired. 11 weeks. Live instruction. Real projects.

Photoshop + Illustrator

11 Weeks

Live Online

$6,995

SOC 27-1024

What You'll Learn

Design That Gets You Hired

This program covers both major Adobe design tools — Photoshop for raster work and Illustrator for vector. You'll build a portfolio across brand identity, marketing materials, and digital content design.

Design principles: typography, color theory, layout, visual hierarchy
Photoshop: photo editing, compositing, digital illustration, retouching
Illustrator: vector design, logo creation, iconography, brand systems
Brand identity design from brief to delivery
Digital marketing materials: social media, ads, banners, email
Print production: preparing files for physical output
Portfolio presentation and client communication
AI-generated assets as a design tool and competitive advantage

Program Details

Duration	11 weeks
Software	Photoshop + Illustrator (included)
Format	Live online, 2x/week
Tuition	$6,995
SOC Code	27-1024

Join the Waitlist

Payment plans available. See FAQ

Curriculum

11-Week Schedule

Week	Topic	Key Skills
1	Design Foundations + Photoshop Intro	Design principles, visual communication, Photoshop interface, basic tools, file types
2	Photoshop Intermediate: Compositing & Retouching	Layer masking, blending modes, selection tools, retouching techniques, photo manipulation
3	Typography & Layout Fundamentals	Type hierarchy, font pairing, grid systems, layout composition, visual balance
4	Illustrator Intro: Vector Drawing & Logo Design	Pen tool, shapes, pathfinder, logo construction, vector vs. raster workflow
5	Illustrator Intermediate: Brand Identity Systems	Brand guidelines, logo variations, color palette, icon sets, style guides
6	Color Theory & Brand Application	Color psychology, CMYK vs. RGB, brand color systems, accessible design
7	Social Media & Digital Content Design	Platform specs, template systems, campaign consistency, social ad formats
8	Print Design & Production-Ready Files	Bleed, crop marks, CMYK, prepress, packaging basics, print-ready export
9	AI in Design: Midjourney, Firefly & Workflow Integration	AI image generation, Firefly in Photoshop, prompt-to-asset workflow, ethical use
10	Portfolio Development & Presentation	Portfolio curation, case study writing, Behance presentation, client pitch deck
11	Final Project: Complete Brand System Capstone	Logo + marketing materials + AI assets; full brand system with process documentation

Career Outcomes

What You Can Do With This Certificate

Job Titles

Graphic Designer
Brand Designer
Visual Designer
Digital Marketing Designer
Social Media Designer
Junior Art Director

$59,960

National median annual salary for Graphic Designers (BLS, SOC 27-1024, May 2024). Agency and freelance rates in LA are typically higher.

Industries Hiring

Advertising agencies
In-house brand teams
Digital marketing firms
Entertainment companies
Startups & e-commerce
Nonprofits