Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are the premier tools for graphic designers. This course is designed to prepare you for a career in graphic design. (Software Included)
Graphic Design with Photoshop and Illustrator
Prepare To Launch or Level Up Your Design Career
This 100% online course prepares students to produce professional-quality digital and print graphic designs. Key topics include rules and standards for visual communication, design theory and practical applications of graphic design tools.
Job Outlook for Graphic Designers
As businesses increasingly rely on visual communication to build brand identity, engage audiences, and drive marketing efforts, skilled designers are needed to create compelling visuals for web, social media, advertising, and print. Possessing in-demand, current skills with a portfolio will enable you to stand out to potential employers.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median yearly salary for a graphic designer was $61,300 in May 2024. This is on par with more recent Indeed job data, which states that the average salary for a graphic designer is $62,610 per year in the U.S. as of October 2025. Furthermore, employment opportunities for these professionals are projected to grow by 20,000 job openings per year through 2034.
Graphic Design Course
Curriculum
- Working with clients
- Basic principles of marketing
- Intellectual property
- AI generated images
- Design, layout, and color fundamentals
- Working with typography
- Image editing and retouching
- Vector graphics
- Advanced illustrations
- Designing for web, mobile, and social media
- Complete the course by creating a portfolio and tourism campaign
What is graphic design? What does a graphic designer do?
Figma notes that graphic design is the practice of creating visual content to communicate ideas. Whether creating product packaging or a social media post, graphic designers use color, texture, shapes, and typography to create eye-catching designs that grab attention and convey a message.
Adobe states that graphic or digital designers are industry professionals within the realm of visual arts. They blend technical skills and creative talents to design informative, appealing, and memorable content. They work with clients, art directors, and other designers to develop a project’s overall look and feel. To create the final product, they assemble visual elements like text, typography, animations, images, web pages, and motion graphics.
What is the typical work environment for a graphic designer?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graphic designers are primarily employed in specialized design services, publishing, advertising, public relations, and related industries. Most work in studio settings equipped with tools such as drafting tables, computers, and design software. While many graphic designers operate independently, those employed by design firms often collaborate as part of a creative team.
Collaboration is a key aspect of the role, whether working alongside colleagues or directly with clients on projects. Work schedules can vary depending on workload and deadlines. Self-employed designers may need to accommodate client meetings during evenings or weekends and often spend additional time seeking new projects or competing for contracts.
Does this course prepare me for a certification?
No. However, a certification of completion will be awarded to you after successfully finishing the course from the institution you enrolled through.
When can I start the course?
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
Course Objectives
- Develop industry-ready design skills by mastering core principles—color theory, typography, and composition
- Create a professional digital portfolio that showcases creative range, technical expertise, and branding acumen across multiple formats including web, social media, and print
- Achieve fluency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop by generating vector graphics, editing raster images, and applying advanced design techniques such as masking, compositing, and retouching
- Design compelling marketing visuals by analyzing audience needs and applying branding strategies to create high-impact campaigns for digital and print platforms
- Integrate emerging technologies like generative AI into the design workflow, exploring how innovation can enhance creativity, efficiency, and relevance in a rapidly evolving field
Prerequisites and Requirements
There are no prerequisites for this graphic design course. Note: No certification exam is associated with this course.
Instructors
Chad Walker
Chad Walker has been in the comic book and video game industry for over 26 years, with experience in all leadership positions and production fields, including art (graphic design, animation, conceptual design, and character design), design (world/gameplay), and coding.
Chad is well-versed in Adobe Suite packages, including Photoshop and Illustrator. He has worked on numerous projects in graphic design for print, car wraps, and websites using Photoshop for production-ready content.
Chad is a published author, grant writer, professional comic book illustrator, speaker, and former professor at Southern Methodist University (SMU) Guildhall for game development and Oral Roberts University (ORU) as head of game development. He has taught Graphic Design, Photoshop, and other Adobe products for over 20 years at the university level and in studio workshops. Most notable titles include “Age of Empires,” “Age of Kings,” and “Age of Conquerors.”
Corie Seed
Corie Seed is an experienced graphic designer who has worked for major technology companies, government organizations, and small businesses to provide corporate branding, web design, marketing, and layout services. She has also taught various aspects of design at Algonquin College and Carleton University. Corie’s undergraduate studies include graphic design, visual and creative arts, photography, and multimedia design. Her graduate studies explored industrial design, service design, and in-depth research on decolonizing design education through methods of critical self-reflection.