A graphic designer is a multitude of things—they’re a visual communicator, a problem solver, a creative thinker; they work in editorial, typography, information design and many, many other things. Graphic design is a career full of endless possibilities—and it all starts with a certificate in graphic design from a graphic design course or school. In fact, getting a graphic design certificate can make a massive impact on your career. Read this post to learn why.
Graphic design is an exciting and competitive field that allows you to use your creativity to solve problems visually. With the rise of digital media and visual communication, graphic designers are in high demand across many industries However, breaking into the field can feel daunting without formal training or a degree This is where earning a graphic design certificate comes in.
In this article, I’ll explain what a graphic design certificate is, who should consider earning one, and the key benefits certificates provide. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how a certificate can launch your graphic design career.
What is a Graphic Design Certificate?
A graphic design certificate is a credential you can earn from a college, university, or specialized technical school. Certificate programs are shorter and more focused than earning a full degree. They aim to teach you fundamental graphic design skills and knowledge in 6 months to 2 years.
Here are some key things to know about graphic design certificates
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Focuses on teaching technical skills like Adobe Creative Suite programs, branding, typography, layout, etc
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Curriculum ranges from 300-700 hours of coursework
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Often includes building a professional design portfolio
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Usually available fully online for flexibility
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Takes less time and costs less than a 2 or 4-year design degree
The coursework provides beginners with a strong foundation in graphic design. You’ll learn how to use industry-standard software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Plus, gain an understanding of design theory and processes.
With a certificate, you won’t study broader liberal arts subjects like math, science, and literature. The training hones in on relevant technical abilities. Once completed, you’ll have work samples for your portfolio and skills to start a career.
Who Should Earn a Graphic Design Certificate?
Pursuing a graphic design certificate can benefit various types of students and professionals. It works well for:
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Beginners – People looking to start a career in graphic design can dive in quickly through a certificate program. No past experience required.
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Career Changers – Professionals switching from another field can retrain and add design skills through a certificate. Popular options for nurses, teachers, marketers, etc.
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Existing Designers – Those already working in design can expand their skills and specialties. Like learning web design after focusing on print.
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Freelancers – Self-employed designers can formalize their abilities with an accredited certificate credential. Helps attract new clients.
In most cases, you don’t need to earn a full graphic design degree to land entry-level jobs. Relevant skills and a solid portfolio tend to matter more to employers. A shorter certificate can provide that knowledge in an accessible way.
I’ll also note that certificates work for students of all ages and backgrounds. You don’t necessarily need past design experience or training. Programs start at the basics and ramp up from there.
Key Benefits of Earning a Certificate
Here are some of the top reasons to strongly consider earning a graphic design certificate:
1. Takes Less Time
A major benefit of certificates is the shorter time commitment compared to degrees. Most take 6 months to 2 years to complete depending on intensity. By comparison, an associate’s degree takes 2 years and bachelor’s degree 4 years.
The accelerated timeframe gets you qualified and working faster. Instead of spending 4+ years on general education courses, you focus solely on graphic design curriculum. This enables you to enter or pivot your career more quickly.
2. Costs Less Money
Along with less time, certificates require less financial investment than degrees. Credit hours are significantly fewer, and you avoid paying for irrelevant general ed courses.
For example, the total tuition costs for certificates range from $2,000-$15,000. A full 4-year design degree can cost between $80,000-$150,000. That’s a huge difference!
The lower costs make graphic design training more accessible. You gain vital skills without accumulating as much student loan debt.
3. Teaches Technical Abilities
The curriculum of certificate programs concentrates on teaching beginners core graphic design competencies. Expect to take courses like:
- Digital Design Tools – Master programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
- Typography – Study principles for working with typefaces
- Color Theory – Learn how to use color effectively in design
- Layouts – Create visual compositions and page layouts
- Branding – Design logos, branding systems, and marketing assets
This technical instruction helps you gain proficiency with essential graphic design skills. You’ll build a versatile skillset to handle diverse design challenges.
4. Allows Specializing
While covering fundamentals, certificates also allow you to specialize depending on the program. Options tailor training to:
- Print Design – Magazines, brochures, packaging, etc.
- Digital Design – Website design, mobile apps, social media, etc.
- Motion Graphics – Animation, video effects, commercials
- UX/UI Design – User experience and user interface design
Pursuing a focused certificate in your specialty lays the groundwork for that career path. You don’t need to waste time with irrelevant coursework outside your interests.
5. Prepares Your Portfolio
Graphic design is a very project-driven field. As a result, your portfolio of work samples is crucial for landing jobs.
Certificate programs understand this importance. Most incorporate portfolio development into the curriculum. You’ll compile polished projects showcasing your skills.
Having portfolio-ready work gives you an advantage when applying for entry-level positions after graduation. You can clearly demonstrate your abilities to employers.
6. Can Lead to a Full Degree
A great aspect of certificates is that many courses transfer into design degree programs. For example, an earned graphic design certificate may count for around 30 credits towards an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
This makes certificates a flexible option. You can always return to earn a full degree later by building off your certificate credits.
7. Takes Less Commitment Upfront
One potential downside of degrees is they require a major upfront time and money commitment. You must spend years completing general education requirements before even touching design courses.
Certificates allow “testing the waters” on a smaller scale first. The short length and lower cost let you experience graphic design learning without the full degree commitment yet. If you enjoy it, continue towards a degree. If not, you can pivot easier.
8. Credits May Transfer to a Degree
A great aspect of certificates is that many courses transfer into design degree programs. For example, an earned graphic design certificate may count for around 30 credits towards an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
This makes certificates a flexible option. You can always return to earn a full degree later by building off your certificate credits.
9. Open Doors to Entry-Level Jobs
Ultimately, the largest benefit of earning a graphic design certificate is it can open doors to entry-level employment opportunities.
Once you gain technical skills and build your portfolio, you become qualified for roles like:
- Junior Graphic Designer
- Production Designer
- Design Assistant
- Layout Artist
- Production Artist
When just starting out, you mainly need foundational skills and strong samples to qualify for these positions. A certificate provides exactly that in an accelerated, affordable way.
Finding the Right Certificate Program
If you decide a graphic design certificate aligns with your goals, the next step is finding the right program. Keep these tips in mind when researching schools and programs:
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Look for accredited programs – Accreditation ensures quality standards are met. Key accreditors are NASAD and the ACCSC.
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Check out online options – Online certificates offer flexibility fitting learning around your schedule. Many reputable schools now offer online design certificates.
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Review curriculum – Look for courses in design software, color theory, typography, layout, portfolio prep, etc.
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Confirm credit transferability – See if the credits will transfer into a degree program later if desired.
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Evaluate costs – Compare total tuition fees across programs to find an affordable option.
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Research career help resources – See what job search help the program provides like portfolio reviews and career coaching.
With careful research, you can find the perfect graphic design certificate program for your goals, budget, and learning preferences.
Start Your Graphic Design Journey
If you’re interested in graphic design, don’t feel like you must commit to a full 4-year degree right away. A certificate gives you flexibility. And remember, your skills and portfolio will matter most to design employers, not just a piece of paper.
With professional graphic design abilities, you’ll be set up for success. You can always continue to a full degree later if desired. But a certificate has the power to jumpstart your graphic design career on its own.
Is Getting a Graphic Design Certificate Worth It?
Gaining a certificate in graphic design can be really beneficial to your career as it is the only way to show that you are a fully fledged designer—and provides official documentation that you have the skills to start your career in the design world, usually as a junior designer in a design studio or agency. In this day and age, there are many self-taught designers working in the design world but a qualification can help you stand out amongst other designers, especially if there is a huge stack of applications on an employers’ desk.
Alternatively, you could work as a freelance designer, finding work and clients for yourself with that all important certificate to show that you’ve got the skills to keep your clients happy. Though, there are many other routes your career can take—including loads of unexpected careers that can come from earning a graphic design certificate, from letterpress printer to surface pattern designer!
On top of this, graphic designers are in high demand. Take a look at some of these jobs’ boards and you’ll see how many studios, agencies and companies all over the world are looking for designers.
In the USA, there is over a quarter of a million specifically graphic designer jobs and the industry is set to continue growing until at least 2026, with digital design in particular growing up to 26%. Similarly in Australia, when it was last recorded in 2021, there were over 46,000 people working as graphic or web designers with a projected change of 21.7% or almost 14,000 jobs by 2026—making it the largest cultural occupation in the country.
Back in 2015, the UK’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport reported that there has been a 17.7% rise in graphic design jobs which now in 2023 stands at around 102,000 people working as graphic designers in the UK—the second largest design sector in the world and the largest in Europe.
With this continued rise in the amount of jobs in the industry, gaining yourself a certificate in graphic design could be extremely beneficial for boosting your career.
What is a Graphic Design Certificate?
You may find yourself asking “well what exactly is a graphic design certificate?” Simply, it’s a certificate showing that you have successfully completed a graphic design course and can now call yourself a graphic designer.
Whether you’ve undertaken a graphic design short course like we offer at Shillington or a traditional university degree (read more about the different courses on offer later), you’ll receive a graphic design certificate at the end of the course.
Certificates are awarded to graduates to show that they have learnt all aspects of the course, including all the software and tools necessary and design thinking and theory; that they have got what it takes to become a graphic designer and, importantly, created their own portfolio of their design work.
Ultimately, certification in graphic design, paired with your portfolio of design work, shows that you’re able to think and act like a graphic designer.
Learn more about our certificate with a free Info Session:
How To Become A Graphic Designer (In 5 Steps)
Why do graphic designers need a certification?
Graphic designers often work with many different design programs, and certification courses can help you learn to use new software or show you’re proficient in using an industry standard. These certifications can also focus on specific types of design, like advertisements or social media.
What can you do with a graphic design certificate?
When you enroll in the graphic design certificate program from the Pratt Institute, you can learn about topics such as essential design elements, typography and brand design. In addition, you can gain proficiency with some industry-standard applications.
Do you need a degree to work in graphic design?
You don’t necessarily need a degree to work in graphic design. Employers are generally more concerned with the quality of your work than the school you attended. Graphic design certificate programs cover the basics of Adobe software, color theory and typography.
Should you get a graphic design certificate online?
If you need to balance school with family or work responsibilities, you might benefit from an asynchronous online program. Instead of set class times, you can watch lectures and complete assignments when your schedule allows. Earning a graphic design certificate online might seem like the easiest path, but distance learning doesn’t suit everyone.
