We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Derrick Mitchell

Do you like to learn in a project-based environment?

Do you want to learn the basics of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign?

Do you want to tackle BOTH print and web design projects?

Read more

Do you like to learn in a project-based environment?

Do you want to learn the basics of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign?

Do you want to tackle BOTH print and web design projects?

You’re in the right place. This course is for anyone who is interested in becoming a graphic designer, and is especially geared toward beginners. When you enroll in this course, you will have access to over 16 hours of on-demand content, as well as the opportunity to join a private Facebook group with over 19,000 members.

* COURSE UPDATED: November 2023

Welcome to the Graphic Design Bootcamp. This course has over 6,000 5-star reviews, and has been a Udemy bestseller for more than 3 years.

I move quickly through the content, since many students enjoy a quick learning pace. Prefer a more laid-back pace? Many students find that re-watching lectures or pausing the lectures during key learning points is a helpful way to digest the information.

I also make use of shortcuts – something that all great designers learn how to do to increase their productivity and maximize their workflow – so once you enroll, be sure to download the course shortcut hotsheet: a PDF listing many of the most-used shortcut codes so that you can follow along easily and get ahead quickly.

In this course I'll also show you how to make some of the most popular projects in the industry, like:

· custom logos

· business cards

· brochures

· flyers

· web graphics

· and more.

What Students Are Saying About This Course:

· "I have used Adobe CC for a few years now, but everything I've learned I've learned from doing. While some of this has been basic as I'm already familiar with the tools, there are tricks and advice that I would have never known that make life MUCH easier (the "content-aware" fill is a game changer) and I really enjoy the pacing and manner in which he explains the tools, techniques and theory. " - Nikki Tetreault

· "This course is good. The tutor is really nice and clear (US accent is alien to me so I sometimes find it difficult to understand - the tutor here is great, doesn't speak too fast & is clear, without too many colloquialisms). Enjoying the classes. Feel prepared enough for the purpose I took the course. Would definitely recommend and also do other courses by this tutor" - Alvira Kiss

· "I started this course with little experience and thankfully I have learnt a lot throughout this course. I can't wait to learn more about this industry and make my mark on the world and its all thanks to this course which has kickstarted my journey. " - Charles Vaughn

· "So far it's been great. I'm a student that struggles largely in traditional school settings, the ability to pause, take notes, rewind, and move back and forth as I need has been great. The instructor has been clear and precise, and has given plenty to think about as we're creating files." - Samantha Finn

· "For a guy whove been working with photoshop for nearly 10 years Im still learning from this course." - Aryne Neil Cabatan

What to Expect:

We will be using Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator; the industry-standard applications for graphic design. I'll also review relevant terms and design practices to help you create pixel-perfect projects for print and web, with the goal to get you up and running as soon as possible so you can start your new and exciting career as a graphic designer.

If you aren't looking to learn design for a job, don't worry - this is a great course for you too. Many of my students are moms looking to make fun cards or invitations, or students looking to spice up their resumes and social media graphics, and teachers looking to add some creative elements to their homework materials - the list goes on and on. Design is for everyone. And this course is, too.

There is also a private Facebook group with over 13,000 students and counting, which is an awesome resource for you to take advantage of while you go through the course. The group is an excellent place to post projects, get insightful critiques, and network with other like-minded students and working professionals all over the world.

All project files are included as a free download at the beginning of each section, and you are welcome to use the files however you want, or simply to follow along with the projects as you move through the lessons.

As mentioned before, I cover a lot of program shortcuts in this course as well.

For the most part, all of the principles you will learn in this course transcend the tools you actually use - There are students using Adobe versions from CS3 up to

If you see anything in any of the lectures that no longer apply with the software update, please let me know. I’m doing my best to keep this course up to date and continue to add value for you.

Instructor Qualifications and Background:

Derrick has spent his entire career in the creative arts and marketing sector. Starting back as early as high school where he turned homework into paying gigs, his love for all things art and technology driven has continued to grow. Working with brands such as MTV, Nintendo, and Netflix while employed as an intern for Seven 2 Interactive catapulted his career. His branding work and graphic design has been included in international publications for the design industry and regularly featured on trending websites.

Derrick is the owner of a small design agency, Mitchell's Garage | Creative Media Chop Shop, located in the heart of downtown Kalispell, Montana. Mitchell's Garage has been successful in reaching and working with clients all over the world, including Washington D.C., New York, California, Calgary, Austria, Australia, Washington, Colorado, and of course, throughout Montana.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Gain a clear understanding of how to work with both print and web projects in photoshop, illustrator, and indesign.
  • Develop the skills and confidence to create common graphic design projects.
  • Build a skill set that can set you up to be employable in the creative industry as a graphic designer.
  • Begin to understand the basics of logo design, including typography and color usage.
  • Learn how to make and refine selections using photoshop.
  • Learn how to make composite images using photoshop.
  • Work with typography, shapes, colors, and more in illustrator.
  • Learn how to efficiently package and export files.
  • Learn how to lay out graphics and text while designing an ebook with indesign.
  • Discover how to export your finished portfolio projects directly from the adobe cc into behance.
  • Learn how to mask shapes and work with font awesome icons.
  • Learn how to set up a logo mood board and how to present your work to clients.
  • Work with the type tools in adobe illustrator.
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Introduction to the course

This course is loaded with tons of valuable, high-quality design assets for you to follow along with all of the lectures. You can download all of the exercise files and bonus assets directly from the first lecture of each section. If you are having troubles with the downloads working because of how large the files are, I also have all of the files available through Dropbox.

Read more
Get Up and Running With Adobe Creative Cloud
DOWNLOAD THESE SHORTCUT PDFs
Getting comfortable with Photoshop: Making a Poster

Adobe just released Photoshop 2024, and there are some incredible new features. In this video, I want to show you some of the changes so that you're ready to dive into the poster project.

Poster Introduction and file setup
Gathering Assets
QUIZ: Review what you've learned so far
Making Selections
Refining Selections 8.17.17 (both old + updated versions)
Refining Selections Update: The New Photoshop 2015.5 Selection and Masking Space
Working With Text
Refining the Layout

In this video I mention custom brushes. Here's a link to download the grunge brush I use in this lesson, or you can simply download the attachment on this video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/jywopuz7v3mf3ye/BB_HighRes_Grunge_Textures.abr?dl=0

Here's a quick overview of how to install the brushes, but you have to be logged in to see it: https://www.udemy.com/graphic-design-for-beginners/learn/v4/questions/1494854?num_replies=0

Exporting Your Artwork

QUIZ: Review what you've done so far

Photoshop Continued: Creating a Composite Image
Introduction to Photoshop Compositing
Getting assets for your first composite image
Refining Selections
Compositing Continued & Color Levels...
Pushing Your Design Further
One More Idea & Exporting Your Image
Getting comfortable with Illustrator: Typography Poster

In this section, we will learn how to use Illustrator while creating a typography poster using the quote, "A SMOOTH SEA NEVER MADE A SKILLFUL SAILOR." Feel free to follow along using the assets provided in the .zip file that is attached. 

In the zipped folder you will find: 

  • The Quote as a .txt file
  • Fonts used in the project
  • A photo of the sea to use as a background
  • A vector anchor graphic purchased from Adobe Stock
  • The project file, with both editable and outlined text versions
Working With Text: Type Tools, Adobe Typekit, and Creating Outlines
Working with Shapes, Color & Graphics
Artboards and Creating Additional Designs
Exporting Your Files
Print a Poster!
Logo Design: Create a Custom Logo for Your Business or a Client
Introduction to This Section
Research and Gathering Ideas
Creating a Moodboard
Bring in Your Text and Picking Fonts
Basic Tool Overview
Creating Your First Looks
Refining Ideas
Designing Your Presentation For Your Clients
Exporting and Sending Comps to Clients
Finalize Your Logo, Part 1: Refining Color and Creating a "Details" Page
Finalize Your Logo, Part 2: Artboard Setup for Quick Export and File Management
Finalize Your Logo, Part 3: Batch Export Files and Professional Client Delivery
Create a Magazine Ad
Project Introduction
Setting Up the Magazine Ad File
Gathering Assets and How to Scrape Photos
Getting Things in Place
Magazine Ad Design Continued...
Bullet Lists and Font Awesome Icons
Further Refinement, Adding Photos, and Masking with Shapes
Export the Final Ad for Press & Reviewing Design Decisions
How to Package Editable Photoshop Files to Share With Someone Else
Getting Familiar with InDesign: Create an eBook
InDesign ebook intro
Placing Assets and Basic Layout
Finalize the Design, Exporting, and Packaging Final Files
Create a Custom Brochure
Beginning With the End in Mind
File Setup
Outside Layout: Part 1
Outside Layout: Part 2
Inside Layout
Exporting Final Files, Part 1: Generic Export
Exporting Final Files, Part 2: Adding Printer Marks and Fold Guides in Indesign
Exporting Final Files, Part 3: Add Printer Marks and Fold Guides in Illustrator
Create Custom Business Cards
Project Introduction & File Setup
Business Card Design
Exporting Final Files and Custom Finishes
Design Theory
Texture
Continuity
Typography
Alignment
Contrast
Color
Balance
In this section, we will take a look at the portfolio websites that are a part of the Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, and you will learn how to optimize your graphics for the web.
Build Your Portfolio: Introduction to Behance.net and myportfolio.com
Features Overview of Behance.net and myportfolio.com
Export From Adobe CC Directly to Behance.net and myportfolio.com
Create a Custom Cover and Full-Width Portfolio Image for Behance
Behance Display App for iPad and iPhone
I've discovered that sometimes it's difficult to explain technical answers in the Udemy Q&A section. I've created this section so I can post video responses to your questions. I hope this helps!

In this lecture, I'll clarify working with the Pen tool to make a path for a selection. If you have more questions about this course, be sure to check out the Q&A section to see some of the answers I've given there first. If you have more questions let me know! 

Here's Mahwish's original question about working with the Pen tool to make a path for a selection from the Udemy Q&A area of this course: 

Hi Derrick,

I just recently enrolled in this course and I must say that I don't regret it one bit. So first off, I must thank you for making such an interactive and informational course. 

Moving on to my question (I just finished Lecture 4: Cutting out the image with the pen tool), After I had cut out my rough image, I went in to refine the area between the shirt and the arm and I noticed that after making the selection hitting Control+Return did not lead to the marching ants. In fact, hitting alt+delete would lead to the whole selection turning purple. I tried this multiple times to the same result. Later I tried right clicking the selection in paths and selecting make selection and then intersect with selection that led to marching ants and the area colored black so to say or purple background showing below. 

My question, what was I doing wrong? Also is this another method to achieve the same result?

Regards,

Mahwish Ebrahim.

Here's a video response to a question from one of the students in this course...  

How to remove a portion of the stroke from a shape?
This may be slightly far afield from the video, but I have been playing with and attempting to recreate various logos for practice. One thing I am struggling with is how to delete the stroke of an object. I've tried looking around various tutorials found on Google and YouTube, and nothing seems to give a clear answer, which means there's a good chance I am going about this the wrong way.

Here's a quick answer to a student question: "I'd really like to know how to do the changing/varying opacity across a rectangle made by the rectangle tool in Photoshop." -Pulkit, Graphic Design Bootcamp Student

BONUS: Next Steps and where to go from here...

There is a massive opportunity right now for you to take the skills that you just learned, and apply them to the creative arts industry.

Here's the problem though... how do you find work now? How do you take your new skills and transform them into a valuable career and not just a hobby? Let me show you how!

I've created a membership geared towards showing you the exact steps to start your career, and I will be available to help you on every step of the way.

My skills as a graphic designer, a web developer, and a business owner have provided an incredible life for my family and me. The same opportunity is available for you, and I can show you how.

If this sounds like something you're interested in, visit this link to learn more: https://courses.derrickmitchell.com/vault

I was challenged to "go live" for 30 days in a row on Facebook. These are the replays - some are basic, and others are chock-full of great tips and insights. Enjoy!

I was challenged to go live on Facebook for 30 days in a row. I used that challenge as an opportunity to create more valuable content for my students who have joined our private Facebook group for this course. I realize that not all of my students have been able to join the group yet, and some of you might not even have a Facebook account (and that's ok!) but I wanted to make sure you had access to these videos. 

If you would like to join the free group, email me at [email protected] and let me know what email address you use to login in to Facebook so that I can let you in to the private group. 

Thank you for being such a valuable student and a part of this course and community. I hope you enjoy these videos! 

• Follow me on IG @dmitchelldesign
• Subscribe to my new YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/derrickmitchell

Welcome to my first Facebook Live stream for my graphic design students in the Graphic Design Bootcamp on Udemy. Keep in mind this was my very first episode and I was exploring with different ways to broadcast my Lives, so sometimes the audio and/or the video feed isn't always as good as I'd like it to be, but the content is still good. In the future, I'll be exploring doing lives on other platforms like my YouTube channel for students in this group, as well as on our Facebook group. I want as many of you to have access to the content as possible and I know not all of you have been able to get into the group yet, and/or you don't have a Facebook account to join. 

I hope you enjoy this series, and I'd love your feedback! 

In this episode:
• The 30-day challenge
• Old Gray
• How to start a business!
• Follow me on IG @dmitchelldesign
• Subscribe to my new YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/derrickmitchell

Continuing where we left off in yesterday's Facebook Live stream for my graphic design students in the Graphic Design Bootcamp on Udemy.

In this episode: • The 30-day challenge • Big Mountain (Whitefish Mountain Resort) • Books and resources for your own design business • Follow me on IG @dmitchelldesign • Subscribe to my new YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/derrickmitchell

I use Ecamm for my live broadcasts, and it was having troubles with the latest Facebook update so this episode is a little scattered. Thanks for watching!

• Follow me on IG @dmitchelldesign
• Subscribe to my new YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/derrickmitchell

Welcome to Episode 4! Check out my office where I work, see the lights and setup I use for my photoshoots, and all my other office gear. Bonus tips from apple.com about how to take better photos with your iPhone. 

• Follow me on IG @dmitchelldesign
• Subscribe to my new YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/derrickmitchell

Episode 5: The lifestyle of a graphic designer and scheduling your freedom
Episode 6: What’s in my travel gear bag!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Intended for beginners with no visual design background, yet experienced enough to grasp project-based learning
Focuses on industry-standard tools: Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator
Develops practical design skills for professionals seeking to enter graphic design
Builds a solid theoretical base, including typography and design principles
Instructed by Derrick Mitchell with extensive design experience and industry recognition
Encourages active learning through hands-on projects and assignments

Save this course

Save Graphic Design Bootcamp: Create Projects Right Away! to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Reviews summary

Beginner friendly, strong foundations

According to students, this beginner-friendly course offers a strong basis for students new to graphic design. Students say that after completing this course, they feel more confident in their skills and are excited to take further courses.
The course was organized in a way that was easy to understand.
"This was such a great course!"
"I had no graphic design experience whatsoever and feel like I have quite a strong basis now after finishing this course."
Learners felt like they had a deeper understanding of graphic design fundamentals.
"I'm going to start part II very soon!"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Graphic Design Bootcamp: Create Projects Right Away! with these activities:
Review the basics of graphic design principles
Strengthen your foundation in graphic design principles before starting the course.
Browse courses on Graphic Design
Show steps
  • Read articles or watch videos about graphic design principles.
  • Review your notes or textbooks from previous graphic design courses.
  • Complete practice exercises to test your understanding.
Answer questions and provide feedback in the course discussion forum
Reinforce your understanding of the course material by helping others.
Show steps
  • Review the course material.
  • Answer questions and provide feedback in the course discussion forum.
Gather resources and tools for graphic design
Build a collection of valuable resources and tools to support your learning throughout the course.
Browse courses on Graphic Design
Show steps
  • Create a folder or document to store your resources.
  • Search online for articles, tutorials, and videos on graphic design.
  • Explore online marketplaces and forums to find free and paid resources.
  • Organize your resources by topic or category.
  • Share your collection with other students in the course.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Form a study group with other students in the course
Enhance your learning through peer collaboration and discussion.
Show steps
  • Find other students who are interested in forming a study group.
  • Schedule regular meetings to discuss the course material.
  • Work together on assignments and projects.
Read Brand Gap: How to Bridge the Distance Between Business Strategy and Design
Understand the principles of design thinking and how to apply them to bridge the gap between business strategy and design.
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and first three chapters.
  • Summarize the key concepts in your own words.
  • Identify areas in your work where you can apply these concepts.
Follow tutorials on creating social media graphics
Develop your skills in creating engaging visuals for social media platforms.
Browse courses on Social Media Marketing
Show steps
  • Find tutorials on creating social media graphics (e.g., on YouTube or Skillshare).
  • Follow the tutorials to create several social media graphics.
  • Share your graphics on social media or in your portfolio.
Create a logo and brand identity for a new business
Apply your understanding of design principles to create a cohesive brand identity for a hypothetical business.
Browse courses on Logo Design
Show steps
  • Research the business and its target audience.
  • Brainstorm ideas for a logo and brand identity.
  • Develop a mood board to define the brand's visual style.
  • Create a logo and other brand elements (e.g., color palette, typography).
  • Present your brand identity to the class for feedback.
Design a website layout for a small business
Practice your skills in designing a user-friendly and visually appealing website layout.
Browse courses on Web Design
Show steps
  • Choose a small business to design a website for.
  • Research the business and its target audience.
  • Create a sitemap and wireframe for the website.
  • Design the layout of the website using a design tool (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD).
  • Present your website layout to the class for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Graphic Design Bootcamp: Create Projects Right Away! will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Graphic designer
A Graphic Designer is an artist who produces visual concepts and ideas using computer software or by hand to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. This course will equip you with the skills and knowledge that you need to become a Graphic Designer. The course covers everything from the basics of graphic design to more advanced skills, like how to create logos, brochures, and other marketing materials.
Graphic Artist
A Graphic Artist creates visual concepts and ideas using computer software or by hand to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers.
Creative Director
A Creative Director oversees the creative aspects of a project, such as a magazine, website, or advertising campaign.
Web Designer
A Web Designer creates and maintains websites. This course will teach you the skills needed as a Web Designer, such as how to code in HTML and CSS, and how to use web design software. You will also learn about the principles of good web design.
Social Media Manager
A Social Media Manager plans and executes social media campaigns to promote products or services. This course will teach you the different aspects of social media management, including how to create and manage social media campaigns, and how to use social media analytics.
Art Director
An Art Director oversees the visual aspects of a project, such as a magazine, website, or advertising campaign. This course will teach you the skills needed as Art Director, such as how to develop and execute creative concepts, and how to work with other members of the creative team.
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager develops and executes marketing campaigns to promote products or services. You will learn about the different aspects of marketing, including market research, advertising, and public relations.
Illustrator
Illustrator creates images for a variety of purposes, such as for books, magazines, and websites. This course will teach you the skills needed as Illustrator, such as how to draw and paint, and how to use illustration software.
Multimedia Artist
A Multimedia Artist creates artwork that combines different media, such as painting, sculpture, and digital art.
Photographer
A Photographer takes pictures for a variety of purposes, such as for journalism, advertising, or fine art.
User Experience Designer
A User Experience Designer designs and evaluates the user experience for websites and other digital products.
Copywriter
A Copywriter writes text for a variety of purposes, such as for advertising, marketing, and public relations.
Art teacher
An Art Teacher teaches art to students of all ages. This course may be useful in helping you develop the skills used as an Art Teacher, as it teaches the basics of art and design.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates and edits technical documentation, such as manuals and training materials.
Product Manager
A Product Manager develops and manages products. This course may be useful in helping you develop the skills needed as Product Manager, as you will learn about the different aspects of product development.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Graphic Design Bootcamp: Create Projects Right Away!.
Classic guide to design. It covers the basics of design, including how to create products that are easy to use and understand. It valuable resource for designers who want to learn how to create effective designs.
Comprehensive guide to Adobe Photoshop. It covers the basics of Photoshop, including how to use layers, masks, and filters. It valuable resource for designers who want to learn how to use Photoshop effectively.
Comprehensive guide to Adobe Illustrator. It covers the basics of Illustrator, including how to use paths, shapes, and gradients. It valuable resource for designers who want to learn how to use Illustrator effectively.
Comprehensive guide to logo design. It covers the basics of logo design, including how to create a brief, develop concepts, and refine your designs. It valuable resource for designers who want to learn how to create effective logos.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of graphic design, including typography, color theory, and layout. It valuable resource for beginners who want to learn the basics of design.
Comprehensive guide to color theory. It covers the basics of color, including color harmonies, color psychology, and how to use color effectively in design. It valuable resource for designers who want to improve their color skills.
Classic guide to web usability. It covers the basics of web usability, including how to make your website easy to use and navigate. It valuable resource for designers who want to learn how to create effective websites.
Practical guide to layout. It covers the basics of layout, including grids, typography, and white space. It valuable resource for designers who want to improve their layout skills.
Practical guide to design for non-designers. It covers the basics of design, including typography, color theory, and layout. It great resource for beginners who want to learn how to create effective designs.
Practical guide to web design for beginners. It covers the basics of web design, including how to create a website, add content, and optimize your website for search engines. It valuable resource for beginners who want to learn how to create effective websites.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Graphic Design Bootcamp: Create Projects Right Away!.
Master Digital Product Design: UX Research & UI Design
Graphic Design Bootcamp: Advanced Training Using Adobe CC
UI UX Design Hybrid from Figma to HTML CSS and JavaScript
User Experience Design Essentials - Adobe XD UI UX Design
Adobe Photoshop CC – Essentials Training Course
Learn the Art and Science of PCB Design with Eagle
Ultimate Sound Design: Mastering Sound Design
GIMP 2.10 Masterclass: From Beginner to Pro Photo Editing
Adobe InDesign CC - Essentials Training Course
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser