Photoshop Training / Courses

[defaulth6q3d2udr5jd]

Hi, I'm a UK based ex-marketing analyst looking to re-train as a graphic designer.  As such I'm interested in learning Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, & InDesign in some detail - from Adobe certified trainers/courses.  I'm not currently in employment so therefore am not part of a business/company and I cannot find details (including pricing, dates, content) for the above training courses for private individuals to learn remotely.

I have visited https://www.adobe.com/uk/products/captivateprime/content-catalog/creative-cloud.html where I've seen courses, I'm just not sure how to get more information and how to apply.  If these courses are not run by Adobe in-house, could anyone possible provide a list of preferred UK training partners or somewhere reputable where I can learn (virtually)?

Many Thanks

[KShinabery212]

I mean all depends on what you want to learn.

Or what your end goal is when using the applications.

YouTube has several amazing tutorials.

Skillshare also several great tutorials.

And LinkedIn Learning has even more tutorials.

My suggestion would be to look up tutorials online relating to what you want to achieve or what your end goal is.

Then learn as you go.  And you know what you will always continue to learn new things.  I started using Photoshop in 1994.... and I still learn new tricks on a weekly basis.  As there different ways to achieve things.

[defaulth6q3d2udr5jd]

Thanks for your reply.

My end goal is to become employable in the field of graphic design so I'm guessing learning through Youtube for example and creating a portfolio that way would not be sufficient for prospective employers, or could it?

I'm not able to spend 3 years full time studying for a BA, so was trying to find an alternative route to learning and building a portfolio which would be sufficient (even for a junior role).

[jane-e]

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@defaulth6q3d2udr5jd wrote:

  If these courses are not run by Adobe in-house, could anyone possible provide a list of preferred UK training partners or somewhere reputable where I can learn (virtually)?

Hi @defaulth6q3d2udr5jd 

Here is the list of companies and trainers that are authorized by Adobe. If you want virtual, you do not need to limit yourself to the U.K., as most training companies have virtual as part of a live class (and most are online only with a live instructor during Covid.)

https://learning.adobe.com/partner-finder.html?country=United%20Kingdom

Use the filters on the left for the software, etc.

~ Jane

[Derek Cross]

Whereabouts are you in the UK?

[defaulth6q3d2udr5jd]

Hi Derek, I'm in Leicester

[War Unicorn]

I can't speak for Illustrator or InDesign as I'm not as well-versed in those apps but Adobe Evangelist Julianne Kost's Photoshop courses on LinkedIn Learning were where I cut my teeth. (She has excellent courses on subjects such as composites, too.)

(Note I already had some experience with image editing, starting with image editors like the old PhotoImpact to Paint Shop Pro and then Photoshop Elements which eventually led to full-on Photoshop. It felt like going from a Volkswagen to a Porsche. lol )

EDITED: For spelling, because I'm a derp.

[jane-e]

@defaulth6q3d2udr5jd 

If you are going to go with LinkedIn Learning, I agree with @War Unicorn about watching Julieanne Kost titles for Photoshop.

In addition:

• InDesign: @davidblatner and @AnneMarie Concepcion of Creative Pro Network
  
  
• Illustrator: @tonyharmer 
  
  
• Typography: @nigelfrench 

You can get a 30-day free trial to see what you think.

~ Jane

[defaulth6q3d2udr5jd]

Thank you Jane, incredibly useful advice

[defaulth6q3d2udr5jd]

Interesting, thanks.

I've seen there are many courses on LinkedIn Learning and they do look great.  I'm just wondering whether they would hold as much weight when applying for a first graphic design job against a course for e.g. like this one:  https://www.shillingtoneducation.com/online-graphic-design-course/

This is what I'm battling with, the cost of the above course is scary but at the end of it you'll have the theoretical knowledge, Adobe CC knowledge, plus the portfolio to show for it.  What a dilemma

[jane-e]

The expensive course you are looking at begins in mid-September. Start now with the free month of LinkedIn Learning. 😊

~ Jane

[War Unicorn]

Nearly $13K (USD)...well...I guess someone has to get paid.  xD

The courses we recommended show you how to use the software...but they don't show you how to develop your creative skills (minus something like Kost's composite video; you get to see how her creative mind works with her own composites). But I've always thought that if you can imagine it and know how to use your tools to make that real, there isn't much to learn.

Now, trying to get into the mind of a client is another matter. That's one thing no one will teach you. Graphic designer jokes abound. lol

[Derek Cross]

You may find it difficult to get a job as a designer based on home learning. 

There's this one year course in Leicester worth looking at and seeing if you can get financial help to fund: https://leicestercollege.ac.uk/course/graphic-design-and-emedia-foundation-degree-2021-22-c3192-art-...

CityLit offer excellent online courses with discounts for those on low incomes: https://www.citylit.ac.uk/search/go?ts=custom&w=Graphic%20design

As an alternative to graphic design consider learning programming, you'll need to research to see which languages are in demand - difficult to learn so high demand and income from those who do.