# Graphic Design Portfolio Bootcamp

Canonical URL: <https://training-nyc.com/courses/graphic-design-fundamentals>

## Overview

Expand your understanding of design concepts and processes while producing stunning portfolio projects in this hands-on intensive. Grow your depth of knowledge through lessons in color theory, typography, history, and more.

A small-group format allows for peer and professional critiques of student work, as well as frequent check-ins with the instructor. Feel confident asking questions and receiving feedback as you learn and grow with like-minded individuals looking to advance their work. A huge benefit of the class is having the time and space to incorporate feedback and newly learned skills immediately through independent work time. 

This course focuses on how to design and assumes knowledge of [Photoshop](https://www.nobledesktop.com/topics/photoshop-classes-nyc), [InDesign](https://www.nobledesktop.com/topics/indesign-classes-nyc), and [Illustrator](https://www.nobledesktop.com/topics/illustrator-classes-nyc). Students looking to build foundational knowledge in these programs should check out our many course options, including the [Graphic Design Certificate](/courses/graphic-design-bootcamp) and [bootcamps](/course_groups/design-classes-nyc).

## What you'll learn

### Learn How To:

- Broaden your understanding of graphic design concepts and processes, both formal and conceptual
- Enhance your skill as a designer
- Understand the elements of design
- Speak about your work and influences
- Incorporate and evaluate critiques
- Develop and expand your portfolio

## Prerequisites

Students should have strong working knowledge in [Photoshop](/courses/photoshop-bootcamp), [InDesign](/courses/indesign-bootcamp), and [Illustrator](/courses/illustrator-essentials).

## Curriculum

### Section 1

#### What is Graphic Design?

- Brief overview and discussion
- Elements of design
- Gestalt Principles

#### Word Work

- Letterform Anatomy
- Type Classifications
- Speed design with limited source material!

#### Design Assignment: Logo Design

- Brief slide show on what makes a good logo
- Design assignment: Choice of logo redesign for an existing company or create your own personal logo design.
- Create two distinct design options for your logo.

### Section 2

#### Design Process

- Explore ideation and the creative design process
- Logo exploration (Ritos del Sol, Vaya)
- Learn logo drafting using the template feature in Illustrator
- Introduction of Photoshop mock-ups
- Sketching exercise. Learn to work quickly and creatively within fixed parameters.

#### Color Interaction

- What do colors mean?
- How do designers use colors effectively
- Color palettes: we will explore how to choose appropriate color palettes for different assignments

#### Design Assignment: Identity System

- Finalize your logo to design an identity system using a "color study" and complimentary typeface. Use this visual system to either create a stationery design or social media graphics.

### Section 3

#### Typography

- Typographic Overview
- Type Selection
- Type Pairing
- Foundry Overview
- Optical Spacing

#### Design Assignment: Book/eBook Cover Redesign

- Create either a book or eBook cover design for a re-issue of a famous piece of fiction. Use type and imagery to create a visually appealing cover that will entice a reader.

### Section 4

#### Historical Design Movements

- Arts & Crafts
- Art Nouveau
- Dada
- Destijl
- Constructivism
- Bauhaus
- Swiss International

#### Design Assignment: Album Art Cover/Spotify Graphic

- Create cover art for a band to be used for online purchases of music or streaming music services. Use a mixture of typography, imagery, and basic graphic elements, with consideration for different screen sizes and resolutions.

### Section 5

#### Information Hierarchy

- What goes first? Second? Last? And why?
- Are there rules? How can we be creative within these rules?
- We explore the who, what, where, when, and why of laying out information.
- Learn about grid systems.

#### Design Assignment: Event Poster or Email Announcement

- Students will design a poster or email announcement for an event. Designs should convey a concept relating to the subject, and use a clearly identifiable visual hierarchy.

### Section 6

#### Design Hero Slide Show

- The instructor will show a brief slide show of past and present design visionaries

#### Portfolio Criteria & Revision

- Ten points to consider when developing a professional Graphic Design portfolio.
- Recommended book list
- Revision, completion and collection of any final revised exercises or projects.

## Schedule
- Jun 17, 2026 – Jul 13, 2026 — NYC
- Jul 2, 2026 – Jul 30, 2026 — NYC
- Jul 19, 2026 – Aug 9, 2026 — NYC
- Jul 31, 2026 – Aug 28, 2026 — NYC
- Sep 18, 2026 – Oct 9, 2026 — NYC
- Sep 22, 2026 – Oct 8, 2026 — NYC
- Oct 30, 2026 – Nov 20, 2026 — NYC
- Nov 16, 2026 – Dec 14, 2026 — NYC
- Dec 6, 2026 – Dec 27, 2026 — NYC

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $1295